In Hosea 4:6, the prophet is telling Israel that God’s people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge because they refuse to know His laws. Recently, I was listening to a minister who said something that I questioned. He said that the battle was not God’s it was actually Jehoshaphat’s battle referencing 2 Chronicles chapter 20 verse 15. I was like huh? Then the Spirit said, “Search the Scripture.” In light of this, if I am following the example of the Bereans (see Acts 17:10–15), then whenever I hear something, I investigate and verify its accuracy against the Bible. Therefore, it is imperative that we take the necessary steps to avoid being called out for having a “Lack of Knowledge”.

     So, when we search the Scriptures in order to comprehend the events in 2 Chronicles chapter 20, it is necessary for us to revisit the preceding chapters. In 2 Chronicles chapter 17 verses 3 through 6, King Jehoshaphat is portrayed as a devout ruler who faithfully adhered to the teachings of God, choosing to reject the wicked customs prevalent in the kingdom of Israel. He wholeheartedly embraced God’s commandments, which motivated him to remove the high places and Asherah poles, which were symbolic of pagan worship, from the land of Judah.   

     However, in 2 Chronicles chapter 18 and in 1 Kings chapter 22, it tells us how King Ahab, the wicked King of Israel, asked King Jehoshaphat to help him attack another nation. As King Jehoshaphat contemplates this alliance, King Ahab consults the prophet about it. Eventually King Jehoshaphat joins King Ahab in the attack. The problem here is that King Jehoshaphat knew God’s ways. He was aware that Lord God did not want him or anyone from the Tribe of Judah to associate themselves with evil, idol worshippers. So, during this attack King Ahab is killed and King Jehoshaphat barely escapes.

      Now, in 2 Chronicles chapter 19, King Jehoshaphat is reprimanded, called out by the Prophet of God for his collaboration with King Ahab saying that the wrath of the Lord is upon him (see 2 Chronicles 19:2) Oh my! Therefore, when we deviate from God’s ways and defy His standards, we are bound to face the consequences of our actions, similar to the scenario depicted in Galatians 5:7 where it states, “You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth?” King Jehoshaphat allowed King Ahab to hinder him from wholeheartedly serving the Lord God.

      Now, we find ourselves in 2 Chronicles chapter 20. King Jehoshaphat is faced with a threatening attack from another nation. Verse 3 says, “Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.” King Jehoshaphat was afraid of the other nations because he knew of the prophecy of doom from the Lord. However, after going to the Lord in prayer, the Lord speaks through a man named Jahaziel in verse 14. Here is what he says in verse 15, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” So many times, we take many scriptures either out of context or we try to fit our situation with a particular scripture. We will tell people by encouraging them, “The battle is not yours it’s the Lord’s!” but in reality, it truly is your battle; It really is my battle because of disobedience just like King Jehoshaphat. The point of this lesson is this: even though King Jehoshaphat and Judah did not “fight” in the battle, they still had to “GO” to the battlefield! In the same way, at times it will be required for us to “GO” to the battle!

    So, what does all this mean for us? How do we apply this “Lack of Knowledge” thought to our lives?

1. Pray for understanding. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to God’s Word and to give you understanding. (see Psalm 119:169 ESV)
2. Read the totality of God’s Word. Search the chapter or the chapters before and after a particular verse in order to rightly divide God’s Word. (see 2 Timothy 2:15)
3. Allow the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to teach you what to say. (see Proverbs 2:2-6)

     At the end of the day, God ultimately desires for us as Christians to live lives free from a “Lack of Knowledge” about His Word.