2 Crônicas 20
F.B. Meyer · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Crônicas 20
Meyer wrote, “How much is lost by a word! Be still; keep quiet; if they smite thee on one check, turn the other also. Never retort. Never mind your reputation or character—they are in his hands, and you mar them by trying to retain them.” Joseph stands out as an example of one who did not try to vindicate himself when falsely accused. He committed his cause to God, and God cleared his name and promoted him to great honor. An aged servant of Christ testified that he had been wronged many times over the years. But he prayed in the words of Augustine, “Lord, deliver me from the lust of always vindicating myself.” He said that the Lord had never failed to justify him and to expose his accusers. The Lord Jesus, of course, is the supreme Example. “…when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Pet. 2:23). This, then, is the message for today. We don’t have to defend ourselves when we are falsely accused. The battle is the Lord’s. He will fight for us. We should hold our peace. Ian Paisley - Battle Strategy (A Text a Day Keeps the Devil Away) "Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude for the battle is not yours but God's." II Chronicles 20:15 God is the God of battles. He alone giveth the victory. Without Him we perish, with Him we win. How slow we are in learning the sovereignty and strength of God in His, war strategy. We need to learn three lessons. The Battle Is Not by Our Strength Man in conflict is always preoccupied by numbers. The numbers game is the game man excels in playing. His arm is the arm of flesh. His dependency is Saul's armour. His trust is in His chariots. What utter folly to match the strength of man against the strength of God. Some trust in chariots and some in horses but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. The Battle Is Not by Our Soldiers What a mighty army of soldiers Sennacherib marshalled against Jerusalem. He boasted that his soldiers would soon wipe Hezekiah off the face of the earth and utterly destroy Jerusalem. But the battle was not to his soldiers. Read the end of the story. "And the Lord sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria, So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword. Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side." II Chronicles 32:21-22. The Battle Is Not by Our Strategy Israel, after passing over Jordan, was faced with the high walls of Jericho. How could these walls be scaled and the great obstacle to victory be removed? What strategy could man devise to give success to Israel. God's strategy was simple. March round the wall once in each of the first six days and then on the Sabbath day, seven times. Then shout and sound the trumpets and the city is yours, It seemed a foolish and impossible strategy but it succeeded. Why? Because the battle is not ours but God's. Make this your stay and strength as you face life's battle each day. Nothing Left But God Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. — 2 Chronicles 20:15 Today's Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:3-17 A wise Bible teacher once said, “Sooner or later God will bring self-sufficient people to the place where they have no resource but Him—no strength, no answers, nothing but Him. Without God’s help, they’re sunk.” He then told of a despairing man who confessed to his pastor, “My life is really in bad shape.” “How bad?” the pastor inquired. Burying his head in his hands, he moaned, “I’ll tell you how bad—all I’ve got left is God.” The pastor’s face lit up. “I’m happy to assure you that a person with nothing left but God has more than enough for great victory!” In today’s Bible reading, the people of Judah were also in trouble. They admitted their lack of power and wisdom to conquer their foes. All they had left was God! But King Jehoshaphat and the people saw this as reason for hope, not despair. “Our eyes are upon You,” they declared to God (2 Chron. 20:12). And their hope was not disappointed as He fulfilled His promise: “The battle is not yours, but God’s” (v.15). Charles Stanley - Journey to the Battlefield (BORROW On holy ground : a daily devotional) REPRESENTING: Having confidence to face enemies KEY VERSE: 2 Chronicles 20:15 Thus says the LORD to you: “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” Anytime a man chooses God’s way, it won’t be long until that commitment is challenged, and that was exactly what happened to Jehoshaphat. In 2 Chronicles 20 we find a great and formidable enemy advancing toward this godly King of Judah to destroy the kingdom. Jehoshaphat had no battle plan. No strategy. No secret weapons. But God promised victory. Like that of Jehoshaphat, your commitment to God will be continually challenged. When conflicts arise, you must face a spiritual enemy with spiritual strategies. This month, we will journey to the spiritual battlefield and learn how to confront the enemy. We will learn to use our spiritual weapons. We will discover how to be victorious in the face of the temptations and pressures of life. We will learn strategies for casting down vain imaginations, controlling the mind, and winning the victory. Most important—we will learn to never give up! Are you ready? God’s army is moving out for the battlefield. Forward march! (See Schemes of the Devil) THE BATTLE IS GOD’S. 2 Chronicles 20:15 - C H Spurgeon Receive a fresh assurance of God’s goodness, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chr. 20:15). May the Holy Spirit bear witness to this