Context and Background:

Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah, reigned during the 9th century BC. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to bring the people back to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is detailed in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Jehoshaphat's prayer is a significant event recorded in 2 Chronicles 20, where he seeks divine intervention in the face of a formidable military threat.

The Threat:

The narrative of Jehoshaphat's prayer begins with the alarming news that a vast army composed of Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites was advancing against Judah. This coalition posed a severe threat to the kingdom, and the news reached Jehoshaphat in Jerusalem. The king's immediate response was to seek the Lord, demonstrating his reliance on God rather than solely on military might or alliances.

The Prayer:

Jehoshaphat's prayer is a profound expression of faith and dependence on God. It is recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:5-12. The king stood before the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the Lord and prayed:

"O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. Our God, did You not drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham Your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for Your Name, saying, 'If disaster comes upon us—whether sword or judgment, plague or famine—we will stand before this temple and before You, for Your Name is in this temple. We will cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear us and save us.'

But now, here are men from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, whose land You would not allow Israel to invade when they came from Egypt; so they turned away from them and did not destroy them. See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession that You gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."

Elements of the Prayer:

1. Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty: Jehoshaphat begins by recognizing God's supreme authority over all nations and His unmatched power. This acknowledgment sets the foundation for his appeal, affirming that God is capable of delivering Judah from its enemies.

2. Remembrance of Past Acts: The king recalls God's past deeds, particularly His covenant with Abraham and the deliverance of Israel. This remembrance serves to remind both God and the people of His faithfulness and the promises He has made.

3. Appeal to God's Justice: Jehoshaphat presents the current threat as an injustice, highlighting that the invading nations are repaying Judah's past kindness with aggression. He appeals to God's sense of justice to intervene on behalf of His people.

4. Confession of Helplessness: The prayer is marked by a humble admission of Judah's inability to face the enemy alone. Jehoshaphat confesses, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You," demonstrating complete reliance on divine guidance and intervention.

Divine Response:

Following Jehoshaphat's prayer, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, a Levite, who delivered God's message of assurance to the people. He declared that the battle was not theirs but God's, instructing them to stand firm and witness the Lord's deliverance. The next day, as the people of Judah went out to face their enemies, they sang praises to God, and the Lord set ambushes against the invading armies, leading to their defeat.

Significance:

Jehoshaphat's prayer is a powerful example of faith in action. It underscores the importance of seeking God in times of crisis, acknowledging His sovereignty, and trusting in His deliverance. The narrative highlights the effectiveness of prayer and worship in spiritual warfare and serves as an enduring testament to God's faithfulness to those who earnestly seek Him.