1Shortly after that the Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites came to wage war against Jehoshaphat. 2Some men reported to Jehoshaphat: »A large crowd is coming against you from the other side of the Dead Sea, from Edom. The crowd is already in Hazazon Tamar En Gedi.« 3Jehoshaphat was frightened and decided to ask for Jehovah’s help. He announced a fast throughout Judah. 4The people of Judah gathered to seek Jehovah’s help. They came from every city in Judah. 5In the new courtyard at Jehovah’s Temple, Jehoshaphat stood in front of the people. 6He prayed aloud: »O Jehovah, God of our ancestors, you rule in heaven over all the nations of the world. You are powerful and mighty. No one can oppose you. 7»You are our God. When your people Israel moved into this land, you drove out the people who were living here and gave the land to the descendants of Abraham, your friend, to be theirs from generation to generation. 8»Our ancestors lived in this land and built a Temple to honor you. 9»They believed that whenever this land is struck by war, judgement, disease, or famine, your people can pray to you at the Temple. You will hear their prayer and save them. 10»You can see that the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Edom are attacking us! Those are the nations you would not let our ancestors invade on their way from Egypt. Consequently these nations were not destroyed. 11»They are now paying us back by coming to force us out of your land that you gave to us. 12»You are our God. Will you judge them? We do not have the strength to face this large crowd that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, so we are looking to you.« 13All the people from Judah, their infants, wives, and children were standing in front of Jehovah. 14Then Jehovah’s Spirit came to Jahaziel. He was the son of Zechariah, grandson of Benaiah, great-grandson of Jeiel, whose father was Mattaniah, a Levite descended from Asaph. 15Jahaziel said: »Pay attention to me, everyone from Judah, everyone living in Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what Jehovah says to you: ‘Do not be frightened or terrified by this large crowd. The battle is not yours. It is God’s. 16»‘Attack them tomorrow as they come up the pass at Ziz. Meet them at the end of the valley that leads to the wild country near Jeruel. 17»‘You will not have to fight this battle. Just take up your positions and wait. You will see Jehovah give you victory. People of Judah and Jerusalem, do not hesitate or be afraid.’ Go out to battle. Jehovah will be with you! 18»Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low. His face was touching the ground. All the people bowed with him and worshiped Jehovah. 19»The members of the Levite clans of Kohath and Korah stood up and with a loud shout praised Jehovah, the God of Israel. 20»Early the next morning the people went out to the wild country near Tekoa. Before they began Jehoshaphat addressed them with these words: ‘People of Judah and Jerusalem! Put your trust in Jehovah your God. You will stand your ground. Believe what his prophets tell you, and you will succeed. 21»After consulting with the people, the king ordered some musicians to put on the robes they wore on sacred occasions and to march ahead of the army. They sang: ‘Praise Jehovah! His love is eternal!’« 22As soon as they began singing, Jehovah confused the enemy camp, 23The Ammonite and Moabite troops attacked and completely destroyed those from Edom. Then they turned against each other and fought until the entire camp was wiped out! 24Judah’s army reached the tower that overlooked the desert. They saw that every soldier in the enemy’s army was lying dead on the ground. 25Jehoshaphat and his troops came to take the loot. They found among them a lot of goods, clothes, and valuables. They found more than they could carry. They spent three days collecting the loot. 26They gathered in the valley of Beracah on the fourth day. Because they thanked Jehovah there, that place is still called the »Valley of Beracah« Thanks today. 27All the men of Judah and Jerusalem returned to Jerusalem. They rejoiced while Jehoshaphat led them. Jehovah gave them a reason to rejoice about what had happened to their enemies. 28They brought harps, lyres, and trumpets to Jehovah’s Temple in Jerusalem. 29Deep respect for Jehovah came over the kingdoms in that area when they heard how Jehovah waged war against Israel’s enemies. 30Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was peaceful, since his God surrounded him with peace. 31Jehoshaphat ruled as king of Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he began to rule. He ruled for twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah, daughter of Shilhi. 32Jehoshaphat carefully followed the example his father Asa had set and did what Jehovah considered right. 33However the illegal worship sites on the hills were not torn down. The people still did not have their hearts set on the God of their ancestors. 34Everything else about Jehoshaphat from first to last is written in the records of Jehu, son of Hanani, which is included in the Book of the Kings of Israel. 35After this, King Jehoshaphat of Judah allied himself with King Ahaziah of Israel, who led him to do evil. 36Jehoshaphat joined him in making ships to go to Tarshish. They made the ships in Ezion Geber. 37Eliezer was the son of Dodavahu from Mareshah. He prophesied against Jehoshaphat. He said: »Jehovah will destroy your work because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah.« The ships were wrecked and could not go to Tarshish.