The Battle Won Without Lifting One Sword.
When King Jehoshaphat stood facing the advanced forces of Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites there was no doubt that his country was under existential threat. The path forward seemed completely unclear – until Jahaziel the Levite and King Jehoshaphat realized that they still had one unconventional tactic at their disposal…
The Unlikely Response to an Existential Threat
In the face of fierce enemy armies, King Jehoshaphat chose a seemingly suicidal response: sending Levite singers into battle ahead of his warriors. The amazing thing is that this tactic worked above and beyond any normal military response: “As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed” (2 Chronicles 20:22).
The Amazing Double Meaning
“Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger” (Psalm 8:2). This verse, quoted later by Jesus, contains a fascinating play on words. The word עֹז (ʽOz) – translated as “bulwark” here – has the primary meaning of strength and valor, with a secondary meaning of praise. This one Hebrew word captures the essence of the entire story of the army that won by singing.
Explore the Incredible world of the Bible Sometimes understanding one word is like reading an entire story. Discovering the meanings of Hebrew words in their context can unearth surprising and inspiring insights. Don’t let anything stand in the way of your desire to learn biblical Hebrew.
bahmer wrote:
When King Jehoshaphat stood facing the advanced forces of Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites there was no doubt that his country was under existential threat. The path forward seemed completely unclear – until Jahaziel the Levite and King Jehoshaphat realized that they still had one unconventional tactic at their disposal…
The Unlikely Response to an Existential Threat
In the face of fierce enemy armies, King Jehoshaphat chose a seemingly suicidal response: sending Levite singers into battle ahead of his warriors. The amazing thing is that this tactic worked above and beyond any normal military response: “As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed” (2 Chronicles 20:22).
The Amazing Double Meaning
“Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger” (Psalm 8:2). This verse, quoted later by Jesus, contains a fascinating play on words. The word עֹז (ʽOz) – translated as “bulwark” here – has the primary meaning of strength and valor, with a secondary meaning of praise. This one Hebrew word captures the essence of the entire story of the army that won by singing.
Explore the Incredible world of the Bible Sometimes understanding one word is like reading an entire story. Discovering the meanings of Hebrew words in their context can unearth surprising and inspiring insights. Don’t let anything stand in the way of your desire to learn biblical Hebrew.
When King Jehoshaphat stood facing the advanced fo... (
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I’ve experienced some of that, it’s quite a ride!
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