When Praise Triggers an Ambush Against Your Enemy

And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another. And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. (2 Chronicles 20:22-24)

There are moments in Scripture when God's strategy is so contrary to the way the world operates that it directly challenges our instincts. 2 Chronicles 20:22–24 is one of those moments. Instead of relying on military tactics, God granted victory through worship.

Rather than Judah advancing with weapons, they moved forward with songs. And instead of Judah fighting their enemies, God caused the enemies to turn on themselves. This verse begins with a phrase that should grab our attention: “And when they began to sing and to praise…” That praise was not spoken after the victory or once the threat had passed. They started to march and, at the same time, praise. Judah did not sing because the battle was over. They sang because God had spoken, and they heard it, believed it, and accepted it. Now they had to voice it. Their worship was not a reaction to events; it was an act of faith. Praise is never meant to be passive. It is a vocal, expressive declaration of trust. When Judah praised, they aligned their voices with what God had decreed instead of focusing on their circumstances. This alignment released power.

The phrase “the Lord set ambushments” indicates that God initiated His unseen strategies at that moment. Judah did not orchestrate confusion or manipulate outcomes. When they obeyed and praised, God intervened. Many believers exhaust themselves trying to fight and strive for something that God has already planned to defeat. Praise and worship shift the atmosphere from fear to faith and can trigger an ambush against your enemies.

Practical Application

Make praise your first response when trouble comes, not a last-ditch effort. Praise and worship sets you up for victory and your enemies up for a fall.

Judges 7:22; Psalm 35:5