2 Chronicles 20:11

KJV

Behold, [I say, how] they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I say, how they reward {H1580} us, to come {H935} to cast us out {H1644} of thy possession {H3425}, which thou hast given us to inherit {H3423}.

Complete Jewish Bible

are now repaying us [evil]; they have come to throw us out of your possession, which you gave us as an inheritance.

Berean Standard Bible

See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession that You gave us as an inheritance.

American Standard Version

behold, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 20:11 captures a pivotal moment in King Jehoshaphat’s prayer, articulating Judah’s profound distress and indignation in the face of an overwhelming invasion. It highlights the invaders’ audacious intent to dispossess God’s people from the very land Yahweh had sovereignly granted them as an eternal inheritance, thereby challenging divine faithfulness and the covenant promises. This verse underscores Judah's desperate appeal to God's justice and ownership, forming a crucial part of their plea for miraculous deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within King Jehoshaphat's earnest and comprehensive prayer, recorded in [2 Chronicles 20:5-12](/2_chronicles/20-5 "2 Chronicles 20:5-12 - Jehoshaphat's Prayer"). The narrative immediately preceding this prayer details the dire news of a vast coalition of armies—the Moabites, Ammonites, and some Meunites—advancing against Judah ([2 Chronicles 20:1](/2_chronicles/20-1 "2 Chronicles 20:1 - Invasion of Judah")). Jehoshaphat's initial response is one of fear, which he swiftly transforms into a spiritual act of national repentance and seeking the Lord, proclaiming a fast throughout all Judah ([2 Chronicles 20:3-4](/2_chronicles/20-3 "2 Chronicles 20:3-4 - Jehoshaphat Seeks the Lord")). His public prayer, delivered before the assembly in the house of the Lord, systematically recounts God's past mercies, power, and covenant faithfulness, building towards the present crisis. Verse 11 specifically articulates the invaders' unjust aggression and their intent to seize the divinely promised land, setting the stage for Jehoshaphat's ultimate declaration of Judah's utter helplessness and complete dependence on God in [2 Chronicles 20:12](/2_chronicles/20-12 "2 Chronicles 20:12 - Judah's Plea for Help").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah (c. 870-846 BC), a period generally characterized by spiritual reform and relative peace, though often punctuated by external threats. The invading coalition comprised nations with a long, complex history with Israel. The Moabites and Ammonites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and Israel had been explicitly commanded by God not to harass them during their exodus from Egypt ([Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - Command Regarding Moab") and [Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "Deuteronomy 2:19 - Command Regarding Ammon")). This historical forbearance makes the current aggression particularly egregious, adding a layer of perceived injustice to Jehoshaphat's lament. The "possession" of the land of Canaan was not merely a territorial claim but the fulfillment of God's ancient, unconditional covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham"), [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - Covenant with Abraham")), reiterated to Moses and Joshua. For Judah, the land was a tangible sign of God's faithfulness and their identity as His chosen people, making the threat of dispossession an assault on their very theological foundation.
* **Key Themes:** Several major theological and narrative themes converge in 2 Chronicles 20:11. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Promise** is paramount; Jehoshaphat reminds God that the land of Judah (Canaan) is not merely a conquered territory but "thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit," directly referencing God's covenantal grant. The invaders' attempt to seize this land is thus an affront not just to Judah, but to God Himself. Secondly, the theme of **Injustice and Betrayal** is evident in the phrase "how they reward us." This expresses a deep sense of indignation, highlighting the irony and wickedness of these nations repaying Israel's past forbearance with aggression, seeking to expel them from their God-given territory. Thirdly, the verse subtly underscores **Absolute Reliance on God**. Despite Jehoshaphat's reforms and military strength, he does not rely on human strategy or might. His prayer, culminating in this plea, is a profound act of humility and complete dependence on God's intervention, acknowledging that only God can deliver them from such an overwhelming and unjust force, as articulated in [2 Chronicles 20:12](/2_chronicles/20-12 "2 Chronicles 20:12 - Judah's Helplessness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Possession (Hebrew, _morashah'_):** The Hebrew word מוֹרָשָׁה (_morashah_), translated as "possession," carries a strong connotation of an inherited estate, a legacy, or something rightfully owned by virtue of inheritance. It emphasizes that the land was not acquired by human strength or conquest alone, but was a divinely bestowed gift, passed down through generations according to God's covenantal promise. This term underscores the unassailable, theological basis of Israel's claim to the land, highlighting God's sovereign grant as the ultimate source of their right to dwell there.
* **Inherit (Hebrew, _nachal'_):: The verb נָחַל (_nachal_), meaning "to inherit" or "to take possession of," reinforces the concept of the land as a divine inheritance. It speaks to the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and his descendants, where the land was promised as a perpetual possession. The use of this word in Jehoshaphat's prayer serves as a powerful reminder to God (and to the assembly) of His own sworn word and the enduring nature of His covenant, implying that an attack on the land is an attack on God's very promise and faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I say, how they reward us,"**: This opening phrase conveys a sense of incredulity, indignation, and perhaps a rhetorical appeal to God's attention. The KJV's "how they reward us" carries a strong ironic tone, implying that the invaders are repaying Judah's past forbearance (rooted in God's command not to harm them) with malicious aggression. It's a lament over the injustice and ingratitude of the enemy, laying bare their wicked intent before God.
* **"to come to cast us out of thy possession,"**: This clause specifies the invaders' objective: to forcibly expel Judah from their land. The phrase "thy possession" is crucial, as it elevates the conflict from a mere territorial dispute to a divine affront. By attempting to seize the land, the enemy is not just attacking Judah, but directly challenging God's ownership and sovereignty over what He has claimed as His own. This highlights the profound spiritual dimension of the crisis.
* **"which thou hast given us to inherit."**: This concluding phrase serves as a powerful theological anchor for Jehoshaphat's plea. It explicitly reminds God of His covenantal promise to Israel, specifically the grant of the land of Canaan as an eternal inheritance. This is not a human claim, but a divine decree. By invoking God's past action and promise, Jehoshaphat appeals to God's faithfulness and justice, implicitly asking Him to defend His own reputation and the integrity of His word against those who seek to nullify it.