sweet promise. May He strengthen and comfort you, and may you be delivered even before deliverance comes. The main business is to be saved from the fear of trouble. If you are quiet, calm, and assured, you are really saved from the trial’s sting. The trial is nothing if it does not sting your soul. If your heart is not troubled, then there is no trouble. All the poverty and all the pain in the world would not prevail if the evil of it did not enter your soul. In the twentieth chapter of Second Chronicles, Judah received actual deliverance. When they came to face their foes, there were none, for they were all dead (2 Chr. 20:24). In the same manner, God will deliver you. In answer to prayer, He will be your defense; therefore praise His name. He delivered you when you went out to meet the great army of your sins. You saw that Christ had put them away and your heart danced. You could say, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1). He has slain our sins and they can curse us no more. This is the case with a great many troubles that have appeared to overwhelm you. When you come to them, they disappear. They have been removed as you have advanced. Now you have nothing to do but praise the name of the Lord. A Dangerous Challenge The battle is not yours, but God’s. —2 Chronicles 20:15 Today's Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1, 15-22 While millions watched on television, Nik Wallenda walked across Niagara Falls on a 1,800-foot wire that was only 2 inches in diameter. He took all the precautions he could. But adding to the drama and danger of both the height and the rushing water below, a thick mist obscured Nik’s sight, wind threatened his balance, and spray from the falls challenged his footing. Amid—and perhaps because of—these perils, he said that he “prayed a lot” and praised God. The Israelites also praised God in the middle of a dangerous challenge. Theirs involved a large group of warriors who had gathered to fight them (2 Chron. 20:2). After humbly asking God for help, King Jehoshaphat appointed a choir to march out into battle in front of the Israelite army. The worshipers sang: “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever” (v.21). When they began to sing, the Lord caused the enemy forces to attack and destroy each other. Lord, I praise You, for Your mercy is everlasting. Help me to remember that every battle in this life is Yours. The outcome belongs to You because You are sovereign. No matter what is in front of us, God is always behind us. 2 Chronicles 20:16 ‘Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. Ziz: The cliff of Ziz was probably near Ziza, which Ptolemy places in Arabia Petrae, long. 69 11/24 degrees lat. 31 degrees. the wilderness: The wilderness of Jeruel seems, from ver. 20, to have been a part of the wilderness of Tekoa. Source: ESV Study Bible (page 768) Borrow YAHWEH REVEALS ENEMY BATTLE PLAN Tomorrow go down against them. Behold (hinneh; Lxx - idou) , they will come up by the ascent of Ziz (see map above), and you will find them at the end of the valley in front of the wilderness of Jeruel. - Jahaziel told them exactly where to find the enemy. 2 Chronicles 20:17 ‘You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for the LORD is with you.” KJV 2 Chronicles 20:17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. BGT 2 Chronicles 20:17 οὐχ ὑμῖν ἐστιν πολεμῆσαι ταῦτα σύνετε καὶ ἴδετε τὴν σωτηρίαν κυρίου μεθ᾽ ὑμῶν Ιουδα καὶ Ιερουσαλημ μὴ φοβεῖσθε μηδὲ πτοηθῆτε αὔριον ἐξελθεῖν εἰς ἀπάντησιν αὐτοῖς καὶ κύριος μεθ᾽ ὑμῶν LXE 2 Chronicles 20:17 It is not for you to fight: understand these things, and see the deliverance of the Lord with you, Juda and Jerusalem: fear not, neither be afraid to go forth to-morrow to meet them; and the Lord shall be with you. NET 2 Chronicles 20:17 You will not fight in this battle. Take your positions, stand, and watch the LORD deliver you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don't be afraid and don't panic! Tomorrow march out toward them; the LORD is with you!'" CSB 2 Chronicles 20:17 You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.'" ESV 2 Chronicles 20:17 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." NIV 2 Chronicles 20:17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.' " NLT 2 Chronicles 20:17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!" not need: 2Ch 20:22,23 Ex 14:13,14,25 stand: Ps 46:10-11 Isa 30:7,15 La 3:26 3:26 for the Lord: 2Ch 15:2 32:8 Nu 14:9 Ps 46:7,11 Isa 8:9,10 41:10 Am 5:14 Mt 1:23 Mt 28:20 Ro 8:31 2Ti 4:22 Related Passages: Joshua 1:5-9+ (GOD'S PATTERN FOR VICTORY IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE) “No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8 “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Exodus 14:13-14+ But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. 14 “The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.” THE THREE "S's" You need not fight in this battle; station yourselves, stand and see the salvation (deliverance - yeshua; Lxx - soteria) of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ - Note God issues three commands through His prophet. As discussed above God is not saying "Do absolutely nothing." This is not "Let go, let God," as practiced by the Quietists in past years (and even by some today). That is not the road to victory, but will end ultimately in defeat. Note that even the three "S" actions were their responsibility to obey (Station...stand...see) and to which was added another "S" - Sing (2Ch 20:21,22). Let God and let's go is the pattern for victory then and now! Warren
