Jehoshaphat Prays and the People Sing

Messengers came to King Jehoshaphat with frightening news. A great multitude was coming against Judah. Jehoshaphat was alarmed, but he turned to seek Yahweh. He proclaimed a fast throughout Judah, and people came from all Judah's cities to seek Yahweh together.

At Yahweh's house, Jehoshaphat stood before the assembly and prayed. He remembered that God rules over the nations and had given this land to his people. He asked God to judge these enemies, saying, 'We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.' All Judah stood before Yahweh, with their little ones, wives, and children.

Then the Spirit of Yahweh came on Jahaziel, a Levite from the sons of Asaph. He told Judah and King Jehoshaphat not to be afraid, because the battle belonged to God. They were to go out the next day, stand firm, and see Yahweh's salvation. Jehoshaphat and the people bowed down, and Levites praised Yahweh with a very loud voice.

Early the next morning they went out toward the wilderness of Tekoa. Jehoshaphat urged the people to trust Yahweh and believe his prophets. Then he appointed singers, dressed in holy array, to go before the army and praise Yahweh, saying that his loving kindness endures forever. As they began to sing and praise, Yahweh set ambushers against the enemy. Ammon and Moab turned against the people of Mount Seir, and after that they destroyed one another.

When Judah reached the lookout over the wilderness, the enemy lay fallen, and none had escaped. Jehoshaphat and his people gathered so much plunder that it took three days. On the fourth day they blessed Yahweh in Beracah Valley. Then they returned to Jerusalem with joy and music at Yahweh's house. Other kingdoms heard that Yahweh had fought against Israel's enemies, and Jehoshaphat's realm had rest.