2 Chronicles 13
2 Chronicles 13 is centered on a record of the war between King Abijah of the southern kingdom of Judah and King Jeroboam of the northern kingdom of Israel. Abijah highlights the legitimacy of the line of David and asserts their faithfulness to God, while Jeroboam and Israel are portrayed as being criticized for idolatry and the corruption of the priestly system. Although Judah is outnumbered in the war, the passage shows how they prevail by crying out to God and relying on Him.
1verseIn the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah began to reign over Judah.
2verseHe reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
3verseAbijah joined battle with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men; and Jeroboam set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, who were mighty men of valor.
4verseAbijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, “Hear me, Jeroboam and all Israel:
5verseOught you not to know that the LORD, the God of Israel, gave the kingdom over Israel to David forever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?
6verseYet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, rose up, and rebelled against his lord.
7verseWorthless men were gathered to him, wicked fellows who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tender hearted, and could not withstand them.
8verse“Now you intend to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David. You are a great multitude, and the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods are with you.
9verseHaven’t you driven out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made priests for yourselves according to the ways of the peoples of other lands? Whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams may be a priest of those who are no gods.
10verse“But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests serving the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in their work.
11verseThey burn to the LORD every morning and every evening burnt offerings and sweet incense. They also set the show bread in order on the pure table, and care for the gold lamp stand with its lamps, to burn every evening; for we keep the instruction of the LORD our God, but you have forsaken him.
12verseBehold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with the trumpets of alarm to sound an alarm against you. Children of Israel, don’t fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers; for you will not prosper.”
13verseBut Jeroboam caused an ambush to come about behind them; so they were before Judah, and the ambush was behind them.
14verseWhen Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind them; and they cried to the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.
15verseThen the men of Judah gave a shout. As the men of Judah shouted, God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
16verseThe children of Israel fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hand.
17verseAbijah and his people killed them with a great slaughter, so five hundred thousand chosen men of Israel fell down slain.
18verseThus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers.
19verseAbijah pursued Jeroboam, and took cities from him: Bethel with its villages, Jeshanah with its villages, and Ephron with its villages.
20verseJeroboam didn’t recover strength again in the days of Abijah. The LORD struck him, and he died.
21verseBut Abijah grew mighty and took for himself fourteen wives, and became the father of twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters.
22verseThe rest of the acts of Abijah, his ways, and his sayings are written in the commentary of the prophet Iddo.
Main Flow and Structure
- The beginning of Abijah’s reign (verses 1-2): Abijah becomes king of Judah and begins to rule.
- The cause of the war (verses 3-4): Scenes depict Judah and Israel taking their positions for battle and facing each other.
- Abijah’s speech (verses 4-12): Abijah persuades Jeroboam and the people of Israel by emphasizing their own faithful religious orthodoxy and God’s help.
- Battle and victory (verses 13-20): Despite Judah’s numerical disadvantage, Judah cries out to God, receives deliverance, and wins. In the process, Israel suffers great losses.
- The later years of Abijah (verses 21-22): Mentions continue regarding Abijah’s family and reign, as well as the deeds he left behind.
Overall Meaning and Reflection
This chapter is not just a record of history, but emphasizes that loyalty and faithfulness to God are important themes. The reason Judah could win is not due to military power or strategy, but because, in the midst of crisis, they relied on God. You can also see that the experience of crying out to God and receiving His help—not only talking about it but living it—became a great legacy for the faith community.
Points to Reflect On
- When the faith community faces a crisis, I can take a moment to consider what it is that I rely on.
- Reflect on the difference between formal religious acts and a sincere reliance on God, and on the essence of true faith.
- At each decisive moment in history, remember God’s hand and guidance, and make a commitment to the faith that entrusts even today’s steps to Him.
Try Applying It to Me
- When I face big or small crises in daily life, I think about whether there is a specific pattern of prayer in which I rely on God.
- I check my heart to see what it is that I truly place my trust and reliance in, and I set aside time to turn my heart back toward God.
