“Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.”– 2 Chronicles 20:11 (KJV)
“See how they reward us. For they have come to throw us out of your possession, which you have given us as an inheritance.”– 2 Chronicles 20:11 (NLT)
“Now they are coming to throw us out of your land, which you gave us as an inheritance. Look at how they are rewarding us!”– 2 Chronicles 20:11 (MSG)
What Does 2 Chronicles 20:11 Mean?
In the context of this verse, we see King Jehoshaphat leading the people of Judah in prayer and seeking God’s help against their enemies. The verse conveys a deep sense of desperation and urgency. Jehoshaphat acknowledges the threat posed by surrounding nations and the impending danger of being cast out from the land that God had graciously given to them. This plea reflects both the historical struggles of ancient Israel and a timeless sentiment that resonates with anyone facing overwhelming challenges.
When we consider the phrase “how they reward us,” it signifies a distressing acknowledgment of betrayal by those who oppose God’s people. Instead of respecting the inheritance and covenant that God established, these nations sought to uproot and destroy. The land itself is not merely physical territory; it symbolizes God’s promise and His covenant with His people. Jehoshaphat’s plea is an appeal to God to intervene and protect the inheritance that is intimately tied to the identity of the people of Judah.
2 Chronicles 20:11 Explanation and Commentary
This verse provides a stunning picture of God’s faithfulness amidst adversity. Jehoshaphat recognizes that they did not take the land by their own strength. It was God who granted them this gift. When we reflect upon our own lives, it is similar. We enjoy countless blessings that we did not earn through our power. Jehoshaphat’s acknowledgment reminds us of the need to remember where our blessings come from and the importance of staying grounded in gratitude.
Further, Jehoshaphat’s prayer is incredibly insightful for us today. He does not intend to rely solely on military strategy or diplomatic solutions; rather, he is coming before God in humility to express their predicament. It sets an example for us as we face trials and tribulations. There might be times when we feel cornered, as if our enemies are surrounding us. But like Jehoshaphat, we should approach God earnestly in prayer, laying bare our fears and confusion. Our honest appeals allow us to connect with God’s heart, foster vulnerability, and ultimately open the door for divine assistance.
The concept of inheritance is crucial in this context. For the Israelites, the land was more than a geographical location; it represented God’s promises to His people. This inheritance reminds us of the spiritual blessings we have through Christ. Just as God promised the land to Israel, we are heirs to a promise through the gospel. In Galatians 4:7, we are reminded, “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” When we face challenges that threaten to uproot us from our spiritual inheritance, we can take comfort in knowing that God is invested in our well-being and determined to uphold His promises.
As we contemplate “the possession” given to the people, it invites us to consider what God has placed in our lives that we must protect and cherish. Whether relationships, faith, or our purpose, we must earnestly pray for strength and guidance to guard what God has entrusted to us. The act of prayer is powerful. It can bring transformational change in our circumstances. We don’t fight our battles alone, and with God on our side, we are reassured of His presence and assistance.
Context of 2 Chronicles 20:11
To fully grasp the importance of this verse, we must understand its context. The chapter unfolds as Judah is under threat from the Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites. The enemy has banded together with one common goal: to destroy God’s people and take what is rightfully theirs. Jehoshaphat’s reaction to this crisis is a powerful lesson in leadership and faith. Instead of acting in panic or fear, he calls the people to fast and seek the Lord’s guidance.
In this chapter, we witness the significance of community in times of trial. Jehoshaphat gathers the people of Judah, acknowledging that they need God more than ever. Together, they cry out to God for help. Not only does this show the strength of unity in prayer, but it also emphasizes that when we are together during difficult seasons, we draw upon each other’s faith to stand strong. Throughout the scriptures, community and corporate prayer serve as vital components for experiencing God’s intervention and power.
