Several things occurred as King Jehoshaphat and the people of Israel gave God His due place of honour in the midst of the battle, by radically praising Him.
1. God Defeated Their Enemies And Gave Them Victory.
2 Chronicles 20:24 NLT
“So when the army of Judah arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness, all they saw were dead bodies lying on the ground as far as they could see. Not a single one of the enemy had escaped.”
As they praised God into the battlefield, He turned their enemies against themselves and they destroyed and killed each other; not a single one of them escaped. Radical praise gives us victory in the midst of our challenges.
2. God Gave Them Great Spoil.
2 Chronicles 20:25 NLT
“[25] King Jehoshaphat and his men went out to gather the plunder. They found vast amounts of equipment, clothing, and other valuables-more than they could carry. There was so much plunder that it took them three days just to collect it all!”
Not only did God give them victory over their enemies, He also gave them great plunder and they gathered spoil right on the battlefield. For three days, they stood among the dead to gather what their enemies had left behind. As I often pondered over this, I realised that the same place of our testing and trial, is where we will receive our bountiful blessings. Radical praise causes us to possess and repossess multiple blessings.
3. Resulted In More Praises, Thanksgiving And Worship.
2 Chronicles 20:26-28 NLT
“[26] On the fourth day they gathered in the Valley of Blessing, which got its name that day because the people praised and thanked the LORD there. It is still called the Valley of Blessing today. [27] Then all the men returned to Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat leading them, overjoyed that the LORD had given them victory over their enemies. [28] They marched into Jerusalem to the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets, and they proceeded to the Temple of the LORD.”
They went into battle with singers going before the army, singing praises to God. However, they returned from the battlefield with great testimonies and much joy, and they marched into Jerusalem accompanied by the music of harps, lyres, and trumpets. Radical praises gives us testimonies and produces joy; leading to even more praises, thanksgiving and worship.
4. The Fear of God Came Over Their Enemies.
2 Chronicles 20:29-30 NLT
“[29] When all the surrounding kingdoms heard that the LORD himself had fought against the enemies of Israel, the fear of God came over them. [30] So Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.”
What God did for them produced fear in their enemies and gave them peace. This is the power of radical praise; not only do we receive blessings from God, even our enemies enter into peace with us.
Proverbs 16:7 NLT
“When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.” AMEN!
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)