“Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him … as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.’”
(2 Chronicles 20:21)
The use of music in wartime goes far back in history. In the Psalms we read of David’s songs after deliverance from enemies (as in Psalm 18). We know of the dramatic use of the trumpets as Joshua’s army surrounded Jericho, blasting their song out loud on the seventh day of marching around the city (Joshua 6). How spectacularly the Lord’s power was proclaimed that day! It must have thrilled and emboldened the Israelites and spoken volumes in Jericho about the One true God.
Do you know of Jehoshaphat’s battle-time choir? He and his men were about to face a vast army, but Jehoshaphat went directly to the Lord in prayer, submitted their battle plan to God, and assembled a praise team.
The trumpet playing at Jericho may not have made a lot of sense to God’s people or the city’s inhabitants. Perhaps Jehoshaphat’s men wondered how a choir would defeat the Edomites. We ourselves may think our own efforts in our daily battles will be more effective than coming to the Lord in praise. Your battle—whatever it is—belongs to the Lord. Sing out to Him!
Do you know of Jehoshaphat’s battle-time choir? He and his men were about to face a vast army, but Jehoshaphat went directly to the Lord in prayer, submitted their battle plan to God, and assembled a praise team.
The trumpet playing at Jericho may not have made a lot of sense to God’s people or the city’s inhabitants. Perhaps Jehoshaphat’s men wondered how a choir would defeat the Edomites. We ourselves may think our own efforts in our daily battles will be more effective than coming to the Lord in praise. Your battle—whatever it is—belongs to the Lord. Sing out to Him!
Scripture Focus
2 Chronicles 20:5-30
Insight
Give praise to the Lord who goes with us in battle, gives us a new song, and delivers us from all that holds us captive (see Psalm 144).
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 45-46
- Psalm 124
- 2 Corinthians 2-3