20:3 When the nation was faced with disaster, Jehoshaphat called upon the people to get serious with God by going without food (fasting) for a designated time. By separating themselves from the daily routine of food preparation and eating, they could devote that extra time to considering their sin and praying to God for help. Hunger pangs would reinforce their penitence and remind them of their weakness and their dependence upon God. Fasting still can be helpful today as we seek God’s will in special situations.
20:6ff Jehoshaphat’s prayer had several essential ingredients. (1) He committed the situation to God, acknowledging that only God could save the nation. (2) He sought God’s favor because his people were God’s people. (3) He acknowledged God’s sovereignty over the current situation. (4) He praised God’s glory and took comfort in his promises. (5) He professed complete dependence on God, not himself, for deliverance. To be God’s kind of leader today, follow Jehoshaphat’s example: Focus entirely on God’s power rather than your own.
20:15 As the enemy bore down on Judah, God spoke through Jahaziel: “Be not afraid, . . . for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” We may not fight an enemy army, but every day we battle temptation, pressure, and “rulers of the darkness of this world” (Ephesians 6:12) who want us to rebel against God. Remember, as believers, we have God’s Spirit in us. If we ask for God’s help when we face struggles, God will fight for us. And God always triumphs.
How do we let God fight for us? (1) Realize that the battle is not ours, but God’s; (2) recognize human limitations and allow God’s strength to work through our fears and weaknesses; (3) make sure we are pursuing God’s interests and not just our own selfish desires; (4) ask God for help in our daily battles.
20:33 This summary says that Jehoshaphat did not remove the pagan shrines, while 17:6 and 19:3 say he did remove them. Jehoshaphat destroyed most of the Baal and Asherah idols, but since he did not succeed in wiping out the corrupt religions practiced at the shrines, they were probably rebuilt each time he had them removed.
20:37 Jehoshaphat met disaster when he joined forces with wicked King Ahaziah. He did not learn from his disastrous alliance with Ahab (18:28-34) or from his father’s alliance with Syria (16:2-9). The partnership stood on unequal footing because one man served the Lord and the other worshiped idols. We court disaster when we enter into partnership with unbelievers because our very foundations differ (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). While one serves the Lord, the other does not recognize God’s authority. Inevitably, the one who serves God is faced with the temptation to compromise values. When that happens, spiritual disaster results.
Before entering into partnerships, ask: (1) What are my motives? (2) What problems am I avoiding by seeking this partnership? (3) Is this partnership the best solution, or is it only a quick solution to my problem? (4) Have I prayed or asked others to pray for guidance? (5) Are my partner and I really working toward the same goals? (6) Am I willing to settle for less financial gain in order to do what God wants?