Valley of Blessing

There is a mythology in Christianity today that the chosen of God will not have to fight battles in this life. My experience is that this is far from true. In the 133 miracles that I have studied in the Bible, all required some action to receive the promise. God will place us in the Valley of Blessing, but we still have to do our part.

On the Map

I trace this mythology and misunderstanding to a place in the land of Israel called The Valley of Blessing. Yes, it is a real place. On the map, it is actually called the valley of Beracah. It is on the main road from Hebron to Jerusalem. It is significant because of its history and a king of Judah named Jehoshaphat.

The kings of Judah and Israel all fall into one of two categories: those who did right in the sight of God and those who did evil. It is a sad commentary that even with all of the blessings God had given his people most of the kings did not act in a way that pleased God. Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah, however, who did what was right in the sight of God. 

Favor

Jehoshaphat had God’s favor, but this did mean that there were no challenges during his reign. God allows challenges in the lives of his people. No one is excluded. At one point in the story, a vast army from three neighboring nations, Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir, came against Judah. Not surprisingly, Jehoshaphat was overwhelmed by fear and gathered the people together to ask God for deliverance. 

God’s reply is a promise that Christians still rely upon today, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” This promise is the source of our misunderstanding. It is true that the prophet said, “You will not have to fight this battle…” But, he did not stop there. He went on to say, “. . . take up your positions; stand firm.” If you do this, then, you will “. . . see the deliverance the Lord will give you.” They could not sit around and wait for a miracle. They were commanded to “Go out and face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.” 

Crazy! They sang!

Indeed, Jehoshaphat did just as he was directed. Early on the next morning, they left for the place of the battle. Regardless of his fearfulness, he assembled the people and went out to the battle. As they went, Jehoshaphat’s confidence increased to such a degree that he did something very unusual. He appointed people to sing to the Lord and praise God for the splendor of his holiness. Crazy! They sang! 

On this day, Jehoshaphat and the people began to sing and praise God and God answered their prayers by stirring up the enemy to kill each other. Just as God had promised, when Jehoshaphat and his army entered the valley, the enemy had completely annihilated each other. Judah’s army took three days to sort through the dead bodies and collect the valuables, including gold, silver, and precious jewels. On the fourth day, Jehoshaphat assembled the people in the valley of Berakah, which means blessing, where they praised the Lord. To this day, the valley is referred to as “The Valley of Blessing.”

We Must Stand

While the battle was God’s, Jehoshaphat still had to take up his position and stand. Too often, Christians use this scripture as an excuse to do nothing. “It is not my battle, it’s God’s.” But, God does not take us out of the battle; He fights on our side! In all of the challenges that I have faced so far in my life, God has been Jehovah Saboth, the Lord our protector and Jehovah Nissi, the Lord our banner. However, that has never meant that there was no role for me to play. 

God will vindicate us. This is a promise of protection in times of trouble; God is our banner and protector in times of adversity. If we do our part, God will see us through and place us in The Valley of Blessing.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”

—2 Chronicles 20:21

© 2019 Chuck Locklear All rights reserved

Also, see The Valley of Death is Real.