2 Chronicles 20:11 – “See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession you gave us as an inheritance.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, King Jehoshaphat continues his prayer, expressing his frustration and concern over the injustice that Judah is facing. He points out that the nations of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had been spared by Israel in the past, are now coming to take away the land that God Himself gave to the Israelites as an inheritance. Jehoshaphat is essentially asking God to take notice of this betrayal. The people of Judah had been faithful in following God’s command to not attack these nations earlier, but now they are being threatened by the same people they once showed mercy to. The land Judah is living in was a gift from God, part of His covenant with His people, and Jehoshaphat emphasizes that this attack is an assault not just on Judah, but on God’s promises.
Historical Context
This event takes place during the reign of Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah. Judah was facing an imminent invasion by a coalition of forces from Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir. These nations were historically related to Israel but had often been enemies. When the Israelites were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land, God specifically commanded them not to attack these nations, as they were descendants of Lot and Esau (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19). In obeying God’s command, Israel passed through their lands peacefully.
Now, generations later, these same nations were threatening to take away the very land that God had promised to Israel. The land wasn’t just a piece of property; it symbolized God’s faithfulness and covenant with His people. Jehoshaphat’s appeal is that this is more than just a military invasion—it’s an attack on what God had promised to His people.
Theological Implications
This verse raises important questions about justice and God’s protection over His promises. Jehoshaphat’s prayer is a reminder that the land of Judah wasn’t just any land—it was given by God as an inheritance to His people. The attack by these nations was an attempt to take away something that God had graciously given.
Theologically, this verse shows us that God’s promises are worth defending. Jehoshaphat is not asking for protection based on his own strength or merit but based on the fact that God’s gift—the land—is being threatened. This reflects a broader truth: when we face challenges that seem to threaten the things God has given us, we can turn to Him, trusting that He will act in accordance with His promises.
Literary Analysis
In this verse, Jehoshaphat uses strong language to highlight the injustice of the situation. The phrase “See how they are repaying us” emphasizes the sense of betrayal. It implies that Judah’s past mercy and obedience to God’s command to spare these nations is now being met with aggression. This contrast between past mercy and current hostility is a key element in Jehoshaphat’s argument, showing that this invasion is not just unfair but goes against the order God had established.
The mention of the land as “the possession you gave us as an inheritance” underlines the theological significance of the land. It wasn’t just territory that Judah happened to live in—it was their inheritance from God. This choice of language reminds the reader that God is directly involved in the life of His people and in the promises He makes to them.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 2:9 – “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Do not harass the Moabites or provoke them to war, for I will not give you any part of their land. I have given Ar to the descendants of Lot as a possession.'” This verse is part of God’s original command to Israel to leave these nations alone during their journey to the Promised Land.
- Joshua 1:3 – “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” This reinforces the idea that the land of Israel was a gift from God, part of His covenant promise.
- Psalm 37:29 – “The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.” This reflects the biblical theme that God’s people are meant to inherit and live in the land He has promised them.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that when we face situations that seem unjust or unfair, we can bring them before God, trusting Him to defend what He has promised us. Just as Jehoshaphat turned to God when Judah’s inheritance was being threatened, we too can turn to God when we feel like the blessings or promises He has given us are under attack.
This verse also challenges us to remember that God’s promises are enduring. The land of Judah was more than just physical territory—it represented God’s faithfulness. In the same way, the promises God gives us in Scripture—whether promises of peace, provision, or His presence—are things we can hold onto, even when circumstances seem to threaten them.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse highlights God’s care for His people and the inheritance He has given them. God’s love is seen in His desire to provide for and protect His people. The fact that Jehoshaphat appeals to God on the basis of the inheritance He gave them shows that God’s gifts are precious and worth defending. God’s love is expressed not just in the act of giving but in His faithfulness to protect what He has given.
Jehoshaphat’s prayer also shows a deep trust in God’s character. He knows that God is not indifferent to the plight of His people. By bringing this injustice to God’s attention, Jehoshaphat demonstrates his belief that God is a just and loving defender of His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ by pointing to the theme of inheritance, a theme that is fulfilled in the New Testament through Christ. Just as the land was an inheritance for Israel, believers in Christ are promised an eternal inheritance in God’s kingdom. Through Jesus, we are made heirs of God’s promises.
- Ephesians 1:11 – “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” This reminds us that in Christ, we have been given an inheritance that goes beyond the physical land but includes eternal life with God.
- 1 Peter 1:4 – “And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” Just as Israel’s inheritance of the land was secure through God’s promise, our inheritance through Christ is secure, eternal, and unshakable.
Through Jesus, we receive the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, and just as Jehoshaphat trusted God to protect Judah’s inheritance, we can trust that our inheritance in Christ is safe and secure.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever felt like something God has promised you was being threatened? How did you respond?
- What does Jehoshaphat’s appeal to God’s promises teach you about how to pray in difficult situations?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances seem unfair or unjust?
- How does the concept of inheritance in the Old Testament connect with the idea of our eternal inheritance in Christ?
- In what ways can you remind yourself of the promises God has given you, and how can you trust Him to protect those promises?
This verse encourages us to bring our concerns to God, trusting in His justice and protection. Through Jesus, we are given an even greater inheritance—eternal life with God—and we can rest in the assurance that no matter what challenges we face, God will protect and fulfill His promises.