Playlist: Fight Songs — Wednesday
2 Chronicles 20:21
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” (NIV)
General Robert E. Lee, commander of the Confederate States Army during the Civil War, once said, “I don’t believe we can have an army without music.”
Music has been a major part of military conflicts for hundreds of years. From marching music to camp songs, concerts to “Taps,” music has served many functions in battle:
Intimidate enemy forces
Raise morale
Incite conflict
Defuse tensions
As the Israelite army set out against the Moabites and Ammonites, King Jehoshaphat had the frontline sing—not for any of the reasons above, but to show their gratitude for God’s never-ending love. As a result of their faith, God gave their enemies into their hands.
Commenting on this verse from 2 Chronicles, Randall Johnson says, “The thing we learn from this account of Jehoshaphat is that when we put our trust in God to fight our battles, it is only appropriate to praise Him, even before the outcome of the battle is determined, because we are demonstrating our trust in Him by doing so.” Just as it once did at Jericho, yet again, the Israelites’ praise preceded God’s provision.
Wednesday’s Reflection
The men leading the Israelite army into battle hoped to remind their people of God’s love. What characteristics of God do you need to be reminded of today? Do you need to be reminded of His grace in the aftermath of some failure or struggle? Or His sovereignty because you keep trying to control your life, spouse, kids, or coworkers? Consider what it is that you need today, and pray for God to provide that for you. Know that He loves you and is for you.