THIS VERSE IS CONSTANTLY TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT!! How many memes have you see using the phrase, “The Battle is the Lord’s”?  The error will be debunked and explained below. First, we must utilize the questions asked to “rightly divide” God’s Word (answers pertaining to the Full Scripture Reading above are in BOLD below):

1. What is the larger passage talking about, looking at the verses before and after? 

    HERE, THIS IS A SPECIFIC HISTORICAL ACCOUNT. 

2. Who is the author talking to and why? 

    THE AUTHOR IS CHRONICLING A SPECIFIC BATTLE, JEHOSHAPHAT’S REACTION, AND GOD’S RESPONSE.

3. What timeless truths are there? 

    WHEN FEARFUL ABOUT A SITUATION THAT APPEARS OVERWHELMING WHERE YOU ARE OBEDIENT AND IN GOD’S

    WILL, REMEMBER THAT THE OUTCOME IS IN THE LORD’S HAND.

4. What type of writing is this?

​

    HISTORICAL ACCOUNT

5. How does it apply today (to me personally, to other believers, to the Church)? 

    SEE ANSWER TO #3 ABOVE.

6. What words are important? 

    TAKING THE REFERENCED VERSE AND USING IT AS A GENERAL BIBLE TRUTH, IS IN ERROR. THE IMPORTANCE IS

    THE MEANING, NOT THE SPECIFIC WORDS QUOTED, SINCE GOD IS TALKING ABOUT A SPECIFIC SITUATION.

7. Where else does the Bible use this phrase? 

    IN 1 SAMUEL 17:47 THE PHRASE, "THE BATTLE IS THE LORD'S" IS USED.  HERE, THE SHEPHERD BOY,

    DAVID, DECLARED THAT EVEN THOUGH HE  WAS NOT WEARING ANY ARMOR THAT GOD WAS GOING TO

    GIVE HIM THE VICTORY.

**********************************

THE SPECIFIC ACCOUNT (2 Chronicles 20:1-30) condensed, paraphrased version:

An Army consisting of the Moabites and Ammonites were reportedly coming to battle against Jehoshaphat (Judah). The Moabites and Ammonites were descendants of Lot, who worshiped a “national deity” and false god named Chemosh [a/k/a the abomination of Moab] very similar to Baal, which may have even been the same deity as the Ammonite Moloch. Jehoshaphat was hearing a lot of fear-mongering reports about the expected attack of the Moabites and Ammonites. Not surprisingly, Jehoshaphat was fearful and, therefore, sought the Lord’s blessing and ear. Jehoshaphat prayed to the Lord recounting the Lord’s promises to Israel. Jehoshaphat continues in prayer reminding God how that in the past God instructed Israel to spare them (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19), and that “NOW” the mercy which had been shown to the Moabites and Ammonites was being totally disregarded. He petitions God (paraphrased), “Do something!” Realize that Jehoshaphat’s faith level was not at its highest level. The Spirit of God spoke through a Levite (priest) Jahaziel, assuring Jehoshaphat not to “worry” because the battle was not his, but the Lord’s. God basically said (paraphrased), “Jehoshaphat, don’t let all of these fear-mongering reports you are hearing trouble you because I am going to defeat the Moabites and the Ammonites.”

----------------

As you can see, this Scripture doesn’t mean that you don't have to fight the Spiritual Battles you face every day. Your Battles ARE your Battles. Jesus defeated Satan through His obedience to death on the cross and His resurrection.  He paid the price for our sins and redeemed us from being slaves to sin -- He bought us back and reconciled us to God! Victory is not assured if we are DISOBEDIENT! If you are living in willful, unrepentant sin = disobedience.  In short, you will lose any battle should you choose to disobey God’s Word. That does not mean you are losing your salvation.  Do not misquote me.  It means, CONDITIONALLY, "IF" you do your part, God will do His part. Victory is assured IF YOU: 

                     1) Wear the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18); 

                     2) Know and OBEY His Word (Joshua 1:6-8); 

                     3) Ask for anything IN FAITH with no doubting, in Jesus’ Name it will be done (James 1:5-8); and

                     4) Use the power and authority given by Jesus (Luke 10:18-19) to defeat the Enemy!

It is not ALL up to God, Warriors. Your life must line up with God’s Word. When it does YOU ARE INVINCIBLE!!! 

​

Following Our Captain in Battle,

Delann Conrad