And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
Fear of the Great Multitude
I have always admired the bravery of men and women who have enlisted in the military forces. The great multitude they face during their service is something I do not imagine myself being able to bravely face. Take, for example, the armies in Ukraine. They are attacked on three sides but the bravery of the Ukrainian army and its citizens is something to look up to. All of them had one goal and that is to protect their motherland from Russian invaders.
The children of Israel, led by Jehosaphat, were also attacked by a great multitude. It is written, After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. 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) (v. 1-2 ESV). And King Jehosaphat feared the great multitude. But what he did right was not to be overwhelmed by the fear and to seek the God of his fathers. Moreover, he influenced the people to fast and pray with him to ask God for help and deliverance. They humbled themselves, all men, women, children and little ones (v. 13 ESV).
There will be times in our lives that we will be faced with a great multitude, whether people who are against us or by circumstances that are difficult to face. But let us remember what Jahaziel said to the Israelites, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. (v. 15 ESV). Furthermore, let us keep in mind and in our prayers Ukraine and all nations fighting against a great multitude that is bringing chaos and evil in their lives.
Prayer
Our mighty father, we bring glory to your Holy Name. We beseech you Lord to strengthen our faint hearts and to face every day with the courage and hope that we get from your Spirit. Grant us, Lord, wisdom and understanding of the difficult challenges we face. When we see despair and suffering may our faith in your Son Jesus Christ not waver. O Holy Spirit, guide us as we continue to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and let our sufferings be a fuel to keep going and not to dishearten us. We pray for Ukraine, Syria, Israel and all other nations that are experiencing war. May you remind them to look up to you for help and salvation. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
