Shabbat Midrash (Teaching) Outlines

Scripture Reference: II Chronicles 18-20

• Jehoshaphat, King of Judah and Ahab, King of Israel- allied themselves against the king of Aram
• In the ensuing battle, Jehoshaphat disguised himself as the king of Israel hoping to divert attention to himself and to protect the life of Ahab
• The plan failed- Ahab died in battle from a wound inflicted by a stray arrow
• After the battle, Jehoshaphat returned safely to his home in Jerusalem
• Jehu the seer greeted him and said “Should you help the wicked (Ahab) and love those who hate Yah (G-d) and so bring wrath on yourself from Adonai? But you do have some good in you, for you have removed the Asheroth (Cannanite goddess of fertility – sex goddess) poles from the land and you have set your heart to seek G-d”.
• Two things we must learn from this passage:

1) Choose your friends and allies carefully. Making the wrong choice can bring the wrath of Yah (G-d) upon you.

2) Jehoshaphat did not have to be perfect to be used of G-d; his heart was right, and Yah looks at the heart. If we wait until we are perfected to be used, we will never be of service to Yah (G-d).

• Jehoshaphat was enjoying a time of shalom (peace) in Jerusalem- he was venturing out among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, bringing them back to Elohim (G-d).
• King Jehoshaphat was leading by example and the people responded
• He appointed judges in the land and charged them to judge disputes among the people “in the fear of Yah”
• The shalom (peace) enjoyed by King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah soon came to an end.
• The peoples of Moab, Ammon, and Maon allied themselves against the Israelites to make war ( These were the three peoples that were spared by the Israelites as they left their captivity in Egypt). Sometimes problems that are not dealt with at the moment they are encountered come back to “disturb our peace” later.
• When the message was reported to King Jehoshaphat of the impending multitude, he did three things:

1) He reacted in fear- it was an honest reaction given the circumstances and it was an admission of his weakness

2) He turned his attention to seek the help of Yah (G-d) - His fear did not keep him from acknowledging the One who could help him to overcome his fear

3) He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah - he understood the principle of bringing the people together in unity and power for a common purpose

• King Jehoshaphat gathered the people together and prayed to Yah on their behalf, first admitting their powerlessness, then their lack of direction, but ending the prayer with an admission that their eyes were on HIM (G-d).
• This reassured the people of the trust that existed between them and their G-d and left an open door for the Ruach Elohim (Spirit of G-d) to give the people divine direction.
• The assurance that the people were seeking came through a Levite in the assembly - Yah chose a priest from among the people to use as his mouthpiece.
• Jahaziel obediently gave the word of assurance needed by the people “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but G-d’s. You need not fight in this battle; station yourself, stand and see the salvation of Yah (G-d) on your behalf. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them, for Yah (G-d) is with you.”
• King Jehoshaphat again led the people by example and bowed his head with his face to the ground upon hearing the words of assurance from Yah.
• The assembly followed suit by falling to the ground and worshipping Yah. The Levites among the multitude stood up to praise Yah (G-d) with a very loud voice (Shabach).
• The next morning the people rose early and went toward the wilderness of Tekoa.
• King Jehoshaphat stood before them and said, “Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in Yah your G-d, and you will be established. Put your trust in his prophetic words and you will succeed.”
• King Jehoshaphat then performed a biblically sound principle that we all need to remember. He consulted with the people before making his next move. (There is safety in a multitude of counselors).
• The decision that came out of this counsel was ultimately to bring about the victory.
• King Jehoshaphat appointed those who sang to Yah and praised Him in holy attire to go out before the army and declare “Give thanks to Yah, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.” (Yadah)
• When they began singing and praising (Tehillah), Yah set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab and Maon and they fought against one another until there was none left, not one had escaped.
• When the Israelites began to praise Yah (G-d), He brought confusion among the enemy’s camp and they destroyed one another. What a powerful tool we have in praise and worship!
• What a sight it must have been when the Israelites arrived at the lookout point in the wilderness and saw the corpses lying on the ground! Truly Yah had performed his word given to the people through their willingness to place their trust in HIM.
• Yah (G-d) rewarded the Israelites by giving them the spoil of their enemies. Here is demonstrated the biblical principle that: “ the wealth of the wicked is laid up for the righteous.” The story relates that it took the Israelites three days to gather it all.
• King Jehoshaphat led the people back to Jerusalem with their spoil and they came to the house of Yah (G-d) with harps, lyres and shofars and joyfully praised Yah.
• Once again shalom (peace) reigned in the kingdom of King Jehoshaphat and Yah (G-d) gave him rest on all sides.
• Within this great story lies a template for us to use for our lives when we are threatened with something that disturbs our peace:

1) Admit your weakness

2) Look to Yah (G-d) for your answer

3) Listen for a word from Yah

4) Praise Him until and after you see the victory

posted by Chris Phillips, Congregational Leader  # 10/21/2005