2 Chronicles 20:6 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

And said, O Lord God, &c.— This prayer of Jehoshaphat is deservedly accounted one of the most excellent that we meet with in sacred history. He begins with an acknowledgment of God's supreme and irresistible power, which extends itself every where, over all creatures in heaven and earth, which are every one subject to his authority. Then he remembers the peculiar relation which the people of Israel have to him; the promise that he made to Abraham, as a reward of his fidelity; and the deed of gift which he made to him and his posterity, of this country for ever, 2 Chronicles 20:7. He then reminds them of the long possession they had had of the country, and of the temple which Solomon built for his worship; to whom, at the consecration, (and therefore he refers to Solomon's words at the consecration, 1 Kings 8.) he promised a gracious regard to all the prayers that should be offered there, 2 Chronicles 20:8-9. In the next place, he represents the foul ingratitude of their enemies, in invading a country to which they had no manner of title, even though the Israelites did them not the least harm when they came to take possession of it, but took the pains to march a long way about to get to it, rather than give them any molestation; and, in aggravation of their wickedness in this regard, he suggests, that, by this invasion, they made an attempt, not only upon the rights of the Israelites, but of God himself, who was the great Lord and proprietor, from whom they held the land: 2 Chronicles 20:10-11. Then he appeals to the justice of God, the righteous judge, who helps those that suffer wrong, especially when they have no other helper; for this is the last argument he makes use of to conciliate the divine assistance, even the weak condition wherein he and his people were, which made them the objects of the divine pity, especially since they placed their hope and confidence in him alone, 2 Chronicles 20:12.