2 Chronicles 20:19
And the Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, shouting in a very loud voice.
Then the Levites
The Levites were a distinct tribe in Israel, set apart for religious duties and temple service. Their role was crucial in maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. The Levites' involvement here signifies the importance of worship and praise in the life of God's people. Historically, the Levites were responsible for the music and singing in the temple, which underscores the power of worship in spiritual warfare and community life.

from the Kohathites and the Korahites
The Kohathites and Korahites were specific clans within the tribe of Levi. The Kohathites were responsible for the care of the sanctuary's most sacred objects, while the Korahites, descendants of Korah, were known for their musical abilities and contributions to temple worship. This highlights the organized and structured approach to worship in ancient Israel, emphasizing the importance of order and dedication in serving God.

stood up to praise
The act of standing up signifies readiness, respect, and active participation. In the context of worship, it reflects a heart posture of reverence and eagerness to honor God. This physical act of standing is a powerful reminder of the need to be actively engaged in our worship and praise, not just passively participating.

the LORD, the God of Israel
This phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, Israel. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) is significant as it denotes God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. Recognizing God as the "God of Israel" reaffirms His unique relationship with His chosen people and His role as their protector and provider.

shouting in a very loud voice
The act of shouting in worship indicates a deep, passionate expression of faith and trust in God. It reflects the intensity and fervor of their praise, suggesting that worship is not merely a quiet, internal act but can be a bold, outward declaration of God's greatness. This loud praise serves as a powerful testimony to others of God's mighty works and His worthiness to be praised.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Levites
A tribe set apart for religious duties, particularly in the temple. They were responsible for leading worship and maintaining the sanctuary.

2. Kohathites
A division of the Levites, descendants of Kohath, who were tasked with carrying the most sacred objects of the tabernacle during the Israelites' travels.

3. Korahites
Another division of the Levites, descendants of Korah, known for their role in temple worship and music.

4. Praise
The act of expressing admiration and worship towards God, often through music and song.

5. The LORD, the God of Israel
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His relationship with the people of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Power of Praise
Praise is a powerful spiritual weapon. The Levites' loud praise was an act of faith and trust in God's deliverance.

Role of Worship Leaders
Worship leaders, like the Levites, play a crucial role in guiding the congregation in worship and setting the spiritual atmosphere.

Unity in Worship
The collective praise of the Kohathites and Korahites illustrates the importance of unity in worship, as they came together to glorify God.

Praise in Adversity
Praising God in the face of challenges, as the Levites did, can shift our focus from the problem to the power and faithfulness of God.

Biblical Worship Practices
Understanding the historical and biblical context of worship practices can enrich our own worship experiences today.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the Levites in 2 Chronicles 20:19 inform our understanding of the importance of worship leaders in the church today?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the practice of loud and joyful praise in our personal and corporate worship settings?

3. How does the unity of the Kohathites and Korahites in worship serve as a model for church unity today?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did praise and worship impact your perspective or outcome?

5. How can understanding the historical context of biblical worship practices enhance our current worship experiences?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 150
This psalm emphasizes the importance of praising God with music and loud voices, similar to the Levites' actions in 2 Chronicles 20:19.

Exodus 6:16-24
Provides genealogical background on the Levites, including the Kohathites and Korahites, highlighting their roles and responsibilities.

Acts 16:25
Paul and Silas praise God in prison, demonstrating the power of worship in difficult circumstances, akin to the Levites' praise in the face of impending battle.
The Prayer of JehoshaphatT. Whitelaw 2 Chronicles 20:5-19
Before the Battle: LessonsW. Clarkson 2 Chronicles 20:14-19
People
Ahaziah, Ammonites, Aram, Asa, Asaph, Azubah, Benaiah, Berachah, Dodavah, Eliezer, Geber, Hanani, Jahaziel, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Jeiel, Kohathites, Korahites, Korhites, Levites, Maonites, Mattaniah, Meunim, Meunites, Moabites, Seir, Shilhi, Tamar, Tarshish, Zechariah
Places
Ammon, Edom, Egypt, Engedi, Ezion-geber, Hazazon-tamar, Jeruel, Jerusalem, Mareshah, Moab, Mount Seir, Seir, Tarshish, Tekoa, Ziz
Topics
Exceeding, Got, Kohathites, Ko'hathites, Korahites, Kor'ahites, Korhites, Levites, Loud, Praise, Praised, Rise, Sons, Stood, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Chronicles 20:19

     5196   voice

2 Chronicles 20:15-24

     5607   warfare, examples

Library
A Strange Battle
'We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee.'--2 CHRON xx. 12. A formidable combination of neighbouring nations, of which Moab and Ammon, the ancestral enemies of Judah, were the chief, was threatening Judah. Jehoshaphat, the king, was panic-stricken when he heard of the heavy war-cloud that was rolling on, ready to burst in thunder on his little kingdom. His first act was to muster the nation, not as a military levy
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Holding Fast and Held Fast
'As they went forth Jehoshaphat stood and said, Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established.'--2 CHRON. xx. 20. Certainly no stronger army ever went forth to victory than these Jews, who poured out of Jerusalem that morning with no weapon in all their ranks, and having for their van, not their picked men, but singers who 'praised the beauty of holiness,' and chanted the old hymn, 'Give thanks unto the Lord, for His mercy endureth for ever.' That was all that men had to do in the battle,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Of the Public Fast.
A public fast is when, by the authority of the magistrate (Jonah iii. 7; 2 Chron. xx. 3; Ezra viii. 21), either the whole church within his dominion, or some special congregation, whom it concerneth, assemble themselves together, to perform the fore-mentioned duties of humiliation; either for the removing of some public calamity threatened or already inflicted upon them, as the sword, invasion, famine, pestilence, or other fearful sickness (1 Sam. vii. 5, 6; Joel ii. 15; 2 Chron. xx.; Jonah iii.
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus,
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers',
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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