Faith and Encouragement

January 21, 2024 Background Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:5 - 20 Lesson Passage: 2 Chronicles 20:13 - 20 The nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms after the death of King Solomon. Two tribes composed the southern kingdom of Judah, and ten tribes composed the northern kingdom of Israeli Israel was ruled by a line of wicked kings and Judah was ruled primarily by a line of God-fearing kings. Today's lesson begins and ends with King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Jehoshaphat was one of the God-fearing kings of Judah. Israel was once a formidable force in Palestine. However, the people of God became more vulnerable after the nation was divided. This lesson reveals some of that vulnerability. The Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites united in a confederacy and went up to Judah to make war. The three groups were kinsmen of Israel because they descended from Lot and Esau. As a result of their kinship, God would not allow Israel to fight them or take possession of their land after God delivered Israel out of Egypt. God had given their land to them as a blessing because of Lot and Esau. Because those three nations were afraid of Israel, God forbade Israel from traveling through their land. Now that Israel was divided as a people, those nations no longer feared fighting them. When that confederacy of nations marched towards Judah, King Jehoshaphat was warned of their approach. Jehoshaphat became afraid and immediately prayed to God and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. Jews from throughout Judah gathered in Jerusalem at the temple to seek God. Their leader, Jehoshaphat was there to lead them in petitioning God through prayer. King Jehoshaphat prayed aloud to God in the presence of the people, He cried out to God concerning the history of Israel's relationship with God that began with Abraham. Abraham was known as the friend of God. That history included Israel not being allowed to destroy those nations when they were afraid of Israel. The king acknowledged to God that Judah could not fight that confederacy and prevail on their own strength, but rather, they were looking to God for help. Then the Spirit of the Lord anointed one of the Levites and he spoke a word of prophecy to them. God ensured them that this would be His fight. However, God told them to go to the place where their enemy would advance on them tomorrow. They were encouraged twice to not be afraid to go out against them. David had written that the Lord prepares a table before His people in the presence of their enemy. Therefore, the people of God are required to show up for the battle so the enemy would be in their presence. God prepares the table which is the blessing they will receive in that setting. With that prophecy, King Jehoshaphat humbled himself and bowed his head in submission to God. The others followed suit by bowing and worshiping God. The Levitical singers began to praise God in advance of the battle through loud singing. God told them to go out tomorrow against that multitude. The people rose early the next morning and went as the Lord had instructed them. The early departure is an indication that they did not procrastinate in being obedient to God's instructions. King Jehoshaphat set a great example and the people followed his leadership. As they were going out, King Jehoshaphat continued to encourage the people to believe in the Lord and to believe the Lord's prophets. God could speak to all the people Himself if He chose to, but He had demonstrated to their ancestors in the days of Moses that most people of God cannot bear to hear His voice. By believing in the Lord, they could remain steadfast. By believing God's prophets, they acknowledged that God used prophets to speak on His behalf. As a result, God would cause them to prosper. Jehoshaphat was a man of faith and because of it, he encouraged the people. Robert C Hudson December 29, 2023