2 Chronicles 20:14 - Meaning and Application

Here is God’s gracious answer to Jehoshaphat’s prayer, and it came quickly. While he was still speaking, God answered. Before the congregation was dismissed, they received the assurance that they would win, for it is never pointless to seek God.

The Spirit of prophecy came on a Levite who was there, not in a place of honor, but in the middle of the congregation (2 Chronicles 20:14). The Holy Spirit, like the wind, moves where he wills. This man was one of the sons of Asaph, so he was also one of the singers, and God gave honor to that office. It is not clear whether he had already been a prophet, though that is likely, and that would have made his message carry even more weight. He did not need to prove his words with a sign, because the event itself would happen the next day and confirm what he said.

He encouraged them to trust God, even though the danger was very real (2 Chronicles 20:15). “Do not be afraid,” he said. You have already let fear drive you to God, so do not let it now push you away from him. “The battle is not yours.” They were not fighting in their own strength, nor for their own cause. “The battle is God’s.” He had taken up their cause, as they had asked him to do.

He also told them where the enemy would be and when to move. “Tomorrow,” the day after their fast, “go down against them” (2 Chronicles 20:16-17). It is fitting that the one who orders the deliverance should also give the needed directions to those for whom he is acting, including the time and place.

He assured them that they would not be the ones to win the battle with their own hands, but they would joyfully watch the enemy’s complete defeat. “You will not need to fight in this battle. Take your position, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 20:17). As Moses said to Israel at the Red Sea, God is with you and can do his own work himself (Exodus 14:13). If the battle belongs to him, then the victory will belong to him too. Let the Christian soldier go out against spiritual enemies, and the God of peace will crush them under his feet and make him more than a conqueror.

Jehoshaphat and the people received this word with faith, reverence, and thankfulness. They bowed their heads, with Jehoshaphat leading the way, and then all the people fell before the Lord and worshiped. They received this sign of God’s favor with holy fear, and in effect said, “May it be done for us according to your word.” Then they lifted their voices in praise to God (2 Chronicles 20:19). Living faith can thank God for a promise before it is fulfilled, knowing that his word is as sure as money already in hand. God has spoken in his holiness, and I will rejoice (Psalm 60:5).