As we reflect on this chapter, we see the example of God’s commitment to His people. Jehoshaphat, in his humility, acknowledges their inability to handle the situation alone. This is an important lesson for us to recognize; we often find ourselves in situations that exceed our ability to manage without help. In those moments, we can take comfort in knowing that we can rely on God’s strength. Our challenges often lead us to recognize our own limitations while prompting us to lean on God’s limitless power.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 2 Chronicles 20:11
The phrase “Behold, I say” serves as an essential call for attention. It commands the reader—and ultimately God—to recognize the earnestness of Jehoshaphat’s heart. When we pray, the tone of our request matters. We need to capture the urgency and sincerity of our pleas. Jehoshaphat is not shying away from the harsh reality they face. By doing so, we are encouraged to follow his example. Rather than glossing over our struggles, we should embrace vulnerability and lift our petitions honestly before God.
Next, “how they reward us” reveals the feelings of betrayal and threat. It indicates a sense of injustice; the people know what the enemy intends to do, and they are pleading for God’s action in responding to this. This part of the verse inspires us to address the raw emotions we experience when faced with adversaries in our lives. It’s important that we do not ignore our feelings of hurt, betrayal, or anxiety but instead present them to God, knowing He listens and understands our struggles.
Then, we are met with the phrase “to come to cast us out of thy possession.” Here, Jehoshaphat recalls what God has done for them. The possession signifies the relationship and covenant that God had established with Israel. This serves as a reminder for us to reflect on the blessings in our own lives, recognizing that they are divinely given and deserve reverence. We commit to protect what God has entrusted to us, understanding our inseparable connection to Him.
Finally, the appeal to God attests to their utter reliance on Him for deliverance. It is a beautiful picture of humility as they acknowledge they cannot fight these battles on their own. When faced with trials, we too can approach God with utmost faith, seeking Him not as a last resort but as our only option. The call to rely upon God magnifies His role as the protector and deliverer, empowering us with the assurance that things are under His control.
Lessons to Learn From 2 Chronicles 20:11
We are reminded in this verse that God values our cries for help. When we face trials, it is essential to turn our eyes to Him in prayer. Jehoshaphat’s plea illustrates the necessity of seeking divine intervention during challenging times. We can learn the importance of approaching God with honesty about our struggles and presenting our needs through sincere prayer. In all circumstances, God desires to hear from us.
This verse teaches us the value of community and collective prayer. Jehoshaphat called upon the people of Judah to unite in their plea for God’s assistance. As we gather with others, we strengthen our faith, discover new perspectives, and lean on collective hope. Whether it is through small groups, prayer meetings, or church gatherings, intentional time spent in prayer with others can significantly impact our spiritual journey and provide invaluable support.
Another lesson is the reassurance of God’s unwavering promise to protect and provide for His people. Just as He responded to Jehoshaphat with encouragement and strength, we can hold onto His promises in our lives. Understanding His covenant relationship with us allows us to trust in His character and assures us that He is always present. In the face of overwhelming odds, we must cast our fears aside and rely on God’s faithfulness to lead us through.
We also learn the importance of recognizing our identity in Christ. The inheritance given to Judah represents our place as children of God. We must embrace that identity and remember the promises God has laid out for us in scripture. This allows us the confidence to face adversity, knowing that we are part of a larger story filled with hope and purpose. Regardless of life’s challenges, we can ground our beliefs in our identity as heirs of God’s promises.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on 2 Chronicles 20:11, we can draw numerous insights for our daily lives. This verse serves as a reminder to seek God earnestly when we face challenges and to cherish the blessings He has provided. It encourages us to express our fears and concerns openly to the Lord, firmly believing in His power to intervene in our struggles.
The community aspect emphasizes that we should not isolate ourselves when facing difficulties. Instead, we must cultivate connections that allow us to pray together and support one another. It is in those moments we build faith together and experience God’s presence more profoundly.
We hope this exploration encourages you to consistently seek God in both good times and in bad. As we do, we can trust Him to guide us, protect us, and remind us of the precious inheritance we share as His children. Our journey in faith is a continual process of growing, loving, and trusting in God’s plan. If you wish to explore more Bible verses and topics, be sure to check out our resources, such as 1 Chronicles 16:42 and 1 Chronicles 16:41. Learning more about God’s Word can always uplift and inspire us.