2 Chronicles 20:7
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God's faithfulness in the past isn't just a historical fact; it's presented as a direct reason why He'll act now. By reminding God of His promise to Abraham, they're echoing His own covenant language, essentially saying, "You said it, God, so we're trusting you'll do it." This isn't doubt, but a bold appeal to His character and past faithfulness.
Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah are facing an overwhelming enemy army, and in their fear, they've gathered at the temple to pray for help. This verse is part of a prayer recalling God's faithfulness in the past, specifically how He promised this land to Abraham's descendants, reminding God of His covenant promises as they face this daunting threat. The prayer continues by acknowledging their own weakness and dependence on God's strength to defeat their enemies, setting the stage for God's response.
When faced with overwhelming odds, where do you look for strength? Jehoshaphat and his people chose to remember God's powerful acts.
King Jehoshaphat, facing an immense army, didn't start by strategizing or panicking. He began by reminding God (and himself!) of God's history with His people.
A God Who Acts
Jehoshaphat points to God driving out the Canaanites before Israel. This wasn't just a historical event; it was a demonstration of God's power and His commitment to fulfilling His promises.
The Land as a Promise
This wasn't a temporary eviction. God gave the land 'forever' to Abraham's descendants. This act established God's faithfulness to His covenant, a faithfulness that extends through generations.
God called Abraham 'my friend.' What does this incredible title reveal about God's heart and our relationship with Him?
Jehoshaphat calls Abraham 'your friend.' This isn't just a casual acquaintance; it signifies a deep, trusting relationship.
A Chosen Relationship
Abraham's friendship with God wasn't earned through perfect obedience, but established through faith. God chose to reveal His plans to Abraham (Genesis 18:17) and walk with him.
Friendship and Inheritance
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Because of this relationship, God made lasting promises to Abraham, including the inheritance of the land. Our own faith, rooted in Jesus, makes us heirs with Abraham, sharing in God's covenant faithfulness.
This verse reminds us that the land of Israel was a divine gift, promised generations earlier to Abraham and fought for by Joshua. Jehoshaphat's prayer grounds their current crisis in this long history of God's faithfulness and their inheritance.
c. 1850 BC
God's Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants and land in Canaan.
~1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan Begins
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites begin the military campaigns to conquer the land of Canaan.
c. 1350 BC— this verse
Division of the Land
The land of Canaan is systematically divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, fulfilling God's promise.
c. 1050 BC
Establishment of the Monarchy
Saul is anointed king, and Israel transitions from a tribal confederacy to a united monarchy.
This passage directly echoes God's promise to Abraham in Genesis, affirming the land was given to his descendants forever, which is the very basis of the prayer in 2 Chronicles.
Deuteronomy 7:1-6Deuteronomy explicitly details God driving out the inhabitants of the land before Israel, providing the historical context and divine mandate that the prayer in 2 Chronicles references.
Joshua 21:43-45This passage confirms the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land, stating that not one word of His promise to give them rest and all the land failed. This reinforces the faith expressed in 2 Chronicles.
Nehemiah 9:7-8Nehemiah's prayer recounts God's faithfulness in choosing Abraham and giving his descendants the land, paralleling the historical remembrance and plea for divine intervention seen in 2 Chronicles.
God's faithfulness in the past isn't just a historical fact; it's presented as a direct reason why He'll act now. By reminding God of His promise to Abraham, they're echoing His own covenant language, essentially saying, "You said it, God, so we're trusting you'll do it." This isn't doubt, but a bold appeal to His character and past faithfulness.
King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah are facing an overwhelming enemy army, and in their fear, they've gathered at the temple to pray for help. This verse is part of a prayer recalling God's faithfulness in the past, specifically how He promised this land to Abraham's descendants, reminding God of His covenant promises as they face this daunting threat. The prayer continues by acknowledging their own weakness and dependence on God's strength to defeat their enemies, setting the stage for God's response.
King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah are facing an overwhelming enemy army, and in their fear, they've gathered at the temple to pray for help. This verse is part of a prayer recalling God's faithfulness in the past, specifically how He promised this land to Abraham's descendants, reminding God of His covenant promises as they face this daunting threat. The prayer continues by acknowledging their own weakness and dependence on God's strength to defeat their enemies, setting the stage for God's response.
"Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?" — God's faithfulness in the past isn't just a historical fact; it's presented as a direct reason why He'll act now. By reminding God of His promise to Abraham, they're echoing His own covenant langua…
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Last reviewed October 2026
