See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession that You gave us as an inheritance. See how they are repaying usThis phrase captures a moment of lament and appeal to divine justice. The Hebrew root for "repaying" is "shalam," which often implies a sense of restitution or recompense. Here, it underscores the injustice felt by the Israelites, as they are being wronged despite their past actions of mercy or neutrality. Historically, this reflects the recurring theme in the Old Testament where Israel faces opposition from surrounding nations, often as a test of faith or a call to return to God. by coming to drive us out
The phrase "drive us out" is significant in the context of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where displacement was a common tactic. The Hebrew word "yarash" means to dispossess or take possession. This reflects the existential threat faced by the Israelites, not just a loss of land but a challenge to their identity and covenant relationship with God. It echoes the broader biblical narrative of the Promised Land as a divine gift and the constant struggle to maintain it against external threats. of the possession
The term "possession" in Hebrew is "nachalah," which refers to an inheritance or a portion. This is not merely a physical territory but a spiritual and covenantal promise. The land is a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' unique relationship with God and their role as His chosen people. that You gave us
This phrase emphasizes divine sovereignty and grace. The land is not earned but given by God, highlighting His role as the ultimate provider and protector. The use of "nathan," meaning "to give," underscores the unmerited favor and generosity of God. It is a call to remember God's past faithfulness as a basis for present trust and hope. as an inheritance
The concept of "inheritance" in Hebrew, "nachalah," is deeply rooted in the idea of legacy and continuity. It signifies a perpetual promise, passed down through generations, reflecting God's eternal covenant with His people. This inheritance is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling the Israelites to live in obedience and faithfulness to God's commands. It serves as a reminder of their identity and mission as a nation set apart for God's purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. JehoshaphatThe King of Judah who is leading the nation in prayer and seeking God's guidance in the face of a vast enemy army. 2. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, facing a coalition of enemies threatening their land. 3. Moabites, Ammonites, and MeunitesThe coalition of enemy nations coming against Judah. 4. The Temple in JerusalemThe place where Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah gathered to seek the Lord's help. 5. InheritanceRefers to the land given by God to the Israelites, a central theme in the Old Testament representing God's promise and faithfulness. Teaching Points Trust in God's PromisesJehoshaphat's prayer is rooted in the belief that God is faithful to His promises. We are called to trust in God's promises, knowing He is faithful to fulfill them. Seek God in Times of TroubleJehoshaphat's immediate response to the threat was to seek the Lord. In our lives, we should prioritize seeking God through prayer and scripture when facing challenges. Remember God's Past FaithfulnessBy recalling the inheritance given by God, Jehoshaphat reminds the people of God's past faithfulness. Reflecting on how God has worked in our lives can strengthen our faith during trials. Community in PrayerThe gathering of Judah to seek the Lord highlights the importance of communal prayer. Engaging in prayer with others can provide support and encouragement. God's Sovereignty Over Our InheritanceThe land was given by God, emphasizing His sovereignty. We should recognize that all we have is from God and trust Him to protect and provide for us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jehoshaphat's response to the threat from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites challenge or inspire your own approach to difficult situations? 2. In what ways can you actively remember and celebrate God's past faithfulness in your life? 3. How can the concept of inheritance in 2 Chronicles 20:11 be related to the spiritual inheritance mentioned in the New Testament? 4. What role does community prayer play in your life, and how can you incorporate it more regularly? 5. How can you apply the principle of trusting in God's promises to a current situation you are facing? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:7God's promise to Abraham about giving the land to his descendants, which is the inheritance Jehoshaphat refers to. Deuteronomy 20:1-4Instructions for Israel when facing enemies, emphasizing reliance on God. Psalm 37:29The righteous will inherit the land, reinforcing the idea of divine inheritance. Romans 8:31If God is for us, who can be against us? This New Testament verse echoes the confidence in God's protection seen in Jehoshaphat's prayer. Ephesians 1:11Speaks of believers' inheritance in Christ, connecting the Old Testament concept of land inheritance to spiritual inheritance in the New Testament. People Ahaziah, Ammonites, Aram, Asa, Asaph, Azubah, Benaiah, Berachah, Dodavah, Eliezer, Geber, Hanani, Jahaziel, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Jeiel, Kohathites, Korahites, Korhites, Levites, Maonites, Mattaniah, Meunim, Meunites, Moabites, Seir, Shilhi, Tamar, Tarshish, ZechariahPlaces Ammon, Edom, Egypt, Engedi, Ezion-geber, Hazazon-tamar, Jeruel, Jerusalem, Mareshah, Moab, Mount Seir, Seir, Tarshish, Tekoa, ZizTopics Behold, Cast, Caused, Drive, Evil, Hast, Heritage, Inherit, Inheritance, Possess, Possession, Recompensing, Render, Reward, RewardingDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Chronicles 20:1-17 8648 enquiring of God 2 Chronicles 20:10-11 8739 evil, examples of 2 Chronicles 20:10-12 5292 defence, divine Library A Strange Battle
'We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee.'--2 CHRON xx. 12. A formidable combination of neighbouring nations, of which Moab and Ammon, the ancestral enemies of Judah, were the chief, was threatening Judah. Jehoshaphat, the king, was panic-stricken when he heard of the heavy war-cloud that was rolling on, ready to burst in thunder on his little kingdom. His first act was to muster the nation, not as a military levy …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureHolding Fast and Held Fast
'As they went forth Jehoshaphat stood and said, Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established.'--2 CHRON. xx. 20. Certainly no stronger army ever went forth to victory than these Jews, who poured out of Jerusalem that morning with no weapon in all their ranks, and having for their van, not their picked men, but singers who 'praised the beauty of holiness,' and chanted the old hymn, 'Give thanks unto the Lord, for His mercy endureth for ever.' That was all that men had to do in the battle, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Of the Public Fast.
A public fast is when, by the authority of the magistrate (Jonah iii. 7; 2 Chron. xx. 3; Ezra viii. 21), either the whole church within his dominion, or some special congregation, whom it concerneth, assemble themselves together, to perform the fore-mentioned duties of humiliation; either for the removing of some public calamity threatened or already inflicted upon them, as the sword, invasion, famine, pestilence, or other fearful sickness (1 Sam. vii. 5, 6; Joel ii. 15; 2 Chron. xx.; Jonah iii. …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica "Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers', …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Chronicles
The comparative indifference with which Chronicles is regarded in modern times by all but professional scholars seems to have been shared by the ancient Jewish church. Though written by the same hand as wrote Ezra-Nehemiah, and forming, together with these books, a continuous history of Judah, it is placed after them in the Hebrew Bible, of which it forms the concluding book; and this no doubt points to the fact that it attained canonical distinction later than they. Nor is this unnatural. The book …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 2 Chronicles 20:11 NIV2 Chronicles 20:11 NLT2 Chronicles 20:11 ESV2 Chronicles 20:11 NASB2 Chronicles 20:11 KJV
2 Chronicles 20:11 Commentaries
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