“He appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.” Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people … who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.“— 2 Chronicles 20:21-22
King Jehoshaphet of ancient Judah faced a great crisis that could destroy his nation and cause him to die.Three enemy nations were closing in on his tiny country. The king was worried and the people afraid. Jehoshaphat did a wise thing; he called for a national day of fasting and prayer. He was in an impossible position. His army was no match for three invading, murderous bands of soldiers intent on his destruction. So Jehoshaphat prayed and brought his people into prayer with him.
God answered them through the local prophet, Jahaziel, saying, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed…for the battle is not yours but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
The king believed him. When it came time to stand up against the enemy, rather than lead his army with trained, brave soldiers, he sent the Temple choir! They marched to meet the enemy, singing praises to God—and in the end, prevailed against their greatest enemies and enjoyed the wealth that came with the spoils of war.
Good King Jehoshaphat demonstrated the power of praise, believing in God and His Word, and believing that He will fight our battles against great odds—and bless us with victory.
“Praise is God’s sunlight in the heart. It destroys sin germs. It ripens the fruits of the Spirit. It is the oil of gladness that lubricates life’s activities. There can be no holy life without it. It keeps the heart pure and the eye clear. Praise is essential to the knowledge of God and His will.” — Smith Wigglesworth
