Context No. 2967 of 4322 · 2 Chronicles

2 Chronicles 20:13-17: in context

13All Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 14Then the LORD’s Spirit came on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the sons of Asaph, in the middle of the assembly; 15and he said, “Listen, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat. The LORD says to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed because of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16Tomorrow, go down against them. Behold, they are coming up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 17You will not need to fight this battle. Set yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed. Go out against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’”

A vast invading army is bearing down, and King Jehoshaphat has gathered all Judah, with their wives and little ones, to stand before the LORD. Then the Spirit of the LORD comes upon a Levite named Jahaziel in the midst of the assembly, and he speaks a word that must have stunned them: Do not be afraid of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.

The word to a terrified, outnumbered people is astonishing. You will not need to fight this battle. Take your positions, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf. They are not told to summon courage and charge, but to stand firm and watch God save. There are times when the right response to an overwhelming threat is not frantic effort but trusting stillness, taking your place and letting God fight. Their part was to show up, stand firm, and trust; the victory was God's to give.

When I face a battle too big for me, can I take my position, stand still, and trust God to save, rather than exhaust myself fighting in my own strength?

Sources

2 Chronicles 20:15: "Don't be afraid... for the battle is not yours, but God's."
2 Chronicles 20:17: "Set yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you."
Exodus 14:14: "The LORD will fight for you, and you shall be still."