2 Chronicles 20:10 Meaning and Explanation
“And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jehoshaphat reminds God that these very enemies were spared by Israel under God's instruction when Israel entered the land.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 20:10
Jehoshaphat's prayer turns from Israel's history to the ironic relationship with these three enemy nations.
What Does 2 Chronicles 20:10 Mean?
Centuries earlier, as Israel journeyed from Egypt toward Canaan, God explicitly commanded that the lands of Ammon, Moab, and Seir be left alone. These nations were preserved, not destroyed. Jehoshaphat appeals to God's mercy shown to these peoples—a mercy they are now repaying with ingratitude and military aggression.
The historical memory serves a theological purpose: if God protected these nations when He could have allowed Israel to destroy them, He certainly has authority over them now. The appeal is both to God's past mercy (toward Ammon and Moab) and His present justice (they are now attacking the people God protected them for the sake of).
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 20:10
What does 2 Chronicles 20:10 mean?
Jehoshaphat reminds God that these very enemies were spared by Israel under God's instruction when Israel entered the land.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 20:10?
Jehoshaphat's prayer turns from Israel's history to the ironic relationship with these three enemy nations.