Praise and Worship in 2Chronicles
Praise in 2Chronicles
Leaders who look to God for wisdom and knowledge (1:10)
His greatness, which is beyond compare (2:5)
His responses to our worship (5:13-14)
His blessings for obedience and his discipline for rebellion (6:20-39)
His attentiveness to our prayers of humble repentance (7:13-15)
His sovereignty over all things, both good and bad (10:12-15)
The strength he gives to those whose hearts are fully committed to him (16:9)
Parents who set godly examples for their children (26:4; 27:2)
Children who follow God despite their poor parental examples (29:2)
Humble leaders (32:24-31)
The power of his Word to change our heart and actions (34:14-21).
Worship in 2Chronicles
Second Chronicles also extols the episodes of worship renewal in Judah. We learn that Rehoboam humbled himself before the Lord, that Asa led the people in a recommitment to the covenant, and that Jehoshaphat won a battle by sending a chorus of priests ahead of the army. We are also told of Temple repairs organized by Joash, Hezekiah, and Josiah.
Judah was in trouble, and King Jehoshaphat was alarmed. A large army was about to attack Judah, so Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and called the people together to pray. While the people were praying, suddenly the Lord spoke through one of his prophets: “Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (20:15). The prophet then outlined a battle plan for Judah, and Jehoshaphat put the plan into action the next day. After encouraging his people, Jehoshaphat appointed people to go ahead of the army singing praises to the Lord: “Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!” (20:21). This song was no prebattle ceremony; it was the battle plan itself. When the singers began to praise the Lord, the enemy armies turned on each other and destroyed themselves. The army of Judah returned to Jerusalem with shouts of joy and the sounding of trumpets and other instruments.
Jehoshaphat’s victory illustrates a truth about worship: It is a form of spiritual warfare. Another well-known battle that demonstrates this same truth is Joshua’s siege of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-21). In this battle, the victory was won, not by fighting, but by following the Lord’s instructions to march around the city and shout. As with these battles, when we begin to praise and worship God, he will enable us to overcome those who oppose his will and his people.
Worship often precedes guidance (1:5-7).
God’s greatness ought to move us to offer our best to him (2:5).
Prayers of dedication invoke God’s blessing on our work while reminding us of our responsibilities to him (6:14-42).
Repentance leads to healing, forgiveness, and renewed worship (7:13-14).
Removing loyalties that separate us from God is essential for restoring true worship (14:3-6).
We should always turn to God when we feel threatened, and fasting can often help us focus on him (20:2-4).
Our offerings form part of our worship (24:8-14; 31:2-21).
Music, offerings, humility, and praise all contribute to meaningful worship (29:25-30).
Meaningful worship establishes a solid foundation for revival (30:6–31:1).
Reading and understanding God’s Word lays the groundwork for worship (34:14-32).