God’s deliverance remains faithful to those who call out to Him in desperate moments.
“So when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, ‘It is the king of Israel,’ and they surrounded him to fight; but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him.” (v.31) This moment unfolds during a joint military campaign at Ramoth-gilead, an important city located east of the Jordan River in the tribal territory of Gad. Jehoshaphat, King of Judah from 872-848 BC, had allied himself with King Ahab of Israel (who reigned from 874-853 BC), and together they went into battle. The confusion arises here because the Aramean chariot commanders mistake Jehoshaphat for Ahab, prompting a swift and dangerous assault.
When “the captains of the chariots…surrounded him to fight” (v.31), Jehoshaphat could have given in to fear. Instead, he reacts by calling upon the LORD for deliverance. This act of faith highlights two key truths: first, even the righteous face life-threatening challenges; and second, God remains ready to intervene on behalf of those who trust in Him. In the New Testament, we see this principle reiterated in Christ’s assurances that God hears those who call on Him in faith (Matthew 7:7-11).
The LORD responds dramatically when “Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him” (v.31). Just as God rescued Jehoshaphat from impending doom, He still delivers His followers from peril and confusion (Philippians 4:6-7). This powerful example reveals God’s willingness to defend His people, even in desperate circumstances. It also stands as a reminder that we must rely on divine power rather than mere human alliances or strategies.
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2 Chronicles 18:31 meaning
“So when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, ‘It is the king of Israel,’ and they surrounded him to fight; but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him.” (v.31) This moment unfolds during a joint military campaign at Ramoth-gilead, an important city located east of the Jordan River in the tribal territory of Gad. Jehoshaphat, King of Judah from 872-848 BC, had allied himself with King Ahab of Israel (who reigned from 874-853 BC), and together they went into battle. The confusion arises here because the Aramean chariot commanders mistake Jehoshaphat for Ahab, prompting a swift and dangerous assault.
When “the captains of the chariots…surrounded him to fight” (v.31), Jehoshaphat could have given in to fear. Instead, he reacts by calling upon the LORD for deliverance. This act of faith highlights two key truths: first, even the righteous face life-threatening challenges; and second, God remains ready to intervene on behalf of those who trust in Him. In the New Testament, we see this principle reiterated in Christ’s assurances that God hears those who call on Him in faith (Matthew 7:7-11).
The LORD responds dramatically when “Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him, and God diverted them from him” (v.31). Just as God rescued Jehoshaphat from impending doom, He still delivers His followers from peril and confusion (Philippians 4:6-7). This powerful example reveals God’s willingness to defend His people, even in desperate circumstances. It also stands as a reminder that we must rely on divine power rather than mere human alliances or strategies.