This verse, 2 Chronicles 20:12, is a powerful statement of faith and vulnerability from King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Let's break down its meaning:
"Our God, will you not judge them?": Jehoshaphat is appealing to God's justice. A vast coalition of enemies is about to invade Judah. Jehoshaphat is asking God to intervene and judge these nations for their aggression. He's not seeking revenge, but rather asking for God to uphold righteousness and protect His people.
"For we have no might against this great company that comes against us.": This is a confession of human weakness and inadequacy. Jehoshaphat acknowledges that Judah is outmatched and unable to defeat the overwhelming force arrayed against them. It's an honest admission of vulnerability, emphasizing their reliance on divine help. They recognize the problem is beyond their own power to solve.
"We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.": This is the heart of the verse. "We don't know what to do" highlights human limitation. It's admitting that human wisdom and strategy are insufficient. "But our eyes are on you" is the key statement of faith. Despite their fear and uncertainty, Jehoshaphat and his people are placing their trust solely in God. They are looking to Him for guidance, strength, and deliverance. They are not relying on their own resources but turning to the only source of power that can help them.
In summary, the verse means:
Jehoshaphat is calling upon God's justice to deal with their enemies.
He acknowledges Judah's weakness and inability to defend themselves.
He expresses complete dependence on God, looking to Him for guidance and protection because they are at a loss of what to do.
It's a declaration of faith in God's power and a commitment to trust in Him during a time of crisis.
This verse is often used as an example of how to pray in difficult situations: acknowledge your weakness, confess your dependence on God, and fix your eyes on Him in faith.
This verse, 2 Chronicles 20:12, is a powerful statement of faith and vulnerability from King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Let's break down its meaning:
"Our God, will you not judge them?": Jehoshaphat is appealing to God's justice. A vast coalition of enemies is about to invade Judah. Jehoshaphat is asking God to intervene and judge these nations for their aggression. He's not seeking revenge, but rather asking for God to uphold righteousness and protect His people.
"For we have no might against this great company that comes against us.": This is a confession of human weakness and inadequacy. Jehoshaphat acknowledges that Judah is outmatched and unable to defeat the overwhelming force arrayed against them. It's an honest admission of vulnerability, emphasizing their reliance on divine help. They recognize the problem is beyond their own power to solve.
"We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.": This is the heart of the verse. "We don't know what to do" highlights human limitation. It's admitting that human wisdom and strategy are insufficient. "But our eyes are on you" is the key statement of faith. Despite their fear and uncertainty, Jehoshaphat and his people are placing their trust solely in God. They are looking to Him for guidance, strength, and deliverance. They are not relying on their own resources but turning to the only source of power that can help them.
In summary, the verse means:
Jehoshaphat is calling upon God's justice to deal with their enemies.
He acknowledges Judah's weakness and inability to defend themselves.
He expresses complete dependence on God, looking to Him for guidance and protection because they are at a loss of what to do.
It's a declaration of faith in God's power and a commitment to trust in Him during a time of crisis.
This verse is often used as an example of how to pray in difficult situations: acknowledge your weakness, confess your dependence on God, and fix your eyes on Him in faith.