Jamie Owens-Collins penned some very meaningful hymn lyrics—meaningful to worshipers of all ages. It is a favorite song of many children, and the words ought to be a favorite of every adult. The beginning of the third verse comes to mind when reading about King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20.
Jehoshaphat was king of the southern kingdom of Judah for 25 years (20:31), and he made some progress in bringing “them back to the Lord God of their fathers” (19:4), from whom they had often strayed. In chapter 20, the nations of Moab, Ammon and others “came to battle against Jehoshaphat” in a “great multitude” (20:1-2). From a human perspective, it did not look good, and the king “was afraid” (20:3). So what did Jehoshaphat do? He did what every one of us need to do when things “don’t look good” for us!
He “set himself to seek the Lord” (20:3). Then, using his influence, he “gathered” the people together “to ask help from the Lord” and “to seek the Lord” (20:4). It was a full-court press to the throne—not the king’s throne but THE KING’S throne. With armies surrounding him, the lyrics to the third verse of the hymn seemed to flood his soul. “When your enemy presses in hard, do not fear.” Why not? “The battle belongs to the Lord.” Jehoshaphat knew that!
Jehoshaphat stood before the people in the house of the Lord and he prayed. Jehoshaphat may have been afraid of the enemy armies, but he had tremendous faith in his God. Notice three things he knew about his God.
In the first part of the prayer, he said, “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?” (20:6). This verse speaks of God’s PRESENT power, rule and activity in the lives of His people.
In the next part of the prayer, Jehoshaphat said, “Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?” (20:7). This verse speaks of God’s PAST power, rule and activity on behalf of His people.
In the final part of the prayer, he said, “O our God, will You not judge them?” (20:12). Notice this verse speaks of God’s FUTURE power, rule and activity for His people.
Yes! The battle belongs to the Lord! It belongs to the Lord who has proven in the PAST that He will work in the PRESENT to continue by our side into the FUTURE! Do you trust Him enough to say, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (20:12)? He will fight with you and for you!