Question 1

What was happening when Jehoshaphat prayed, “we have no might against this great company”?

Accepted Answer

Jehoshaphat had just been told that a huge army from Moab, Ammon, and people from mount Seir were already close, at Engedi. This threat came after he had tried to lead Judah in the right way, so it was very serious and frightening. Instead of rushing to fight, he called everyone in Judah to fast and stand before God at the temple. His words, “we have no might” and “neither know we what to do,” show he saw clearly that they could not save themselves. Their only hope was God, so “our eyes are upon thee” became the center of their prayer.

Question 2

What does “the battle is not yours, but God’s” mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When Jahaziel speaks by the Spirit, he tells Judah not to be afraid because the fight they face does not rest on their strength or skill. God is taking this conflict as His own. They still must go out and face the enemy, but they are told they will not need to fight. Their role is to trust, obey, stand firm, and watch what God will do. The phrase shows that some struggles are settled by God’s power alone, so His people should rest their hearts on Him instead of their own plans.

Question 3

Why were singers sent in front of the army, and what did they sing?

Accepted Answer

Jehoshaphat put singers ahead of the soldiers as they marched out. This was an act of trust, showing they believed God’s promise before seeing any result. Instead of shields and swords leading the way, praise did. The singers blessed God for His holy beauty and kept saying, “Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.” As they began to sing and praise, God caused confusion among the enemy armies so they turned on each other. The praise was not magic, but a clear sign that Judah was leaning on God’s mercy and not on their own strength.

Question 4

How did God defeat Moab, Ammon, and mount Seir without Judah fighting?

Accepted Answer

God acted in a hidden but powerful way. As Judah came with singers in front, the Lord “set ambushments” against the enemies. The men of Ammon and Moab turned against the people of mount Seir and destroyed them. After that, they turned on one another until no one was left. By the time Judah came to the lookout point, they saw only dead bodies and no one had escaped. Judah did not strike a blow. Their part was to go where God sent them, stand firm, and watch. The victory showed clearly that God Himself had fought for them.

Question 5

What is the valley of Berachah, and why did the people name it that?

Accepted Answer

After the battle, it took Judah three days to gather all the riches and jewels left among the dead, there was so much. On the fourth day they met in a valley nearby. There they stopped to bless and thank the Lord for what He had done. Because that place became a special spot of blessing and gratitude, they called it the valley of Berachah, which means “blessing.” The new name reminded everyone that what had been a place of fear and danger became a place to remember God’s help and kindness to His people.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about how to respond when you feel overwhelmed?

Accepted Answer

Jehoshaphat’s example gives a simple pattern. First, he admits his fear. Then he “sets himself to seek the Lord” and calls others to join him. He does not pretend to be strong; instead he confesses, “we have no might” and “neither know we what to do.” He fixes his eyes on God, remembers who God is and what He has done before, and trusts God’s promises. Then, even before the answer is seen, he bows in worship and leads the people in praise. When you feel overwhelmed, this story encourages honest prayer, shared dependence, and thankful worship.

Question 7

Who is Jahaziel, and what is the importance of his message to Judah?

Accepted Answer

Jahaziel is a Levite from the family of Asaph, one of the families involved with temple music. While Judah is gathered at the temple in fear and prayer, the Spirit of the Lord comes on him in the middle of the assembly. His message brings God’s answer: do not fear, the battle belongs to God, and they will not need to fight. He also gives clear instructions on where to go and what to do. His words turn the people from terror to worship. They trust that God has spoken, and that trust shapes everything that follows.

Question 8

Why did God later break Jehoshaphat’s ships, and what does that show?

Accepted Answer

Near the end of the chapter, Jehoshaphat joins with Ahaziah, a king described as doing very wickedly, to build ships to go to Tarshish. A man named Eliezer brings a word from God saying, “Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the Lord hath broken thy works.” Then the ships are ruined and cannot sail. This shows that even a generally faithful king can make poor alliances, and God cares about whom His people join themselves with. It is a warning that trusting in partnerships with those who oppose God can bring loss instead of gain, even after past victories.

2 Chronicles 20:1

It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.

War against Jehoshaphat

Jehoshaphat’s Prayer

The Prophecy of Jahaziel

The Enemies Destroy Themselves

The Joyful Return

Summary of Jehoshaphat’s Reign

Jehoshaphat’s Fleet Is Wrecked

War against Jehoshaphat

Cross References

2 Chronicles 20:1

It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.

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War against Jehoshaphat

Jehoshaphat’s Prayer

The Prophecy of Jahaziel

The Enemies Destroy Themselves

The Joyful Return

Summary of Jehoshaphat’s Reign

Jehoshaphat’s Fleet Is Wrecked

War against Jehoshaphat

Cross References