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2 Chronicles 13

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‹ Chapter 12 2 Chronicles — All Chapters Chapter 14 ›

1 In the eighteenth year of Jeroboam’s reign, Abijah became king of Judah, 2 and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Micaiah daughter of Uriel; she was from Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. 3 Abijah went into battle with an army of 400,000 chosen men, while Jeroboam drew up in formation against him with 800,000 chosen and mighty men of valor. 4 Then Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim in the hill country of Ephraim and said, “Hear me, O Jeroboam and all Israel! 5 Do you not know that the LORD, the God of Israel, has given the kingship of Israel to David and his descendants forever by a covenant of salt ? 6 Yet Jeroboam son of Nebat, a servant of Solomon son of David, rose up and rebelled against his master. 7 Then worthless and wicked men gathered around him to resist Rehoboam son of Solomon when he was young, inexperienced, and unable to resist them. 8 And now you think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hands of David’s descendants. You are indeed a vast army, and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. 9 But did you not drive out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites? And did you not make priests for yourselves as do the peoples of other lands? Now whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams can become a priest of things that are not gods. 10 But as for us, the LORD is our God. We have not forsaken Him; the priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. 11 Every morning and every evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD. They set out the rows of showbread on the ceremonially clean table, and every evening they light the lamps of the gold lampstand. We are carrying out the requirements of the LORD our God, while you have forsaken Him. 12 Now behold, God Himself is with us as our head, and His priests with their trumpets sound the battle call against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the LORD, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed." 13 Now Jeroboam had sent troops around to ambush from the rear, so that while he was in front of Judah, the ambush was behind them. 14 When Judah turned and discovered that the battle was both before and behind them, they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, 15 and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. And when they raised the cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. 16 So the Israelites fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hands. 17 Then Abijah and his people struck them with a mighty blow, and 500,000 chosen men of Israel fell slain. 18 Thus the Israelites were subdued at that time, and the men of Judah prevailed because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers. 19 Abijah pursued Jeroboam and captured some cities from him: Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephron, along with their villages. 20 Jeroboam did not again recover his power during the days of Abijah, and the LORD struck him down and he died. 21 But Abijah grew strong, married fourteen wives, and became the father of twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters. 22 Now the rest of the acts of Abijah, along with his ways and his words, are written in the Treatise of the Prophet Iddo.

‹ Chapter 12 2 Chronicles — All Chapters Chapter 14 ›

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins by introducing Abijah, the king of Judah, who is facing a large army led by Jeroboam, the king of Israel. Abijah delivers a speech to Jeroboam's army, reminding them of the covenant that God made with David and the fact that the priests and Levites are still faithful to God. Despite being outnumbered, Abijah's army is victorious, and Jeroboam's army is defeated. The chapter also notes that Abijah's army killed 500,000 of Jeroboam's soldiers, and that Jeroboam did not recover from this defeat for the rest of his life. The chapter ends by noting that Abijah's strength and victories were due to his faithfulness to God, and that he had 14 wives and 22 sons.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of the divided kingdom, where the kingdom of Israel has been split into two kingdoms: Judah and Israel. The chapter highlights the ongoing conflict between these two kingdoms, and the fact that God is still working to fulfill His promises to David and his descendants. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and commands.

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of the importance of staying faithful to God's covenant and commands. As we seek to follow God's will for our lives, we must remember that faithfulness is key to experiencing God's presence and power. We must also recognize the consequences of rebellion against God, and seek to submit to His authority in all areas of our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter tells the story of Abijah, the king of Judah, who trusts in God and defeats the army of Jeroboam, the king of Israel. As (2 Chronicles 13:12) notes, God is the one who gives victory, and Abijah's faithfulness to God is the key to his success. This chapter reminds us of the importance of staying faithful to God's covenant and commands, and seeking to submit to His authority in all areas of our lives.

