Tucked here and there in the Bible among genealogies and kingly displays of power are little gems of faith that shine all the more brightly for having to be excavated, as it were. One of my favorites is in 2 Chronicles 20.
Very briefly, it is the story of King Jehoshaphat of Judah who is depicted in this book much more favorably that he is in the Book of Kings. In this instance, an alliance of enemy armies is invading his kingdom from the south and he does not have the military wherewithal to repel them. It is that simple.
The people gather in the presence of the Lord, men women, and children. They pray: "We do not know what to do but our eyes are on you." An unknown prophet, Jahaziel, tells them not to be dismayed because the Lord is on their side.
The king then prays aloud before he acts. He chooses some of the temple singers and tells them to precede the little army as it heads for the border. They are to sing: "Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever."
If ever there was a song of faith, that was it. An inadequate army, led by a song, had only a prayer between it and a massive army. As best we can discern from the account that follows, the enemy lost its way among the ravines of the southern mountains and, in the dark, with the echoes of that song disorienting them, they attacked each other. By dawn, the war was over, and all the booty the enemy had won in prior battles lay on the ground for their taking.
To the sound of harp and lyre and trumpets, back they came to Jerusalem, still praising God. As the story spread abroad, it instilled fear in the hearts of other enemies and the rest of Jehoshaphat's reign was a peaceful one.
Isn't it an image to ponder? An army preceded by a choir wins a mighty battle without ever using a weapon. Don't underestimate the power of music. |