GIVE THANKS— ANYWAY! 148 © 2016 LifeWay
Facing a challenge? Begin by acknowledging your blessings.
By the fall of 1863, President Abraham Lincoln had faced enormous challenges and loss.
» A war had divided the country.
» In July alone, the battle at Gettysburg resulted in over 51,000 causalities, including over 7,000 deaths.
» Riots were raging in New York City over emancipation and draft laws.
» His son, Willie, had died the year before.
With immense challenges facing him, the president did what might seem unusual today: he called for a day of thanksgiving
for a year “filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies … gracious gifts of the Most High God.” Even
though the war raged on, Lincoln repeated this the following year with a second proclamation for a day of thanksgiving.8
Abraham Lincoln was not the first commander-in-chief to call for thanksgiving in the thick of war. Jehoshaphat, the king
of Judah, did the same thing. The biblical account of what the people faced—and how they faced it—contains great
truth for us today.
BARRY CAMPBELL
Barry Campbell is lead pastor at Highland Baptist Church in Redmond, Oregon.
His wife, Marci, is a special education consultant who helps churches strengthen
ministries to people with special needs. Together they have enjoyed many years
of ministry, but are finding the greatest joy in serving alongside the people of
Highland Baptist.
B I B L E S T U D I E S F O R L I F E 14 9© 2016 LifeWay
The PointWe can give thanks in every situation.
The Passage2 Chronicles 20:10-12,14-17,20-22,29-30
The Bible Meets Life Every November, we are reminded to be thankful for all the blessings and good things in our lives.
It’s easy to be thankful when the blessings are obvious or right in front of us. Thankfulness is harder
when the road before us is uncertain and we feel like we’re facing more challenges than blessings.
We can truly give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), because God is always at work on
our behalf.
The SettingThe events described in 2 Chronicles 20 took place following the dividing of the Northern Kingdom
and the Southern Kingdom (2 Chronicles 10). The Northern Kingdom was known as Israel and
the Southern Kingdom was called Judah. The capital of the Southern Kingdom was Jerusalem,
and Jehoshaphat was the fourth king to reign over Judah. The events found in this story concern
Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah.
SPECIAL FOCUS
GIVE THANKS—ANYWAY!
B I B L E S T U D I E S F O R L I F E 151© 2016 LifeWay
2 Chronicles 20:10-12,14-17,20-22,29-30 (HCSB)10 Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of Your possession that You gave us as an inheritance. 12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You.
14 In the middle of the congregation, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel (son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants), 15 and he said, “Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.’”
20 In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in Yahweh your God, and you will be established; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord and some to praise the splendor of His holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing: “Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithful love endures forever.” 22 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated.
29 The terror of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that Yahweh had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was quiet, for his God gave him rest on every side.
Vast number (v. 12)—The Hebrew term for this phrase appears four times in chapter 20 (vv. 2,12,15,24) and expresses the fact that Judah was overwhelmingly outnumbered by a coalition of invading forces coming to attack them. Judah faced an imminent crisis.
What does the Bible say?
152 S p e c i a l f o c u S © 2016 LifeWay
Notes
GET INTO THE STUDYDISCUSS: Invite your group members
to discuss Question #1 on page 121 of
the PSG (Personal Study Guide): “What’s
your favorite way to express thanks?”
Allow time for each person to respond.
SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 122):
Some days it’s tough to read or watch the
news. The headlines alone leave us shak-
ing our heads: Multi-car crash shuts down
interstate for six hours. Business lays off
1,000 workers, announcing all production
will go offshore. Terrorist bomb kills 20 and injures dozens in market square.
During this week of Thanksgiving, however, we are reminded to be thankful. The apos-
tle Paul gave us this wisdom: “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in
Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Give thanks in everything? Those are hard words for
many of us. Events around the world—and even in our own lives—might cause us to
wonder how we can realistically be thankful when life seems to go against us.
SAY: “During the reign of King Jehoshaphat in Judah, the nation also faced difficult
times, but they remained thankful. We can look at the challenges they faced and see
that, yes, we can be thankful—no matter what.”
GUIDE: Call attention to The Point on page 122 of the PSG: “We can give thanks in
every situation.”
PRAY: Transition into the discussion with prayer. Pray for those in your group who are
facing difficult situations that they might pause to recognize God’s blessings in the
midst of their challenge.