Voices from the Church

“Faith is not a mere sentiment, but a living, active, and powerful principle, which takes hold of the promises of God, and appropriates them to itself.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The faithful are not exempt from the common calamities of life, but they are sustained by the consciousness of God's presence, and the assurance of His protection.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to Abijah and Jeroboam (2 Chronicles 13:1-3) — The chapter introduces Abijah, the king of Judah, and Jeroboam, the king of Israel, and sets the stage for their conflict.
  2. Abijah's Speech to Jeroboam's Army (2 Chronicles 13:4-12) — Abijah delivers a speech to Jeroboam's army, reminding them of the covenant that God made with David and the fact that the priests and Levites are still faithful to God.
  3. The Battle Between Abijah's Army and Jeroboam's Army (2 Chronicles 13:13-18) — The chapter describes the battle between Abijah's army and Jeroboam's army, and notes that Abijah's army is victorious due to God's presence and power.
  4. The Consequences of Jeroboam's Rebellion (2 Chronicles 13:19-20) — The chapter notes that Jeroboam's rebellion against God has consequences, including the defeat of his army and the loss of many lives.
  5. Conclusion: Abijah's Strength and Victories (2 Chronicles 13:21-22) — The chapter concludes by noting that Abijah's strength and victories were due to his faithfulness to God, and that he had 14 wives and 22 sons.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God
This chapter teaches that God is the one who gives victory, and that His sovereignty is not limited by human circumstances. As (2 Chronicles 13:12) notes, God is the one who is with Abijah's army, guiding and empowering them to achieve victory.
The Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and commands, and notes that this faithfulness is key to experiencing God's presence and power.
The Consequences of Rebellion
The chapter notes that rebellion against God has consequences, including the defeat of Jeroboam's army and the loss of many lives.
The Power of God's Presence
The chapter highlights the idea that God's presence is what gives Abijah's army the power to achieve victory, and reminds us of the importance of recognizing and relying on God's presence in our lives.

Lessons from 2 Chronicles 13

  1. The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter reminds us of the importance of staying faithful to God's covenant and commands, and seeking to submit to His authority in all areas of our lives.
  2. The Power of God's Presence — The chapter highlights the idea that God's presence is what gives us the power to achieve victory, and reminds us of the importance of recognizing and relying on God's presence in our lives.
  3. The Consequences of Rebellion — The chapter notes that rebellion against God has consequences, including the defeat of Jeroboam's army and the loss of many lives.
  4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is the one who gives victory, and that His sovereignty is not limited by human circumstances.
  5. The Role of the Church — The chapter reminds us of the importance of the church and its role in proclaiming God's covenant and commands to the world.

Themes from 2 Chronicles 13

  1. The Kingdom of God — The chapter highlights the idea that God is the one who establishes and maintains His kingdom, and that our faithfulness to Him is key to experiencing His presence and power.
  2. Faithfulness and Rebellion — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and commands, and notes that rebellion against God has consequences.
  3. The Power of God's Presence — The chapter highlights the idea that God's presence is what gives us the power to achieve victory, and reminds us of the importance of recognizing and relying on God's presence in our lives.
  4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is the one who gives victory, and that His sovereignty is not limited by human circumstances.
  5. The Importance of the Church — The chapter reminds us of the importance of the church and its role in proclaiming God's covenant and commands to the world.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What can we learn from Abijah's faithfulness to God, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
  2. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of recognizing and relying on God's presence in our lives?
  3. What are the consequences of rebellion against God, and how can we avoid these consequences in our own lives?
  4. How does the chapter highlight the sovereignty of God, and what implications does this have for our understanding of God's character and plan?
  5. What role do the priests and Levites play in the chapter, and what can we learn from their faithfulness to God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to Abijah and Jeroboam (2 Chronicles 13:1-3)

13:1 The chapter introduces Abijah, the king of Judah, who is facing a large army led by Jeroboam, the king of Israel.
13:2 The chapter notes that Jeroboam has a large army, with 800,000 soldiers, while Abijah has a much smaller army, with 400,000 soldiers.

2. Abijah's Speech to Jeroboam's Army (2 Chronicles 13:4-12)

13:4 Abijah delivers a speech to Jeroboam's army, reminding them of the covenant that God made with David and the fact that the priests and Levites are still faithful to God.
13:5 Abijah notes that God is the one who gave the kingdom to David and his descendants, and that Jeroboam's rebellion is against God's covenant and commands.

3. The Battle Between Abijah's Army and Jeroboam's Army (2 Chronicles 13:13-18)

13:13 The chapter describes the battle between Abijah's army and Jeroboam's army, and notes that Abijah's army is victorious due to God's presence and power.
13:14 The chapter notes that Abijah's army killed 500,000 of Jeroboam's soldiers, and that Jeroboam did not recover from this defeat for the rest of his life.

4. The Consequences of Jeroboam's Rebellion (2 Chronicles 13:19-20)

13:19 The chapter notes that Jeroboam's rebellion against God has consequences, including the defeat of his army and the loss of many lives.
13:20 The chapter notes that Jeroboam did not recover from this defeat for the rest of his life, and that God struck him down and he died.

5. Conclusion: Abijah's Strength and Victories (2 Chronicles 13:21-22)

13:21 The chapter concludes by noting that Abijah's strength and victories were due to his faithfulness to God, and that he had 14 wives and 22 sons.
13:22 The chapter ends by noting that the rest of the events of Abijah's reign are recorded in the annals of the prophet Iddo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of 2 Chronicles 13?

