VICTORY THROUGH PRAISE

2 Chronicles 20:16-22 (KJV 1900)

Summary: In 2 Chronicles 20:16–22, King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah faced a great army but were assured of victory through praise and worship.

Application: This passage reminds us that when we face overwhelming challenges, we can turn to God in praise and trust Him for victory. It encourages us to be people of faith who rely on God's strength rather than our own.

Teaching: This passage teaches us the power of praise and worship in the face of adversity. It shows us that our focus should be on God's greatness and faithfulness, not on our own limitations.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, we see a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Christ is the ultimate source of victory for all who believe in Him.

Big Idea: Through praise and worship, we can overcome our challenges and experience victory in God. Our focus should be on His power and faithfulness, leading us to trust Him completely.

Recommended Study: For a deeper understanding of the context of this passage and its connection to other victory stories in the Bible, delve into the historical background of King Jehoshaphat and the theology of praise in the Old Testament using resources like the 'NIV Application Commentary: 2 Chronicles' in Logos.

King James Version Chapter 20

16 To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.

1. Promised Victory through Faith

2 Chronicles 20:16-17

The Command to Stand and Believe (16–17))

a. Tomorrow go down against them: This was an important command, because one might think that because of the promise of 2 Chronicles 20:15, Judah would not even have to show up at the battle and perhaps God wanted them to stay in Jerusalem and pray. Yet God wanted them to go out to battle against the enemy and He would use their participation in the battle.

b. They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz: God knew the plans of the attacking armies precisely and He relayed this information to the king and people of Judah.

c. You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD: Judah did not need to fight in this battle, yet it did not mean there was nothing for them to do. It was a significant step of faith to position yourselves, to stand still, and to believe that you would see the salvation of the LORD in the face of a large attacking army.

d. Tomorrow go out against them: There were any number of ways that God could have defeated these armies assembled against Judah, but He appointed a way that demanded the participation of faith on behalf of Judah. They had to work on a faith-partnership with God

Perhaps explore how faith in God's promise leads to victory, even when the battle hasn't started. Highlight Christ's victory over sin as the ultimate assurance that God delivers His people. This could encourage listeners to start with faith in God's promises, mirroring Jehoshaphat's trust.

2. Praise Precedes Victory

2 Chronicles 20:18-19

You could highlight the immediate response of worship and praise to God’s promises, before the battle is won. This act of praise can be connected to worshiping Christ for His finished work on the cross, encouraging believers to worship in the midst of challenges.

3. Prophets Point to Trust

2 Chronicles 20:20

Maybe emphasize the importance of believing in God and His prophets, illustrating how faith leads to steadfastness. This could serve as a reminder of putting faith in Christ, the ultimate Prophet, to navigate through life's battles.

4. Praise Produces Breakthrough

2 Chronicles 20:21-22

Consider discussing how Judah's choice to sing and praise in the face of adversity led to their miraculous deliverance. Link this to how Christians can face their struggles through praise, focusing on the hope we have in Christ’s victory over death, encouraging a lifestyle of worship.