2 Crônicas 20
Meyer - Dost thou praise the beauty of holiness? Is holiness beautiful to thee? Art thou in love with it as it is presented in the glorious Lord? Canst thou turn from the noise and anxiety of life’s battle to dwell on the loveliness of God and of the devout life, and to praise Him whose mercy endureth forever? It is a rare accomplishment, acquired only through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. In each of us there should be the priest-side of character as well as the warrior: the love for what is beautiful in holiness as well as for the strong and active in service. But the special characteristics of this battle was that the good king put the singers in the forefront of the army, and praised for a victory which was only assured to him by faith. Yet so sure was he of it, that he could praise before he entered into the battle. There is much to help us here in our daily combat for God and truth. Let us fill the morning hour with holy song, in the heart, if not with the voice; let a psalm or hymn be part of the daily reading; let there be the confidence that God is going to bless, which cannot restrain its jubilant expression. So in all prayer, wait on God till you feel that you can praise Him for what you have asked Him to bestow. When they began to praise, the Lord did all the rest. Before the onset of His Divine reinforcements the enemy fled. His people bad but to gather spoil, and then the praise which had anticipated the battle was consummated as they returned, in the valley of blessing. There’s a song in the valley of blessing so sweet, And angels would fain join the strain, As with rapturous praises we bow at His feet Crying, “Worthy the Lamb that was slain!” Power In Praise Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever. —2 Chronicles 20:21 Today's Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:15-22 Willie Myrick was kidnapped from his driveway when he was 9 years old. For hours, he traveled in a car with his kidnapper, not knowing what would happen to him. During that time, Willie decided to sing a song called “Every Praise.” As he repeatedly sang the words, his abductor spewed profanity and told him to shut up. Finally, the man stopped the car and let Willie out—unharmed. As Willie demonstrated, truly praising the Lord requires us to concentrate on God’s character while forsaking what we fear, what is wrong in our lives, and the self-sufficiency in our hearts. The Israelites reached this place of surrender when they faced attackers. As they prepared for battle, King Jehoshaphat organized a choir to march out in advance of their enemy’s army. The choir sang, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever” (2 Chron. 20:21). When the music started, Israel’s enemies became confused and destroyed each other. As the prophet Jahaziel had predicted, Israel didn’t need to fight at all (v.17). Dear God, You are holy and good. I worship You today despite the problems that cloud my vision of You. Let my soul tell of Your glory forever. Worship is a heart overflowing with praise to God. 2 Chronicles 20:22 When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed. KJV 2 Chronicles 20:22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. BGT 2 Chronicles 20:22 καὶ ἐν τῷ ἄρξασθαι τῆς αἰνέσεως αὐτοῦ τῆς ἐξομολογήσεως ἔδωκεν κύριος πολεμεῖν τοὺς υἱοὺς Αμμων ἐπὶ Μωαβ καὶ ὄρος Σηιρ τοὺς ἐξελθόντας ἐπὶ Ιουδαν καὶ ἐτροπώθησαν LXE 2 Chronicles 20:22 And when they began the praise and thanksgiving, the Lord caused the children of Ammon to fight against Moab, and the inhabitants of mount Seir that came out against Juda; and they were routed. NET 2 Chronicles 20:22 When they began to shout and praise, the LORD suddenly attacked the Ammonites, Moabites, and men from Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. CSB 2 Chronicles 20:22 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. ESV 2 Chronicles 20:22 And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. NIV 2 Chronicles 20:22 As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. NLT 2 Chronicles 20:22 At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. began singing and praising: Judges 7:22 1Sa 14:16,20 2Ki 6:17 Ps 35:5,6 Isa 19:2 Eze 38:21 Related Passages: Judges 7:22+ When they blew 300 trumpets, the LORD set the sword of one against another even throughout the whole army; and the army fled as far as Beth-shittah toward Zererah, as far as the edge of Abel-meholah, by Tabbath. SINGING IS SIGN FOR GOD TO ACT When they began singing and praising, the LORD set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir (Edom), who had come against Judah; so they were routed - Note Judah's part was to sing and praise, while God's undertook to ambush and route the enemy. Not let go, let God, but let God, let's go! The battle is the LORD's and He will win the victory. We cannot be certain how the LORD set ambushes, although some writers suggest God used heavenly hosts who took on human form. We should avoid conjecture and focus on the fact that (1) Judah sang, Yahweh took action and (2) Yahweh routed the enemy. Perhaps in heaven we will see an instant replay! When they did but begin the work of praise, God perfected the work of their deliverance -- Matthew Henry Martin Selman has an interesting comment - “The form of the word for ambushes is slightly unusual and really means ‘ambushers’, and since it is said that God sent them, some have thought that they must be supernatural agents.” (See 2 Chronicles: An Introduction and Commentary - Page 447) John