We can give thanks in every situation.
TIP: Establish a culture of serving in the DNA of your group. If your church has scheduled service opportunities, sign up as a group to serve together. If not, come up with one as a group.
10 minutes
Display Pack Item #11 to use with your discussion of 2 Chronicles 20:10-12.
PLAYLIST PICK: “The Strength”
by City Worship
B I B L E S T U D I E S F O R L I F E 153
THE POINT
© 2016 LifeWay
Notes
2 Chronicles 20:10-12 (HCSB)
10 Now here are the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir. You did not let Israel invade them when Israel came out of the land of Egypt, but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. 11 Look how they repay us by coming to drive us out of Your possession that You gave us as an inheritance. 12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do, but we look to You.
READ: Ask a group member to read aloud 2 Chronicles 20:10-12.
LEADER PACK: Display Pack Item #11, “Kingdoms of Israel and Judah” map, to
show Jerusalem’s location in relation to Ammon, Moab, and Edom.
SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 123): Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, sought
God’s favor in everything he set out to do (2 Chronicles 17:3-4). But Jehoshaphat
still faced attacks from his enemies. The nations surrounding Judah were
combining their forces, preparing to attack and destroy Judah.
DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 123 of the PSG: “What are some situations
that make you feel powerless?” (Note: This question requires some vulnerability
from your group members . You’ll get more honest discussion if you place members
into subgroups of three or four for this question .)
SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 123): When he found out about their plans,
Jehoshaphat called the nation to prayer.
» In his prayer, Jehoshaphat reminded the Lord of their history: how the Lord
had driven out their enemies in the past and given the land to Israel.
» He recalled God’s promises to the people, and their promises to God.
» Finally, Jehoshaphat simply pointed out enemies were approaching and said,
“We do not know what to do, but we look to You” (v. 12).
TRANSITION: Jehoshaphat pointed out that we can depend on God because He
is all-powerful. In the next verses, he gives another reason why we can rely on God.
ALTERNATE QUESTION:What do you tend to do when you face a situation you cannot fix?
STUDY THE BIBLE10 minutes
15 4 S p e c i a l f o c u S © 2016 LifeWay
2 Chronicles 20:10-12 Commentary
Give thanks because you can look to God when you are powerless. According to 2 Chronicles
17:6 Jehoshaphat was a good king whose mind rejoiced in the Lord’s ways. However after Jehoshaphat
formed an alliance with Ahab, the king of the Northern Kingdom, God’s wrath turned against
Jehoshaphat because he helped the wicked and loved those who hated the Lord (2 Chronicles 19:2). As
a result, God allowed Judah’s enemies to form a coalition united in the purpose of defeating Judah and
taking possession of their land. This coalition came from the other side of the Dead Sea and consisted of
the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir.
Jehoshaphat’s initial response upon hearing of an imminent invasion was great fear. King Jehoshaphat
assembled the people of Judah and resolved to seek the Lord (20:3-4).
Verses 10-12: These verses contain a portion of Jehoshaphat’s prayer that comes in the form of a
complaint. Jehoshaphat’s prayer was gritty and raw, filled with honest emotion. Jehoshaphat was direct
and bold before God, reminding Him that He was the One who could have eliminated this current
situation but didn’t since He did not let Israel invade the peoples when Israel came out of Egypt (Numbers
20:14-21; Deuteronomy 2:4-9,18-19). Jehoshaphat pointed out that the enemies showed appreciation
for God’s mercy by showing no mercy to His people as the invaders moved closer. Jehoshaphat pleaded
with God to “look how they repay us.” He reminded God that their enemy intended to drive them out
of the land God Himself gave them as an inheritance. Jehoshaphat sought to incite God’s wrath by
pointing out such an action as not only an attack on God’s people but on God Himself.
Jehoshaphat asked God, “will You not judge them?” He fully anticipated a positive response. Though
Jehoshaphat complained about God’s past mercy toward His enemies, he remained confident in God’s
goodness and strength. On the other hand, Jehoshaphat had no confidence in his own strength. The
king confessed on behalf of himself and his people that “we are powerless before this vast number.”
