The enemies of Judah showed up suddenly outside Jerusalem to make war in a time of peace.
When the report came, King Jehoshaphat was struck with fear, because the enemies’ combined armies far outnumbered Judah’s.
After declaring a fast for the nation, so they could seek God, they all came from their cities to hear from the Lord.
“All Judah was standing before the Lord, with their infants, their wives, and their children,” when the king spoke. His wise and humble prayer is recorded in II Chronicles 20:6-12.
In effect, he acknowledged the true God and admitted, “We are powerless before this great multitude coming against us, nor do we know what to do; but our eyes are on You.”
“Then, in the midst of the assembly the spirit of the Lord filled Jahaziel…and he said, Listen all Judah…and King Jehoshaphat, thus says the Lord to you” (v. 14-15).
What this obscure prophet relayed to everyone was God’s battle plan when they went out to face the enemy. What God had planned the next day for them was to show up to praise Him, while He dealt with the enemy (v. 16-25).
After Jahaziel spoke, everyone, including the King, bowed their heads and fell down before the Lord to worship Him.
They knew that God’s prophet had spoken and this was the way to victory.