How does 2 Chronicles 20:11 connect to Romans 8:31 about God's support? Setting the scene 2 Chronicles 20 recounts a very real crisis in the days of Jehoshaphat. Three neighboring nations advance on Judah, intent on erasing God’s people from the land the Lord literally deeded to them. Jehoshaphat stands before the assembly and prays. At the heart of that prayer we hear: “See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession that You gave us as an inheritance.” (2 Chronicles 20:11) Centuries later, Paul writes to believers in Rome: “What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) Shared heartbeat of the two verses • Both verses spring from situations of threat. • Both affirm that God Himself has a personal stake in protecting His people. • Both shift the focus from the size of the enemy to the certainty of the Lord’s presence. The Old Testament cry—God defends His inheritance • Jehoshaphat reminds God of the literal land He promised (Genesis 13:15; Joshua 1:3). • The invading armies are, therefore, trespassing on God’s own property. • Jehoshaphat’s plea: “They want to take what You gave—step in and prove You are for us.” • God answers by supernaturally turning the enemy armies against one another (2 Chronicles 20:22-24). The New Testament assurance—God defends His redeemed • Romans 8 surveys every possible enemy: sin, condemnation, suffering, death. • Paul concludes that because of Christ’s atoning work (Romans 8:32-34) none of those forces can prevail. • The same God who owned Judah’s land now owns believers themselves (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Therefore the argument: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” echoes Jehoshaphat’s conviction. Parallel truths in bullet form • Inheritance then: physical land. – Inheritance now: salvation, eternal life (1 Peter 1:3-4). • Threat then: armed nations. – Threat now: spiritual powers, accusations, death itself (Ephesians 6:12). • Divine strategy then: confusion among enemies. – Divine strategy now: Christ’s finished work and the indwelling Spirit (Romans 8:9-11). • Outcome then: Judah’s rest and spoils (2 Chronicles 20:25-30). – Outcome now: believers are “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37). Supporting Scriptures that reinforce the connection • Exodus 14:14 – “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” • Deuteronomy 20:4 – “For the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you…to give you victory.” • Psalm 118:6 – “The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” • Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Living the connection today • Identify the “inheritance” Christ secured—adoption, forgiveness, future glory. • When threats appear—temptation, persecution, uncertainty—echo Jehoshaphat’s prayer: “Lord, they’re trying to rob me of what You gave.” • Move immediately to Paul’s declaration: “God is for me; therefore, who can ultimately succeed against me?” • Stand still in worship as Judah did, anticipating that God’s defense may look surprising but will be decisive. |
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