#### Literary Devices
2 Chronicles 20:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey Jehoshaphat's plea. The most prominent is **Irony**, particularly in the phrase "how they reward us." This is not a genuine expression of gratitude but a bitter, indignant observation of the enemy's perverse repayment for past non-aggression, emphasizing their treachery. The verse also functions as a direct **Appeal to Covenant/Divine Right**, as Jehoshaphat repeatedly stresses that the land is "thy possession" and "which thou hast given us to inherit," grounding Judah's claim not in military might but in God's own sovereign decree and promise. This creates a sense of **Pathos**, evoking sympathy for Judah's vulnerable position and highlighting the profound injustice they face. Furthermore, the entire verse, within the context of the prayer, serves as a **Rhetorical Question** or an implied challenge to God's justice, implicitly asking, "How can You allow this to happen to what is Yours and what You have given us?" This rhetorical strategy is designed to stir divine intervention by appealing to God's character and commitment to His word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological significance of 2 Chronicles 20:11 extends far beyond a historical account of a military threat. It powerfully articulates the concept of divine ownership and the security of God's promises. Jehoshaphat's plea is rooted in the conviction that what God has given, He will also protect. The land of Canaan was not merely real estate; it was the tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness, a place where His people were meant to dwell in security under His rule. The invaders' attempt to dispossess Judah was, therefore, an assault on God's very character and His established order. This verse teaches us that when we face threats to what God has clearly promised or entrusted to us, our most potent defense is to appeal to His sovereign ownership and His unwavering faithfulness to His word. It transforms a seemingly earthly conflict into a spiritual battle where God's reputation is at stake.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Psalm 105:8-11](/psalm/105-8 "Psalm 105:8-11 - God's Everlasting Covenant and Land Promise")
* [Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8-10 - Abraham's Faith and the Promised Land")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 20:11 offers profound lessons for believers navigating challenges today. When confronted with overwhelming circumstances that threaten our peace, our resources, or even our spiritual inheritance, Jehoshaphat's prayer provides a powerful model. We are called to acknowledge God’s ultimate ownership over all things, recognizing that our blessings, our gifts, and even our very lives are divine trusts. Like Jehoshaphat, we can confidently bring our petitions before God, not merely stating our problem, but reminding Him of His character, His unfailing promises, and His sovereign power. It is appropriate to lay before Him the perceived injustices or threats from external forces, trusting in His ultimate justice and His commitment to defend what is His. This verse encourages us to shift our focus from the magnitude of the threat to the immensity of God's faithfulness, fostering a spirit of absolute dependence and confident expectation for His intervention, knowing that His gifts and promises are eternally secure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "possessions" or aspects of your life do you recognize as gifts from God, and how does this recognition influence your response to threats against them?**
* **In what ways can you, like Jehoshaphat, confidently remind God of His promises when facing overwhelming challenges?**
* **How does understanding God's ultimate ownership of all things change your perspective on perceived injustices or losses in your life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's intervention rather than solely on human strategies when facing daunting circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jehoshaphat "remind" God of His promises, as if God could forget?**

Answer: Jehoshaphat's "reminder" is not an attempt to inform an oblivious God, but rather a profound act of faith and a theological declaration. Firstly, it serves as an appeal to God's covenant faithfulness, acknowledging His unchanging character and His commitment to His word. By reciting God's past actions and promises, Jehoshaphat is essentially saying, "You are the God who has done this before, and You are faithful to Your word." Secondly, it serves to strengthen the faith of the assembly gathered with him, reminding them of God's historical interventions and His foundational promises regarding the land. This public declaration reinforces their collective trust in God's ability and willingness to act. Finally, it frames the current crisis within God's divine plan and purposes, inviting God to defend His own reputation and the integrity of His covenant in the face of an attack on His people and His "possession." It's a humble yet powerful act of aligning human petition with divine will, trusting that God delights in fulfilling His word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 20:11 speaks of a physical land inheritance, its theological echoes resonate profoundly in the New Testament's understanding of our spiritual inheritance in Christ. The land of Canaan, "thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit," foreshadows the greater, eternal inheritance that believers receive through Christ. Just as Judah's claim to the land was based on God's covenant, our spiritual inheritance is secured by the new covenant established through the [blood of Jesus](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood and Eternal Redemption"). Believers are now heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), inheriting not merely a plot of land, but all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The Holy Spirit serves as the "guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it" ([Ephesians 1:14](/ephesians/1-14 "Ephesians 1:14 - The Holy Spirit as a Guarantee")), assuring us of our future dwelling in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Christ Himself is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")), and through Him, we receive an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1-peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Kept in Heaven")). Thus, Jehoshaphat's plea for the defense of a physical inheritance points forward to the secure and eternal spiritual possession we have in Christ, against which no enemy, earthly or spiritual, can ultimately prevail.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 83:3

They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

Psalms 83:12

Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.

Psalms 7:4

If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

Psalms 35:12

They rewarded me evil for good [to] the spoiling of my soul.

Judges 11:23

So now the LORD God of Israel hath dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel, and shouldest thou possess it?

Judges 11:24

Wilt not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.

Proverbs 17:13

¶ Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.