The main theme of 2 Chronicles 13 is the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and commands, and the consequences of rebellion against God. As (2 Chronicles 13:12) notes, God is the one who gives victory, and Abijah's faithfulness to God is the key to his success.

Who is Abijah and what is his role in the chapter?

Abijah is the king of Judah, and he plays a key role in the chapter as the leader of the army that defeats Jeroboam's army. As (2 Chronicles 13:1-3) notes, Abijah is facing a large army led by Jeroboam, but he trusts in God and is victorious.

What is the significance of the battle between Abijah's army and Jeroboam's army?

The battle between Abijah's army and Jeroboam's army is significant because it highlights the power of God's presence and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and commands. As (2 Chronicles 13:13-18) notes, Abijah's army is victorious due to God's presence and power, and Jeroboam's army is defeated due to their rebellion against God.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Chronicles 13:1 → 1 Kings 14:31 This verse notes that Abijah became king of Judah, and that his mother's name was Micaiah, the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah.
2 2 Chronicles 13:2 → 1 Kings 14:30 This verse notes that there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam, and that Abijah had 400,000 soldiers while Jeroboam had 800,000 soldiers.
3 2 Chronicles 13:4 → Deuteronomy 12:5-7 This verse notes that Abijah delivered a speech to Jeroboam's army, reminding them of the covenant that God made with David and the fact that the priests and Levites are still faithful to God.
4 2 Chronicles 13:5 → Psalm 2:7 This verse notes that God is the one who gave the kingdom to David and his descendants, and that Jeroboam's rebellion is against God's covenant and commands.
5 2 Chronicles 13:12 → Romans 8:31 This verse notes that God is the one who gives victory, and that those who trust in Him will be victorious.
6 2 Chronicles 13:13 → Joshua 23:10 This verse notes that Abijah's army is victorious due to God's presence and power, and that they killed 500,000 of Jeroboam's soldiers.
7 2 Chronicles 13:14 → Proverbs 21:31 This verse notes that the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.
8 2 Chronicles 13:18 → Isaiah 31:1 This verse notes that those who trust in chariots and horses will be defeated, but those who trust in God will be victorious.
9 2 Chronicles 13:20 → 1 Samuel 2:10 This verse notes that God struck down Jeroboam and he died, and that the rest of the events of Abijah's reign are recorded in the annals of the prophet Iddo.
10 2 Chronicles 13:22 → 1 Kings 14:29 This verse notes that the rest of the events of Abijah's reign are recorded in the annals of the prophet Iddo, and that Abijah had 14 wives and 22 sons.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 13

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 10-13 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker discusses the history of Israel and their rebellion against God. He mentions how God had made a covenant with David that there would always be a king fr
H.J. Vine A Victory for the Truth by H.J. Vine H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of unity in Christ, drawing parallels between the unity of Israel under King Abijah and Jeroboam and the unity of believers in Christ as the on
Mary Wilder Tileston Fighting Our Battles by Mary Wilder Tileston Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the assurance of victory in God's battles, emphasizing the presence of the Lord as our fighter and captain. She highlights the importance of tru
F.B. Meyer Behold, the Battle Was Before and Behind. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes that while we may feel surrounded by enemies and past failures, God remains our constant protector and source of strength. He illustrates how Abijah's declara

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 13

This chapter tells the story of Abijah, the king of Judah, who trusts in God and defeats the army of Jeroboam, the king of Israel. As Matthew Henry notes, Abijah's faithfulness to God is the key to his success, and his victory is a testament to the power of God's presence. The chapter also highlights the importance of staying faithful to God's covenant and commands, and the consequences of rebellion against God. As (2 Chronicles 13:12) notes, God is the one who gives victory, and those who trust in Him will be victorious. This chapter reminds us of the importance of recognizing and relying on God's presence in our lives, and of the need to stay faithful to God's covenant and commands. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Importance of Faithfulness

Abijah's faithfulness to God is highlighted throughout the chapter, and it is clear that this faithfulness is the key to his victory. This is a reminder to us of the importance of staying faithful to God's covenant and commands.

The Power of God's Presence

The chapter emphasizes the idea that God's presence is what gives Abijah's army the power to achieve victory. This is a reminder to us of the importance of recognizing and relying on God's presence in our lives.

The Consequences of Rebellion

The chapter notes that Jeroboam's rebellion against God has consequences, including the defeat of his army and the loss of many lives. This is a reminder to us of the importance of submitting to God's authority and following His commands.

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