2 Chronicles 20:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 20:7 mean?

2 Chronicles 20:7 is a prayer reminding God that He drove out the people living in the land and gave it to the descendants of Abraham, who is called God’s friend, as a permanent possession. The verse highlights God’s past actions and His special relationship with Abraham and his descendants.

In this scene, King Jehoshaphat is praying to God while facing a military threat against Judah. He appeals to God’s faithfulness by recalling how God removed the earlier inhabitants (the Canaanites) and gave the land to Israel, connecting this promise to Abraham, described here as God’s friend. This sets the stage for asking God to help them again, based on His past promises and relationship.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 20:7

• "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is the general Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and authority over all nations, which is important as Jehoshaphat appeals to God's sovereignty in history.
• "Out" (יָרַשׁ, yarash): This word means to dispossess or drive out. It stresses that God actively removed the previous inhabitants, not just allowed Israel to enter.
• "Friend" (אָהֵב, ohev): The word used for "friend" is more literally "one who is loved." Calling Abraham God’s friend highlights a close, personal relationship, not just a formal agreement.
• "Ever" (עוֹלָם, olam): This word means "forever" or "for all time." It emphasizes the lasting nature of God’s promise to Abraham’s descendants.

Why 2 Chronicles 20:7 matters

• The verse clarifies that the land was given to Israel not by their own strength, but because of God’s direct action and promise.
• Calling Abraham "God’s friend" underlines the deep, personal bond between God and Abraham, which is the foundation for the promises to Israel.
• This verse connects the present crisis to the larger story of God’s faithfulness, showing that Jehoshaphat’s prayer is rooted in trust in God’s unchanging character and promises.