April 4, 2022 - 2 Chronicles 19-22

“Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar’ (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah” (20:2-3). Furthermore, the king prayed, “For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (20:12). Then, “the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah . . . 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’” (20:14-15).

Jehoram followed Jehoshaphat on the throne, and he did evil like the kings of the northern kingdom. “Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and since he had promised to give a lamp to him and to his sons forever” (21:7). This is an enduring and certain theme throughout the Scriptures: God’s faithfulness to his promises. And the greatest of these is that which was first spoken of in Genesis 3:25 and continued in the David covenant, which was the promise of Messiah, the descendant of David. Lots of additional troubles during the reigns of Jehoram and Ahaziah but God’s promise remained certain.

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,

great David’s greater Son!

Hail in the time appointed,

his reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression,

to set the captive free;

to take away transgression,

and rule in equity. --James Montgomery (1821)