2 Chronicles 20:10

“And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not.”

This verse is part of the narrative of King Jehoshaphat of Judah, who faced a great military threat from a coalition of enemy nations: the Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites. Let’s break down the verse and explore its context, message, and application.

Historical Context:2 Chronicles 20 recounts the story of King Jehoshaphat and his response to an imminent attack by a vast army. Distressed by the news, Jehoshaphat called upon the Lord for guidance and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. The people gathered together at the Temple, and Jehoshaphat prayed, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and seeking His help.

• Understanding the Verse:

In verse 10, Jehoshaphat reflects on past events when the Israelites had come out of Egypt. At that time, God had forbidden them from invading the lands of the Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites. Instead of attacking these nations, the Israelites turned away and did not destroy them.

Key Themes:

• God’s Prohibition:God had given specific instructions to the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, which included avoiding conflict with the Ammonites, Moabites, and Edomites. This verse reminds the people of the time when they had respected God’s command.
• God’s Sovereignty:The verse underscores God’s authority over nations and His ability to guide His people’s actions. Jehoshaphat acknowledges that the nations they faced in battle were spared earlier by God’s command.

• Obedience and Trust:This verse highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God’s instructions. The Israelites followed God’s command by refraining from attacking these nations in the past.

Application:

• Trusting God’s Guidance:Like Jehoshaphat, we can seek God’s guidance in times of trouble and trust His leading. We may not always understand His instructions fully, but by obeying His word, we can experience His faithfulness.
• Reflecting on God’s Past Faithfulness:Remembering and reflecting on how God has worked in our lives and the lives of others can strengthen our faith. Jehoshaphat recalls God’s prohibition to encourage the people of Judah, reminding them of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.
• Obeying God’s Commands:Just as the Israelites respected God’s command in the past, we should strive to obey His teachings and follow His will for our lives. Obeying God’s commands is an act of faith and demonstrates our trust in His wisdom and guidance.

In summary, 2 Chronicles 20:10 reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s guidance, reflecting on His past faithfulness, and obeying His commands. It encourages us to seek God’s wisdom in times of difficulty and reminds us of His sovereignty over all nations.