2 Chronicles 20:7 – “Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In this verse, King Jehoshaphat continues his prayer, reminding God of His past actions and promises. Jehoshaphat refers to God’s role in driving out the previous inhabitants of the land of Canaan and giving that land to Israel, as a fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham. By recalling this history, Jehoshaphat is not just recounting a fact but appealing to God’s faithfulness. He reminds God (and the people) that the land they are in was given to them by God as an everlasting inheritance, part of the covenant He made with Abraham, who is called “your friend” in this verse.

This mention of Abraham emphasizes the close relationship between God and His people, showing that God’s promises are not just distant declarations but deeply personal commitments. Jehoshaphat is essentially saying, “God, you did this before, and we trust that you will be faithful again in this moment of crisis.”

Historical Context

At this point in history, Judah was under threat from a coalition of enemy forces, and King Jehoshaphat called the people together to pray for deliverance. The reference to God driving out the inhabitants of the land points back to the time of Joshua when the Israelites first entered the Promised Land. After freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, God led them into Canaan, where He gave them victory over the people who were living there.

Jehoshaphat’s prayer is rooted in the covenant God made with Abraham centuries earlier. God promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan forever (Genesis 12:7, 17:8). By referring to this history, Jehoshaphat is drawing on the long-standing relationship between God and His people, reminding God of His promises and reminding the people of their heritage.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the faithfulness of God to His promises. Jehoshaphat’s prayer is built on the idea that God doesn’t forget His covenants. By recalling how God had driven out the enemies in the past, Jehoshaphat is affirming that God’s power and promises are just as relevant in the present crisis as they were in the past.

It also underscores the concept of God’s people being rooted in His promises. The land was not just a geographical area; it represented God’s faithfulness and provision for His people. By reminding God of the gift of the land to the descendants of Abraham, Jehoshaphat is calling on God to continue being faithful to His word.

Another key theological point is the personal relationship between God and Abraham. The phrase “your friend” shows that God’s covenant is not just a legal agreement but a reflection of a close, personal bond. This relationship is a model of the deep connection God desires to have with His people.

Literary Analysis

Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20 is filled with historical and theological reflections. In verse 7, we see a form of “covenant language,” where the speaker reminds God of a past agreement, expecting God to honor it. The structure of the verse builds a logical argument: if God drove out the inhabitants of the land in the past and gave the land to His chosen people, He should act now to protect that same land and people.

The rhetorical question, “Did you not drive out…?” is a way of emphasizing what God has already done. Jehoshaphat is not questioning God’s actions but reaffirming them to remind the people of God’s past faithfulness and stir up faith for the present situation.

The mention of Abraham as “your friend” adds a personal touch to the prayer, reinforcing the idea that God’s relationship with Israel is based on love and friendship, not just on power and authority.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 17:8 – “The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” This promise to Abraham is directly connected to Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:7.
• Isaiah 41:8 – “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend.” This verse also emphasizes the personal relationship between God and Abraham.
• Joshua 24:18 – “And the Lord drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land.” This connects to Jehoshaphat’s reminder of how God cleared the land for His people.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Just as Jehoshaphat recalled God’s past works to give the people confidence in the present, Christians are called to remember how God has worked in their lives and throughout history. By reflecting on God’s past faithfulness, believers can find strength and assurance in the face of their own challenges.

This verse also encourages Christians to pray with boldness. Jehoshaphat reminds God of His promises not because God forgets but because doing so strengthens faith. In the same way, Christians can pray, reminding themselves of God’s promises in Scripture and trusting that He is faithful to fulfill them.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s love in how He establishes relationships with His people. The reference to Abraham as “your friend” reveals the closeness God desires to have with His people. God’s love is not distant or impersonal; it is deeply relational. He makes promises to His people, and His love ensures that He will keep those promises.

Jehoshaphat’s prayer also highlights God’s role as a protector and provider. God didn’t just give the land to His people and leave them to fend for themselves. He actively drove out their enemies, showing His loving care and protection. This same protective love is available to all who trust in Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises. The covenant made with Abraham finds its ultimate completion in Jesus. Through Jesus, all people—Jew and Gentile—can become descendants of Abraham by faith (Galatians 3:29). Just as God gave Abraham and his descendants the Promised Land, Jesus offers believers an eternal inheritance in the Kingdom of God.

• Galatians 3:29 – “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Through faith in Christ, we share in the promises made to Abraham.
• John 15:15 – “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” Just as Abraham was called God’s friend, Jesus invites us into a similar relationship of love and intimacy with God.

In Jesus, we see the ultimate demonstration of God’s faithfulness to His promises and His desire for a close, loving relationship with His people.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthen your faith in times of crisis?
2. Why is it important to remind ourselves of God’s promises when we pray?
3. In what ways have you seen God keep His promises in your own life?
4. How does the relationship between God and Abraham as “friends” inspire you in your own relationship with God?
5. How does knowing that you are an heir to God’s promises through Christ give you confidence in your daily life?

This verse encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing that He has kept His promises in the past and will continue to do so. Through Jesus, we have the assurance of an eternal relationship with God, rooted in love and friendship, just as Abraham experienced.