Short Stories

An alternative ending for the story of Jehoshaphat and his singing army.
2 Chronicles 20.
© Wendy Noble 2004

Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the sea.” Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord.

Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, son of Zechariah. He said, “Listen King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you; Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.”

Early in the morning they left for the desert of Tekoa. After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendour of his holiness. As the choir went out at the head of the army they sang, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”

As they began to sing and praise Asaph said, “Why do they always sing that song? Couldn’t we have something else for a change?”

Benaiah said, “In my day they always sang, ‘Lord you help the powerless against the mighty.’ I think we should still be singing that.”

Jeiel joined in the argument. “Well, King David said we should always sing a new song to the Lord.”

“Which is ironic”, said Jehu, “since we’re still singing his psalms.”

“And what’s wrong with singing David’s psalms?” shouted Benaiah, “They’ve stood the test of time.”

“You should get with the times!” muttered Asaph.

“We would all sing a lot better, Benaiah, if you didn’t clash your cymbals so loudly,” suggested Jeiel.

“That’s rich coming from you, Jeiel,” said Jehu. “They can hear your off-key bellowing back in Jerusalem.”

“If they’d had proper auditions for the choir,” suggested Benaiah, “there wouldn’t be this problem.”

“Who are you calling a problem?” shouted Jeiel. “If this choir was run properly, geriatric misery-guts like you wouldn’t get a look-in.”

Jezra, leader of the musicians, overheard the argument and spoke up, “I’m sick of your constant criticism and nit-picking. That’s it! I no longer wish to lead you in worship.”

“Typical,” said Jehu. “Letting us down in our time of need. You musicians are all useless.”

Jezra was enraged, “You come up here with us and march in the front lines and see how long you last!”

As their argument grew more heated and spread among the people, Judah’s march to meet the invaders grew slower and slower, and finally stopped. By then, many of the people had resorted to name-calling and even, in some cases, had rolled up their sleeves and were swinging their fists at anyone within reach.

Jehoshaphat stood on a large boulder and pleaded with them. “My people, remember why we are here this morning. Remember why the choir is leading us.” But deep in their struggle to defend their taste in music, they did not hear him.  Neither did they see the invading army descending upon them, until it was too late.

THE END

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