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 20:11KJV
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2 Chronicles 20:11 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 20:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:11 describes how Israel’s enemies are repaying Israel’s kindness by trying to drive them out of the land that God gave them as an inheritance. The verse is part of a prayer, pointing out the injustice of these nations coming to take away what God had given to Israel.

In this verse, King Jehoshaphat is speaking to God while facing a threat from neighboring nations. He reminds God that these nations, whom Israel had previously spared, are now coming to force Israel out of their rightful land. The verse highlights the seriousness of the threat and appeals to God’s justice, emphasizing that the land was a gift from God to Israel.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:11

  • "reward" (גָּמַל, gamal): This word often means to deal with or repay, whether for good or bad. Here, it stresses that the nations are returning evil for good, highlighting the unfairness of their actions.
  • "out" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This word means to dispossess or drive out. It makes clear that the enemy’s goal is not just to attack, but to remove Israel entirely from their land.
  • "possession" (יְרֻשָּׁה, yerushah): This term refers to an inheritance or property, especially one given by God. It underlines that the land is not just territory, but a God-given inheritance.
  • "inherit" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): Used again, this word emphasizes that Israel’s right to the land comes from God’s promise, not just from conquest.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Israel’s claim to the land is based on God’s gift, not just historical occupation or military strength.
  • It highlights the injustice of the enemy’s actions, showing that they are not just attacking Israel, but are trying to undo what God has given.
  • The verse connects to the larger prayer in the chapter, where Jehoshaphat appeals to God’s faithfulness and justice in the face of overwhelming odds.

Where else these words appear

“possession” Hebrew H3425 · used in 12 verses

  • Deuteronomy 2:5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.
  • Deuteronomy 2:19 And when thou comest nigh over against the children of Ammon, distress them not, nor meddle with them: for I will not give thee of the land of the children of Ammon any possession; because I have given it unto the children of Lot for a possession.
  • Joshua 12:7 And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel smote on this side Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the valley of Lebanon even unto the mount Halak, that goeth up to Seir; which Joshua gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;

“reward” Hebrew H1580 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 21:8 And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.
  • 2 Samuel 22:21 The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
  • Psalms 142:7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

“out” Hebrew H1644 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
  • Leviticus 21:7 They shall not take a wife that is a whore, or profane; neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband: for he is holy unto his God.
  • 1 Kings 2:27 So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil the word of the LORD, which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.