When We're Called to Wear a Choir Robe to the Battlefield

2 Chronicles 20:15, 17, 21-22 (ESV)

And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.’”

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You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.”

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And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, 

“Give thanks to the LORD,

for his steadfast love endures forever.”

And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. 

Sometimes we’re called to wear a choir robe to the battlefield. 

Every battle we face is ultimately God’s, but the ways we’re called to proceed within our battles can vary. Sometimes God calls us to fight alongside him (like Joshua, Barak, David, etc.), and other times he calls us simply to put on our choir robes and proceed with praise. 

God had promised the inhabitants of Jerusalem they would not need to fight this battle. They had to show up, stand firm, and hold their position—but they would not be fighting. Thus, as a declaration of trust, King Jehoshaphat and the elders resolved to send out their army with a procession of people dressed in holy attire assigned only the task of praising God.

And as they praised, God fought the battle for them.

Oh Lord, thank you that our battles are not our own. Help us to discern when to forego a sword and put on a choir robe. Amen.