Meaning of 2 Chronicles 20:7

This verse, spoken by King Jehoshaphat of Judah in the midst of an existential threat, is a powerful appeal to God based on His past faithfulness and covenant promises. Jehoshaphat is not questioning God's ability or willingness to act, but rather reminding Him of His established relationship with Israel and His prior actions in granting them the land. He invokes Abraham, the patriarch and a "friend of God," underscoring the ancient origins of God's covenant with His chosen people and the divine assurance that this land was to be their perpetual inheritance. The plea is a strategic move in prayer, designed to stir God's remembrance of His promises and to solidify their faith by recalling His historical interventions on their behalf, framing their current predicament within the larger story of God's redemptive plan.

Context and Background

The kingdom of Judah, under King Jehoshaphat, faces an unprecedented invasion. A vast coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites has gathered to attack Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 20:1-2). This is a dire military and spiritual crisis. Jehoshaphat's response is not to immediately muster an army, but to proclaim a fast and seek the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:3). The gathered people, from all the cities of Judah, come to Jerusalem to "seek the Lord" (2 Chronicles 20:4). It is within this atmosphere of corporate prayer and dependence that Jehoshaphat stands before the assembly and offers this prayer, which is recorded in the subsequent verses. The verse specifically references God's action in driving out the Canaanite inhabitants from the land of Canaan, a foundational event in Israel's history, as described in books like Joshua.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Sovereignty and Historical Faithfulness: The core message is that God is sovereign and has a history of acting decisively on behalf of His people. Jehoshaphat appeals to God's past actions as evidence of His ongoing power and commitment.
• Covenantal Relationship: The mention of Abraham highlights the enduring nature of God's covenant. God's promises to Abraham, including the land, are seen as irrevocable, forming the basis for Israel's claim and God's obligation.
• Divine Granting of Inheritance: The land is presented not as something Israel earned, but as a gift from God, given "forever" to Abraham's descendants. This emphasizes God's grace and initiative in establishing His people.
• The Nature of Faith: Jehoshaphat's prayer is an act of faith that seeks to align human understanding and appeal with divine truth and promises. It's a prayer that remembers God's character and works.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse teaches us about the efficacy of prayer rooted in God's promises. When facing overwhelming challenges, believers are encouraged to remember God's past faithfulness in their own lives and in the history of His church. It underscores the importance of grounding our petitions in God's revealed will and character, rather than simply expressing our fears or desires in isolation. The principle is that God honors those who honor His Word and His covenants. Our faith should be strengthened by recalling God's historical interventions and His unwavering commitment to His people, as demonstrated throughout Scripture.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is intrinsically linked to the Abrahamic covenant, which forms the bedrock of God's relationship with Israel and, by extension, with believers in Christ. The promise of land to Abraham and his descendants is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the conquest under Joshua. This passage in 2 Chronicles situates Jehoshaphat's prayer within this grand narrative of God's redemptive history, reminding the people that their current struggles are not outside the scope of God's covenantal care. The ultimate fulfillment of the "forever" promise of land is understood by Christians to be realized in the New Heavens and New Earth, and in the spiritual inheritance believers receive through Christ.

Analogies

Consider a child who, facing a difficult situation their parents have promised to help them through, reminds their parents of a time they successfully overcame a similar challenge, or of a specific promise they made. The child isn't questioning their parents' love or ability, but is drawing on shared history and established commitment to find reassurance and encourage action. Similarly, Jehoshaphat’s prayer is like a well-trained soldier reminding their commander of past victories and strategic plans when facing a new battle, drawing on established doctrine and successful precedents.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 12:1-3: This is the foundational promise to Abraham, including the promise of land and that his descendants would be a blessing. Jehoshaphat's prayer directly echoes this early covenant.
• Deuteronomy 7:6-9: Moses recounts God's love and election of Israel, emphasizing that God chose them not because they were numerous, but out of love and to keep the oath He swore to their fathers. This reinforces the idea of God's faithfulness to His promises.
• Joshua 1:3-6: God promises Joshua that He will give the land to Israel, just as He promised Moses, and that He will be with Joshua as He was with Moses. This highlights the continuity of God's promise and presence.
• Psalm 78:5-7: This psalm speaks of God establishing a testimony in Jacob and a law in Israel, commanding their fathers to teach their children, so that future generations would know God's works and trust Him. Jehoshaphat's prayer is an example of this principle in action.