Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord and some to praise the splendor of His holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing:
Give thanks to the Lord,
for His faithful love endures forever.
The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated.
What a strangely interesting event recorded here in 2 Chronicles – the musicians are leading the army. Huh? It seems crazy; yet, God uses the praise of His faithful people to defeat their enemies. The praise breaks out with priestly shouting at the announcement of His promise to protect and flows into music and song. He allows His people to participate in His powerful work via music and song in gracious response to His promise and in anticipation of His protection and provision. It seems almost silly that He would set the singers out front! Unarmed musicians? The church choir on the front lines? Really? However, since God will fight the battle, this approach keeps the people focused on the One who is truly defeating the enemy. Their praise will protect them from pride and promote the One who truly has the power. (This article needed some alliteration. Not sorry.)
Those who are appointed, dare I say anointed, to lead praise in music and song must be courageous and sold out to Father God. They must humbly pursue purity and be prepared to lead out when God calls them to it. There truly is power in our praise and it is not our power. It is God’s power expressed for His purpose and His glory.
2 Chronicles 20:15-17
And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” (Emphasis added, obviously)
Ventanas 