2 Chronicles 20:21, commentary and pictures

After consulting with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to go out before the army praising the beauty of holiness and declaring that the Lord's mercy endures forever, with instruments of music accompanying them. Their singing before the battle was a battle song of trust in God's promised victory and gratitude for the victory He had given, sung before it was won. When they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir so that they struck one another until Judah found only dead bodies with none escaping. Some hold that the enemies also fled because God filled their hearts with fear when they heard the music, seeing the whole army of heaven before them. The battle is not the people's but God's, so His people are to stand still and see His salvation, and praise joined to faith still brings His deliverance, opposing unbelief and strengthening hope, courage, and faith for victory over the powers of darkness.

Singers Before the Army

After consulting with the people, Jehoshaphat appointed singers unto the Lord to go out before the army, praising the beauty of holiness and declaring that His mercy endures forever, with instruments of music accompanying them. It was a singular way of going to battle, for their singing as they went out was their battle song against the enemy army. That song expressed trust in God's promise of victory and gratitude for the victory He had given and promised, sung before the victory was won.

When they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, causing them to strike and destroy one another until Judah found only dead bodies with none escaping. When the enemies heard the music God filled their hearts with fear so that they fled, for they saw the whole army of heaven before them and feared their own destruction.

After the victory Judah returned to Jerusalem with joy and music singing praise for the victory won, because the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. They came carrying the enemies' spoils four days later. And the fear of the Lord fell on the surrounding kingdoms while rest was given to Jehoshaphat's realm.

Trust Expressed in Praise

The appointment of singers declares that the battle is not the people's but God's. They were therefore to set themselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. They were to fear not nor be dismayed, because the Lord would be with them.

Believing in the Lord establishes His people, and believing His prophets makes them prosper. That belief was shown in bowing down, worshiping, and praising Him with a loud voice on high. The singers going out before the army embodied that established, prospering trust.

The people possessed the beauty of holiness as they praised. Their praise honored God for His holiness and for His enduring mercy. Such praise is fitting even while facing opposition, falsehood, and error.

Thanksgiving and praise stand opposed to unbelief. Praising God strengthens hope and courage and faith. It strengthens the hands of valiant soldiers standing in defense of truth and encourages them on to further victories.

Praise Bringing Present Victory

Jehoshaphat's way of going to battle was singular, for after consulting the people he appointed singers to go out before the army exalting the God of Israel and praising the beauty of holiness, and this singing was their battle song against the enemy army. These are words of God for encouragement now, teaching much more praising of the Lord and far less doleful recitation of discouragements, darkness, doubt, murmuring and complaining, which brings many more victories. Doing this now strengthens hope and courage and faith, strengthens the hands of valiant soldiers standing in defense of truth, and uplifts the voice that utters the praises of God, with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit leading to that praise.

Israel went into battle with singers and music accompanying the army praising God, and when the enemies heard it God filled their hearts with fear so that they fled. God's people should therefore meet their work with faith and praise put into work rather than groaning and discouragement, replacing discouragement and groaning with music and faith. Trial comes because it is needed. The Lord's hosts are still behind God's people and heaven's angels are just as ready to help today as in ancient Israel, for when Israel went to battle God commanded singers with instruments of music to go out before the army singing the high praises of God. God will be helper and strength and frontguard and rearguard, an almighty arm to lean on, with a sympathetic Saviour pleading on their behalf, so unwavering faith pleases Him and brings triumph and victory in the God of salvation.

Praise joined to faith brings God's deliverance, for when they began to sing and to praise the Lord set ambushes against Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir who had come against Judah and they were smitten. Those in darkness, heaviness and tribulation are therefore to place dependence upon God and praise Him, exercising constant faith, looking away from self and feelings to Christ, and trusting His promises for peace, grace and strength. They are not to spend probationary time in weeping and sitting in sackcloth, for the future is in the hands of Him who created the earth and He will lead all who will be led. Singing and shouting praise to God vanquishes the enemy and gives victory over the powers of darkness, for as soon as Israel began to sing their enemies fled because they saw the whole army of heaven before them and feared their own destruction. Believers should keep praising God and sing when tempted, rising together unitedly in praise rather than struggling alone while others drag them down, and in this way God's children break Satan's binding influence.