The word translated as “powerless” literally means “nothing.” Jehoshaphat’s army was no slouch itself,
numbering over one million men (2 Chronicles 17:12-19). However this appeared as nothing compared
to the army stirring up dust as it closed in on Jehoshaphat’s territory. They were not only powerless to
win the battle against the invading armies, they were powerless to know what to do and thus they had
to look beyond themselves unto God. Jehoshaphat delivered some of the most moving and honest
words in prayer as he redirected his eyes from the invading forces and placed them on God, “We do not
know what to do, but we look to You.” The great multitude preparing to attack produced an admission
of powerlessness that made Judah dependent on the Lord.
We can give thanks in every situation.
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THE POINT
© 2016 LifeWay
Notes
2 Chronicles 20:14-17 (HCSB)
14 In the middle of the congregation, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel (son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants), 15 and he said, “Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go
out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.’”
READ: Ask a group member to read aloud 2 Chronicles 20:14-17.
SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 124): Right in the middle of this crowd praying
with Jehoshaphat was a man named Jahaziel. God used him to both challenge and
encourage the people in verses 15-17.
DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 125 of the PSG: “What can we learn from
these verses as we face our own battles?”
SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGES 124-125): When we find ourselves
surrounded, we can 1.) Put away fear and discouragement (v. 15); 2.) Position
ourselves and stand still (v. 17); and 3.) Watch God at work (v. 17).
DO: Instruct group members to complete the activity on page 126 of the PSG on
their own. If time permits, allow volunteers to share their responses.
FACING MY BATTLES:
» In which area of life are you currently facing overwhelming circumstances?
Place an X next toHighlight all that apply.
______ Work ______ Education
______ Relationships ______ Finances
______ Church ______ Parenting
______ Other : ______________________________
» What biblical truth can you focus on while waiting to watch God work?
ALTERNATE QUESTION:When have you felt God’s presence in a helpless situation?
STUDY THE BIBLE10 minutes
15 6 S p e c i a l f o c u S © 2016 LifeWay
2 Chronicles 20:14-17 Commentary
Give thanks because God is with you. Verses 14-15: Birthed out of crises, Jehoshaphat, together
with the assembled people of Judah, cried out in desperation to God. God’s answer came from an
unexpected source: the Spirit of the Lord who came on Jahaziel. Jahaziel’s words to the people included
three directives.
The first directive of “do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number” comes from the
promise that the battle belongs to God. They had the double comfort of not having to fight the battle
along with the fact God would fight on their behalf, assuring certain victory. This hope-filled message is
repeated in verse 17 to reassure the people of God’s promise and protection.
Verse 16: The juxtaposition of the security of God’s promise and the imminence of the enemy attack
is seen in the fact that the invading army was only a day’s march away. However, Jahaziel instructed
Jehoshaphat and his army not to simply wait for the invasion to strike but to “go down against them.”
The Spirit-filled prophet even supplied them with the exact coordinates to where the enemy would be
found. “You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley
facing the Wilderness of Jeruel.” The location of the Wilderness of Jeruel cannot be identified today with
certainty but its location was clearly known to Jehoshaphat and the Judeans.
Verse 17: The purpose of moving out to meet their attackers was not to instigate a surprise attack. In
fact, they were not to attack at all. The purpose of their going out was to observe the defeat of their
enemy under the mighty hand of God. They would have a front row seat to the power and majesty of
God acting on their behalf. Thus the second directive to “stand still” conveys this insight. The human
factor in this battle was downplayed while the action of God was made central. All the Judean army had
to do was to position themselves, stand still and watch God work. They were to make no contribution,
“for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15).
It is the third directive of watching God work that positions the Judeans to “see the salvation of the
Lord.” Echoes from the future can be heard as the gospel resounds here. The work of God in Christ
crucified and resurrected, defeating sin by conquering it on another’s behalf, finds many similarities to
the chronicler’s story. In both cases faith is demonstrated by beholding what God alone would do for the
sake of His people. It would require a great act of faith to make themselves visible to their approaching
enemy, positioned before them and simply standing still. Therefore Jahaziel encouraged the Judean
troops by reminding them that “Yahweh is with you.”
We can give thanks in every situation.
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THE POINT
© 2016 LifeWay
Notes
2 Chronicles 20:20-22,29-30 (HCSB)
20 In the morning they got up early and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa. As they were about to go out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in Yahweh your God, and you will be established; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord and some to praise the splendor of His holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing: “Give thanks to the Lord, for His faithful love endures forever.” 22 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated.
