2 Chronicles 20:11

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)

Context

King Jehoshaphat of Judah faced a great crisis. The armies of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir joined together to attack him. The people were afraid and outnumbered, so Jehoshaphat called the nation to fast and seek the Lord. This verse is part of his prayer in the temple, where he laid the urgent need before God.

Meaning

Jehoshaphat points out the enemy’s cruel reward. Israel had shown kindness to these nations in the past, but now they came to drive Israel out of the land. That land was not just any territory; it was God’s own possession, given to Israel as an inheritance. The enemy’s attack was therefore an attack on God’s gift and on God Himself.

The land of Canaan belonged to God, and He had the right to give it to whom He chose. Even after giving it to Israel, it remained His possession. Israel lived as tenants under Him. So when the enemy tried to cast them out, they were guilty of a serious offense against the Lord, the true Owner of the land. This made their guilt worse, for they were not merely fighting a nation but despising God’s own gift. The enemies’ actions were an aggravation of their guilt because they sought to seize what God had sovereignly granted.

Biblical connections

This prayer echoes the promise that God gave to Abraham, that his descendants would inherit the land (Genesis 15:7). That promise directly connects to Jehoshaphat’s plea, for the land was the very inheritance God had pledged. It also looks forward to the New Testament truth that believers are heirs of God’s kingdom, a possession that no enemy can finally take away. The principle is the same: what God gives, He protects.

Application

Recognize that every good gift in your life comes from God. Your home, your family, your salvation, and your calling are all His gifts. When opposition comes, remember that the enemy is not just attacking you; he is attacking what God has given you. You can pray with confidence because God defends His own inheritance.

Do not rely on your own strength in times of trouble. Jehoshaphat did not trust in his army or his own wisdom. He turned to God in prayer and fasting. In the same way, bring your fears and needs to the Lord. He is able to fight for you and to keep what He has entrusted to you.

Persist in prayer, even when the situation seems hopeless. Jehoshaphat’s prayer was not a quick request; it was a heartfelt cry that continued before the Lord. He laid the whole matter before God and waited for His answer. Your persistent prayers show your trust in God’s faithfulness and His power to save.

Reflection

Consider what God has given you as an inheritance. Are you grateful for His gifts, or do you take them for granted? When you face opposition, do you first turn to God, or do you try to solve the problem alone? Let Jehoshaphat’s example encourage you to pray with boldness, knowing that the Lord who gave you His promises will also defend them.