“When Jehoshaphat and this people came to take away their spoil, they found among them the abundance of valuables on the dead bodies, and precious jewelry, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away; and they were three days gathering the spoil because there was so much.”
2 Chronicles 20:25
An enemy so powerfully overwhelming whom God had defeated on behalf of the Israelites, was now overwhelming God’s people with unprecedented spoils of war. Perhaps their enemies, the Ammonites and others, were so confident of victory that they carried their wealth into battle with them. Whatever the reason, God’s people benefited greatly in the defeat of their enemies through spoils of war.
The only wealth the wicked possess is that of this world. They have nothing of eternal riches, nothing that we should desire as believers. Jesus does not condemn riches but he does warn against loving riches and the deceitfulness of wealth. Indeed wealth can be a trap and turn our hearts from faith in God, and in this we must beware. Yet, I think it’s safe to say, even biblical, that those who put their trust in God, as Jehoshaphat and the Israelites, will in their life be blessed. He is able to bless “far above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:19) which means that we are recipients of all of God’s blessings, wisdom, and resources. When we fully trust Him in life, our life will be full of His blessings—material blessings being the least of them. Our God is able to give unprecedented riches through the most unexpected places and events.
The riches of God are far greater than any riches of this world. Look for them in when you are facing an unconquerable foe; when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death; when your trials overwhelm and you face unprecedented troubles. The “spoils” are there, spiritual wealth unprecedented, if you look for them.
Think of a time when God carried you through to victory. What eternal riches did you gain?