29 The terror of God was on all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that Yahweh had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was quiet, for his God gave him rest on every side.
READ: Ask a group member to read aloud 2 Chronicles 20:20-22,29-30.
SUMMARIZE THE PSG (PAGE 127): Jehoshaphat assembled a choir, placing
them in front of the army. This had a two-pronged effect.
» First, the soldiers under Jehoshaphat heard the praise to God going before
them. Praise preceded them into battle because the battle belonged to God.
» Second, the enemy heard praise to the Lord, the One who stood with Judah.
DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 126 of the PSG: “What are your favorite ways
to express praise and thanks to God?”
DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 127 of the PSG: “How does being a thankful
person advance your witness for Christ?”
TRANSITION: When we act on our faith in Christ and thank Him—regardless of
what we may see at that moment—we experience His presence, power, and peace.
ALTERNATE QUESTION:In what ways does it glorify God when we depend on Him?
STUDY THE BIBLE10 minutes
15 8 S p e c i a l f o c u S © 2016 LifeWay
2 Chronicles 20:20-22,29-30 Commentary
Give thanks because God gives victory and peace. Verse 20: Jehoshaphat and his army set
out early in the morning. As they departed the king delivered a battle exhortation; the people were
to: “believe in Yahweh your God” and to “believe in His prophets.” This exhortation for faith in God’s
prophets would have included the words delivered by Jahaziel.
Verse 21: Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord. A typical ancient attack would have begun
with a war cry. By contrast, Judah was led by worship. Jehoshaphat sent out the temple choir to meet
the invading army. Joyful singing would hardly have been intimidating to the enemy relying on their
numerical strength. Jehoshaphat led his people to look unto the life-giving power of the mighty God.
Verse 22: As they sang, “the Lord set an ambush.” It is likely a heavenly army was responsible for the
ambush that caused confusion to the invaders, creating a panic, leading to self-destruction. It appears the
invading coalition lost faith in one another and turned against each another and destroyed themselves
while Jehoshaphat and his people stood still and watched as the Lord fought on their behalf.
Verse 29: It was praise and thanksgiving that unleashed the power of God. Israel had sung the praises
of the splendor of God’s holiness, while all the “kingdoms of the lands” were in terror of God’s holiness.
The holiness of God is a treasure to the people of God and a fearful dread to the enemies of God.
Word spread among the nations that Yahweh fought against the enemies of Israel. Not only had God
conquered Jehoshaphat’s enemies but He also reestablished enemy nations’ fear of God. Yahweh had
reestablished peace in the land.
Verse 30: Early readers of this account would have been filled with hope realizing that though they
had failed God, the hope of restoration and redemption was never lost. Fear and discouragement had
defined God’s people prior to the victory of God; now the people experienced a state of peaceful quiet
and flourishing. As for Jehoshaphat, God “gave him rest on every side.” Not only had God won the
victory on his behalf, but He also had restored the king to the place of joyful rest.
In the same way, Jesus Christ has fought against sin on behalf of His people. He has conquered the
enemy. And He has set the course for restoration and gives rest to His people (Romans 8:18-25). The
world ravished by the fall will one day be redeemed and restored to a place of rest and peace. God has
told His people to sit still and to see the salvation of the Lord, then He placed His Son on a cross to pay
the wages of our sin, and He rose from death to life to conquer the power of the grave. For that we can
give thanks in every circumstance (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
We can give thanks in every situation.
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THE POINT
© 2016 LifeWay
Notes
LIVE IT OUTSAY: “How will you live a life of thanksgiving?”
GUIDE: Lead group members to consider the
responses to the Bible study listed on page 128
of the PSG.
» Pray. If thanking God in the middle of
a battle is a new or difficult idea for you,
begin by praying for God to strengthen
your faith and trust in Him. Trust God to
reveal Himself as you face the challenge and thank Him.
» Remember. Identify a time when God provided for you in the midst of a
harrowing situation. Let that experience be a reminder of God’s power and
faithfulness the next time you face adversity.
» Share. Is someone you know facing a difficult time? Pray for them this week;
thank God for who He is, what He’s promised, and how He’s provided even in
the midst of the storm.
Wrap It Up
SAY: “We don’t have to be thankful for every circumstance in order to be thankful
in every circumstance. God is all-powerful and He is constantly with us. For these
things, we are filled with gratitude.”
5 minutes
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