Celebrate!Sample

Victory in Praise

Here is a great lesson on the power of praise. Judah was confronted by mortal enemies, Moab and Ammon. The people sought God in prayer and with faith in His Word (2 Chr. 20:1–14). Then came the prophet’s word: “Do not be afraid … for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15).

The victory came in a strange but powerful manner. The Levites stood and praised “the Lord God of Israel with voices loud and high” (v. 19). Then some of them were appointed to precede the army as they headed into the battle and, as they went, they were to sing to the Lord and praise Him in the beauty of holiness.

The result of this powerful praise was total victory! As they began to sing and to praise God with the expectancy that He would fight for them, the enemies were defeated. This incident is not unique, but has parallels in other Old Testament victories (see Josh. 6:10, 20; Judg. 7:18–22; 2 Kin.7:3–16; 19:35). Whenever and wherever God’s people praise Him, He reigns among them and does miraculous things on their behalf.