2 Chronicles 20:12
O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
2 Chronicles 20:12 (KJV)
Context
King Jehoshaphat of Judah faced a great threat. The Moabites, Ammonites, and others gathered to wage war against him. When he heard the news, he sought the Lord and gathered the people to seek God’s guidance and deliverance. In this prayer, he stood before God with the families of Judah.
Meaning
Jehoshaphat honestly admitted their weakness: “we have no might against this great company.” He also confessed their confusion: “neither know we what to do.” This acknowledgment of human limitation was not a lack of faith. It was the first step toward trusting God. Then he turned his eyes to God, declaring “but our eyes are upon thee.” This shows that true faith begins when we stop relying on our own strength.
Biblical connections
Jehoshaphat’s appeal, “wilt thou not judge them?” echoes his earlier charge to judges in 2 Chronicles 19:6-7, where he said they judge not for man but for the Lord, and there is no iniquity with God. This background reinforces his confidence in God’s righteous judgment. God answered through the Spirit coming upon Jahaziel, who told them not to fear, for the battle was the Lord’s.
Application
When we face overwhelming challenges, we should follow Jehoshaphat’s example. We can admit our own inadequacy and confusion, then fix our eyes on God. Corporate prayer matters too; the people sought God together, not alone. We can bring impossible situations to God, trusting that He is sovereign and just.
Acknowledge your limitations honestly before God.
Direct your focus and trust toward Him, not your own ability.
Remember that God is the ultimate judge, and His judgment is righteous.
Reflection
Jehoshaphat’s prayer teaches us that not knowing what to do is not a failure. It is an opportunity to look to God. Our hope is not in our own strength but in His deliverance. When we say “our eyes are upon thee,” we place our whole situation into His faithful hands.
