Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Abijah takes over as the king of Judah. He rebukes Jeroboam’s forces, musters his own soldiers, and utterly destroys Jeroboam’s army. The chapter ends with Abijah’s death and the appointment of his son Asa as king.
II. Photo
Abijah’s reign is defined by war: “Abijah joined battle with a force of warriors, 400,000 picked men. Jeroboam arrayed for battle against him 800,000 picked men, warriors.” (v. 3)
III. Important Verses
v. 3: Abijah joined battle with a force of warriors, 400,000 picked men. Jeroboam arrayed for battle against him 800,000 picked men, warriors.
vv. 8-11: Now you are bent on opposing the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the charge of the sons of David, because you are a great multitude and possess the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. Did you not banish the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron and the Levites, and, like the peoples of the land, appoint your own priests? Anyone who offered himself for ordination with a young bull of the herd and seven rams became a priest of no-gods! As for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him. The priests who minister to the LORD are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites are at their tasks. They offer burnt offerings in smoke each morning and each evening, and the aromatic incense, the rows of bread on the pure table; they kindle the golden lampstand with its lamps burning each evening, for we keep the charge of the LORD our God, while you have forsaken it.
IV. Outline
1-2a. Abijah becomes king
2b-3. Battle situation
4-12. Abijah rebukes Jeroboam and his followers
13-19. The battle: God delivers Jeroboam’s forces into Abijah’s hand
20. Jeroboam loses power and dies
21. Abijah’s family
22-23a. Summary of Abijah’s reign; Death
23b. Asa becomes king; Peace
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
De Vries, Simon J. “1 and 2 Chronicles,” The Forms of Old Testament Literature vol. 11 (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1989).
Photo taken from http://www.sikyon.com/Sparta/images/soldiers.jpg
