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Royalty and Ruin

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A Battle Won by a Choir Singing

Early in the morning as they advanced into the wilderness of Tekoa to battle, Jehoshaphat said, “‘Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.’ And ... he appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness.” Verses 20, 21. These singers went before the army, lifting their voices in praise to God for the promise of victory. RR 71.3

It was a most unusual way of going to battle—singing and exalting the God of Israel! This was their battle song. They possessed the beauty of holiness. Wouldn’t more praising of God strengthen the hands of the valiant soldiers who are standing in defense of truth today? RR 71.4

“The Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.” Verses 22, 23. RR 71.5

God was Judah’s strength in this crisis, and He is the strength of His people today. We are not to trust in princes or to set anyone in the place of God. In every emergency we are to feel that the battle is God’s. His resources are limitless. Apparent impossibilities will make the victory all the greater. RR 71.6

Loaded down with plunder, the armies of Judah returned “with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. So they came to Jerusalem, with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets, to the house of the Lord.” Verses 27, 28. They had put their trust completely in God, and He had proved to be their fortress and deliverer. Now they could sing with understanding the inspired hymn of David: RR 71.7

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariot in the fire.
Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46:1, 9-11 RR 72.1

Through the faith of Judah’s ruler and of his armies “the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. Then the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.” 2 Chronicles 20:29, 30. RR 72.2