I. Prepare Yourself to Seek the Lord – v. 3

A. Jehoshaphat “set himself to seek the Lord”

1. Proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah

2. Judah gathered themselves to ask of help from the Lord – v. 4

3. The leader, Jehoshaphat, is visible from the courts of the Lord’s house, and not the Oval Office of the White House.

a. This shows his dependence on God.

4. He leads his people in prayer – v. 6

a. Though the enemy is still there and hasn’t shown signs of moving, he is not focused on the enemy.

b. God, in His Omnipotent glory, is purposely and intensely magnified here in the face of the enemy.

c. Don’t underestimate your opponent – v. 12 – “we have no might against this great company.”

d. Yet, note the intent of the gaze: “our eyes are upon thee…” [LORD Sabaoth]

II. Present Yourself to the Lord – v. 13

A. As they Present Themselves to God, the Spirit Falls

1. Upon Jehaziel – “to behold, to perceive; to look for…”

a. The Spirit fell upon one that was “looking for” Him - a man of faith

b. A descendant of Asaph – “the gatherer” – David’s Worship leader in Israel

B. The Spirit Provides Encouragement – “The Message” – v. 15

1. “Be not afraid” – (yawray – “to be in dread”)

2. “Be not dismayed” – (chathath – to be discouraged; beaten down; shattered)

3. “By the reason of their face” – (paniym – “the face; their presence”)

4. “The battle is not yours, but God’s.”

C. The Spirit Presents the Battle Plans – v. 17

1. He gives them the enemy’s plans before the battle begins.

2. “Set yourselves” – (yawtsab – “stand still, be set, …just show up!”

3. “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord with you – “Yeshuwah – deliverance…Joshua”

D. The Spirit Prepares the People – vv. 18-19

1. The Word of the Lord is Given

a. The Leadership prostrates themselves before the Lord – Old English “weorthship”

b. The temple servants “stood” to their feet

1. With purpose….to PRAISE the LORD [halal – they “celebrated” God in front of the enemy]

2. With a LOUD voice -

A. Jehoshaphat Gave the Marching Orders (directions) to His People

B. He Appointed Singers

1. Not the kind that were stationary…but would travel back and forth as they sang

a. To praise the beauty of His holiness (Heb. rendering – “to make God swell”)

b. They went out before, in front of, the army

c. “Praise the Lord…” - (praise – yadah = “to raise the hands; to shoot arrows”)

C. They Began to Sing and to Praise – v. 22

1. The Lord set ambushments against the enemy and God wrought a great victory