On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day - 2 Chronicles 20:26.
Jehoshaphat's reaction
As soon as Jehoshaphat heard that a great multitude is coming against them to battle, he proclaimed a fast and all people gathered together to ask help from the Lord and to seek the Lord. It happened after this that the people of Moab with the people of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites, came to battle against Jehoshaphat. Then some came and told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea, from Syria; and they are in Hazazon Tamar” (which is En Gedi). And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. So Judah gathered together to ask help from the Lord; and from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord - 2 Chronicles 20:1-4.
Jehoshaphat's acknowledgement
Jehoshaphat acknowledged God’s power and sovereignty over all the earth and remembered the great deeds and victory God had granted. Then he acknowledged that they have no power to face the vast army attacking them, do not know what to do and their eyes are on God. Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand 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? . For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. All the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, stood there before the Lord - 2 Chronicles 20:6, 7, 12,13.
God's response
This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” - 2 Chronicles 20:15- 17.
The Lord fought the battle
Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him at the front of the army and led the way into battle with thanksgiving, praise and worship. Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated - 2 Chronicles 20:21,22. God caused the enemies to destroy each other and the people of Judah were delivered without even lifting a sword.
After victory, they praised the Lord
After victory in the battle, Jehoshaphat and his people assembled themselves in the valley of Berakah and praised God. On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berakah, where they praised the Lord. This is why it is called the Valley of Berakah to this day. Then, led by Jehoshaphat, all the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the Lord had given them cause to rejoice over their enemies - 2 chronicles 20:26, 27.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, Let us always seek You, keep our eyes upon You and praise You when enemies come against us. We praise You for fighting for us and giving us victory over enemies in the battle. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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