There are names in the Old Testament that fit nicely under the category “Humdinger!” Jehoshaphat is one of them, and he’s one of my favorite characters. His name definitely sets him apart, but his name isn’t the reason — it was his wisdom as a leader.

This main man of Judah was king in some rough times — a lot of similarities to our times. King Jehoshaphat knew the answer. Scripture says he traveled through his country and turned his people back to the LORD. He appointed judges and told them to judge for the LORD, not for man and to keep the fear of the Lord. That meant no injustice, partiality or bribery.

The wise king gave instructions to the spiritual leaders to serve faithfully and whole-heartedly in the fear of the LORD and to warn all not to sin against the LORD.

What a king leader! The stage was set for a “happily ever after” kingdom, but those places don’t exist in our sin contaminated world. A warring bunch of “-ites” came to wage war on Jehoshaphat. He didn’t pick up his red phone or call the military. He called everyone together to seek help from the LORD. Then he stood up in front of the temple in the huge congregation and prayed a powerful prayer. My favorite part — “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

And God answered his prayer! He assured Jehoshaphat that the battle was His. His instructions directed them to march out toward the invading armies but just watch, stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD would give.

The next morning the wise king led his people toward the battle field with their tanks in the lead. (Just kidding.) A group of men singing and praising the LORD were leading the troops. While they sang, the LORD set ambushes, and the enemy began killing each other.

When Jehoshaphat’s army reached the battlefield, there was nothing but dead bodies. All they had to do was gather the plunder for three days. On the fourth they assembled and praised the LORD.

The episode would pass for a fairy tale, but it’s not. It’s one of the many accounts in the Bible that display the power of God and prayer. We may never have a leader-king like Jehoshaphat, but we as God’s people can pray.

 In our present culture’s moral meltdown, a verse in Isaiah has a perfect contemporary warning: “Woe to those that call evil good, and good evil.” I believe there couldn’t be a clearer call to prayer for our nation. A focus toward the solution to our dilemma instead of on the dilemma would also be a biblical pattern.

Letters to Camille Anding may be sent to P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602.