Remembrance of God's Covenant: A Call to Trust
"Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?" - 2 Chronicles 20:7

In the heart of Judah, King Jehoshaphat faced a crisis that rattled the very foundations of his nation. His prayer in 2 Chronicles 20:7, "Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?" serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and the significance of recalling His past works.
In the opening verses of this chapter, we see Jehoshaphat confronted by a confederation of enemies intent on Judah’s destruction. Fear gripped him, but instead of succumbing to despair, he turned to God in earnest prayer. His plea is deeply rooted in his understanding of God's historic involvement with Israel—the God who freed them from Egyptian bondage, parted the Red Sea, and guided them through the wilderness. Jehoshaphat’s prayer illustrates a crucial aspect of faith: it is not merely a reaction to present troubles but a response grounded in the solid foundation of God’s past dealings with His people.
"Art not thou our God…" This question is laden with assurance and the acknowledgment of who God is. It signifies a conversation, not a mere advertisement of gloom. When Jehoshaphat calls upon God, he identifies Him as the One who has driven out the inhabitants of the land. This act of remembrance is essential, as it binds the King’s faith to a collective history that God had with Israel. It reminds us that our God is a God who acts.
When we reflect on our lives, how often do we remember the times God intervened? During our own struggles—whether it be financial turmoil, health crises, or relational discord—do we bring to mind the mountain-moving moments from our past? This recollection fortifies our faith in times of trial. Just as Jehoshaphat recalled God’s past deeds, we too must remind ourselves of God’s goodness and faithfulness in our journey. We serve the same God who has not changed; He is still our deliverer and defender today.
Further, Jehoshaphat's invocation of God's covenant with Abraham, "...and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever," echoes the theme of divine friendship and covenant. It speaks of a relationship that is marked by promises and commitment. God gave the land to Abraham and his seed, establishing a long-lasting heritage for His people. Here, we see two sides of God's nature: His transcendence as the Almighty and His immanence as the God who is near and personal. He engages with His chosen, nurturing a relationship that brings us into His family—the seeds of Abraham through faith.
As we navigate the challenges of life, we are called to invoke these deep truths. Our prayers should flow from this rich well of history and relationship, understanding that God desires to be in partnership with us in every endeavor. His covenant is not just historical; it is active and applicable today. Therefore, when we face adversity, let us not be quick to rush to solutions or panic; instead, we ought to approach the Almighty with confidence, relying on the promise He made to Abraham and, through Christ, to us.
In a world filled with uncertainty and shifting foundations, let us biblically challenge ourselves, asking, "Are you not our God?" Let that question resonate in our spirits, knowing that if He has delivered His people before, He will do it again. Let us cling to the truth of our identity as children of Abraham—co-heirs with Christ, endowed with the Spirit. Trust that in your darkest moments, you can look to Him, draw from the past, and walk forward into the future with hope, knowing that the God who brought Israel through is with you, guiding you at every step.
Want to reflect more on 2 Chronicles 20:7?
Continue your spiritual journey with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, discover connections, and deepen your understanding.
Get Our Apps
2 Chronicles 20:7 Artwork
2 Chronicles 20:7 - "Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?"
"Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?" - 2 Chronicles 20:7
1 Chronicles 20:7 - "But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him."
2 Chronicles 20:37
2 Chronicles 20:28
2 Chronicles 20:21
2 Chronicles 20:18
2 Chronicles 11:20
"But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea David's brother slew him." - 1 Chronicles 20:7
2 Chronicles 30:20 - "And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people."
1 Chronicles 2:20 - "And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel."
2 chronicles 7:14
2 chronicles 7:14
2 Chronicles 7:20 - "Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations."
2 Chronicles 20:28 - "And they came to Jerusalem with psalteries and harps and trumpets unto the house of the LORD."
1 Chronicles 7:20 - "¶ And the sons of Ephraim; Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eladah his son, and Tahath his son,"
2 Chronicles 11:7 - "And Beth-zur, and Shoco, and Adullam,"
2 Chronicles 20:13 - "And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children."
2 Chronicles 32:20 - "And for this cause Hezekiah the king, and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven."
2 Kings 20:20 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 20:5 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the LORD, before the new court,"
2 Chronicles 20:8 - "And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,"
2 Chronicles 29:20 - "¶ Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up to the house of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 20:3 - "And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah."
2 Chronicles 20:30 - "So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet: for his God gave him rest round about."
2 Chronicles 4:20 - "Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;"
2 Chronicles 28:20 - "And Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came unto him, and distressed him, but strengthened him not."
2 Chronicles 7:4 - "¶ Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD."
2 Chronicles 20:36 - "And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish: and they made the ships in Ezion-geber."
2 Chronicles 7:2 - "And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house."