2 Chronicles 20:21

Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: "Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever."

Study Bible

Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people
Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, demonstrates wise leadership by seeking counsel from his people. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking wisdom and guidance from others, as seen in Proverbs 15:22, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." It also shows a participatory leadership style, which contrasts with the autocratic rule often seen in ancient Near Eastern monarchies.

and appointed those who would sing to the LORD
Jehoshaphat's decision to appoint singers highlights the importance of worship in spiritual warfare. The Levites, who were traditionally responsible for temple worship, likely comprised these singers. This act underscores the power of praise and worship as a means of invoking God's presence and favor, as seen in Psalm 22:3, which states that God inhabits the praises of His people.

and praise the splendor of His holiness.
The focus on God's holiness emphasizes His otherness and purity. Holiness is a central attribute of God, as seen throughout Scripture, including Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty." Praising God's holiness acknowledges His supreme authority and sets the tone for divine intervention.

As they went out before the army,
The singers leading the army is a strategic and symbolic act, placing worship at the forefront of the battle. This unusual military tactic demonstrates faith in God's power rather than human strength. It echoes the story of Jericho in Joshua 6, where the Israelites marched around the city with priests and trumpets leading the way.

they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD,
The act of giving thanks in the face of impending battle is an expression of faith and trust in God's deliverance. Thanksgiving is a recurring theme in the Psalms, such as Psalm 136, which repeatedly calls for giving thanks to the LORD for His enduring love.

for His loving devotion endures forever.”
This phrase highlights God's covenant faithfulness, a central theme in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word "hesed," often translated as "loving devotion" or "steadfast love," signifies God's unwavering commitment to His people. This assurance of God's eternal love is echoed in Lamentations 3:22-23, which speaks of His mercies being new every morning.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah who led the nation in seeking God's guidance and deliverance from their enemies.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, facing a coalition of enemies.

3. The Singers
Appointed by Jehoshaphat to lead the army with praise and worship, emphasizing the power of worship in spiritual warfare.

4. The LORD
The God of Israel, whose holiness and enduring love are central to the worship and victory of His people.

5. The Army
The military force of Judah, which was led into battle by worship rather than conventional warfare tactics.

Teaching Points

The Power of Praise
Worship is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. When we praise God, we invite His presence and power into our situations.

Holiness and Devotion
Recognizing God's holiness and His enduring love should be central to our worship and daily lives.

Leadership in Worship
Jehoshaphat's decision to lead with worship demonstrates the importance of spiritual leadership and setting a godly example.

Faith Over Fear
Trusting in God's promises and character allows us to face challenges with confidence and peace.

Community in Worship
The collective worship of the people of Judah shows the strength and unity found in communal praise.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jehoshaphat's leadership in appointing singers before the army challenge our understanding of spiritual warfare?

2. In what ways can we incorporate praise and worship into our daily battles and struggles?

3. How does the concept of God's enduring love, as seen in this passage, provide comfort and assurance in difficult times?

4. What role does community play in our worship, and how can we foster a spirit of collective praise in our church or small group?

5. How can we apply the principle of "faith over fear" in our personal lives, especially when facing overwhelming circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 136
This psalm repeatedly emphasizes God's enduring love, similar to the song sung by the singers in 2 Chronicles 20:21.

Exodus 15
The song of Moses and Miriam after the crossing of the Red Sea, highlighting the power of praise in the face of deliverance.

Acts 16:25-26
Paul and Silas singing hymns in prison, demonstrating the power of worship to bring about divine intervention.

Ephesians 6:12
The spiritual nature of our battles, underscoring the importance of spiritual weapons like prayer and worship.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Encouragement to rejoice always and give thanks in all circumstances, reflecting the attitude of the singers.