IN THE VALLEY OF PRAISE (1 OF 3)
by Jeff Strite
Scripture: II Chronicles 20:1-30
This content is part of a series.
In the Valley of Praise (1 of 3)
Series: The Power
Jeff Strite
II Chronicles 20:1-30
OPEN: (We played Don Francisco's Song ''Jehoshaphat'' after reading the text... it's worth buying his CD just for personal enjoyment)
One of the oldest books on warfare was written by Sun Tzu. It's called the Art Of War and in its 13 chapters, Sun Tzu laid down some basic principles of how to wage war.
Amongst his advice were these statements:
- All warfare is based on deception.
- Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
- Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
- If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.
- Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
- If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.
APPLY: Now, those seem like common sense rules. And for centuries, generals and military leaders have studied Sun Tzu's teachings and used them for the basis of their battles and military campaigns.
This is how battles are waged and how wars are won.
But you know, I'm pretty sure that Sun Tzu's ''Art Of War'' never dealt with a battle quite like the one we're reading about today.
I mean this is NOT how battles are fought and it's not how wars are won. The Jews appear to be outnumbered 3 to one and according to Sun Tzu, when you're outnumbered… you run away (evade).
But not Jehoshaphat and his army. Not only did they not run away, I'm not sure they brought much in the way of weapons. In fact, their only tactical weapons seemed to be a promise from God and… a glee club.
2 Chronicles 20:21 says that ''After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: 'Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.'''
Judah should not have won this battle.
But they did because they had a pr ...
Series: The Power
Jeff Strite
II Chronicles 20:1-30
OPEN: (We played Don Francisco's Song ''Jehoshaphat'' after reading the text... it's worth buying his CD just for personal enjoyment)
One of the oldest books on warfare was written by Sun Tzu. It's called the Art Of War and in its 13 chapters, Sun Tzu laid down some basic principles of how to wage war.
Amongst his advice were these statements:
- All warfare is based on deception.
- Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
- Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
- If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.
- Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
- If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.
APPLY: Now, those seem like common sense rules. And for centuries, generals and military leaders have studied Sun Tzu's teachings and used them for the basis of their battles and military campaigns.
This is how battles are waged and how wars are won.
But you know, I'm pretty sure that Sun Tzu's ''Art Of War'' never dealt with a battle quite like the one we're reading about today.
I mean this is NOT how battles are fought and it's not how wars are won. The Jews appear to be outnumbered 3 to one and according to Sun Tzu, when you're outnumbered… you run away (evade).
But not Jehoshaphat and his army. Not only did they not run away, I'm not sure they brought much in the way of weapons. In fact, their only tactical weapons seemed to be a promise from God and… a glee club.
2 Chronicles 20:21 says that ''After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: 'Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.'''
Judah should not have won this battle.
But they did because they had a pr ...
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