Teks -- 2 Chronicles 13:1-22 (NET)

Abijah’s Reign

13:1 In the eighteenth year of the reign of King Jeroboam, Abijah became king over Judah. 13:2 He ruled for three years in Jerusalem. His mother was Michaiah, the daughter of Uriel from Gibeah. There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. 13:3 Abijah launched the attack with 400,000 well-trained warriors, while Jeroboam deployed against him 800,000 well-trained warriors. 13:4 Abijah ascended Mount Zemaraim, in the Ephraimite hill country, and said: “Listen to me, Jeroboam and all Israel! 13:5 Don’t you realize that the Lord God of Israel has given David and his dynasty lasting dominion over Israel by a formal agreement? 13:6 Jeroboam son of Nebat, a servant of Solomon son of David, rose up and rebelled against his master. 13:7 Lawless good-for-nothing men gathered around him and conspired against Rehoboam son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was an inexperienced young man and could not resist them. 13:8 Now you are declaring that you will resist the Lord’s rule through the Davidic dynasty. You have a huge army, and bring with you the gold calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. 13:9 But you banished the Lord’s priests, Aaron’s descendants, and the Levites, and appointed your own priests just as the surrounding nations do! Anyone who comes to consecrate himself with a young bull or seven rams becomes a priest of these fake gods! 13:10 But as for us, the Lord is our God and we have not rejected him. Aaron’s descendants serve as the Lord’s priests and the Levites assist them with the work. 13:11 They offer burnt sacrifices to the Lord every morning and every evening, along with fragrant incense. They arrange the Bread of the Presence on a ritually clean table and light the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening. Certainly we are observing the Lord our God’s regulations, but you have rejected him. 13:12 Now look, God is with us as our leader. His priests are ready to blow the trumpets to signal the attack against you. You Israelites, don’t fight against the Lord God of your ancestors, for you will not win!” 13:13 Now Jeroboam had sent some men to ambush the Judahite army from behind. The main army was in front of the Judahite army; the ambushers were behind it. 13:14 The men of Judah turned around and realized they were being attacked from the front and the rear. So they cried out for help to the Lord. The priests blew their trumpets, 13:15 and the men of Judah gave the battle cry. As the men of Judah gave the battle cry, the Lord struck down Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. 13:16 The Israelites fled from before the Judahite army, and God handed them over to the men of Judah. 13:17 Abijah and his army thoroughly defeated them; 500,000 well-trained Israelite men fell dead. 13:18 That day the Israelites were defeated; the men of Judah prevailed because they relied on the Lord God of their ancestors. 13:19 Abijah chased Jeroboam; he seized from him these cities: Bethel and its surrounding towns, Jeshanah and its surrounding towns, and Ephron and its surrounding towns. 13:20 Jeroboam did not regain power during the reign of Abijah. The Lord struck him down and he died. 13:21 Abijah’s power grew; he had fourteen wives and fathered twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters. 13:22 The rest of the events of Abijah’s reign, including his deeds and sayings, are recorded in the writings of the prophet Iddo.

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Wesley: 2Ch 13:5 - Of salt

By a perpetual covenant.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:8 - Golden calves

There is that among you which may damp your confidence: you worship those images which God abhors.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:9 - Consecrate

To make himself a priest.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:10 - The Lord

Heb. Jehovah, the only true God.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:10 - We

Maintain his worship which you have rejected.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:11 - Pure table

Made of pure gold, Exo 25:23-24, he saith table and candlestick, though there were ten of each, because ordinarily there was but one of each used at a time for those uses.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:11 - We keep

Perhaps he flattered himself, that his keeping up the external worship of God would make satisfaction for the errors of his life.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:12 - Trumpets

Upon the sounding whereof God hath solemnly promised to assist his people, Num 10:9.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:12 - The Lord

You have not only us for your enemies, but God, even the God whom your fathers served. It is folly to fight against the God of almighty power: but it is treachery and base ingratitude, to fight against your father's God.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:13 - Jeroboam

While Abijah was discoursing, Jeroboam takes the advantage of it to lay an ambush. It does not appear that he made any answer to all that Abijah said. The longest sword he thinks will determine the matter, not the better cause.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:15 - Gave a shout

It is unspeakable comfort, that no stratagem or ambush can cut off our communication with heaven. To the cry of prayer they added the shout of faith, and so became more than conquerors.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:20 - The Lord struck him

He escaped the sword of Abijah: but God struck him: there is no escaping his sword.

Wesley: 2Ch 13:21 - Married

Not after this victory, for he died presently after it, but in the whole time of his life.

JFB: 2Ch 13:2 - His mother's name also was Michaiah, the daughter of Uriel

The same as Maachah (see on 1Ki 15:2). She was "the daughter," that is, granddaughter of Absalom (1Ki 15:2; compare 2Sa. 14:1-33), mother of Abijah, "mother," that is, grandmother (1Ki 15:10, Margin) of Asa.

JFB: 2Ch 13:2 - of Gibeah

Probably implies that Uriel was connected with the house of Saul.

JFB: 2Ch 13:2 - there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam

The occasion of this war is not recorded (see 1Ki 15:6-7), but it may be inferred from the tenor of Abijah's address that it arose from his youthful ambition to recover the full hereditary dominion of his ancestors. No prophet now forbade a war with Israel (2Ch 11:23) for Jeroboam had forfeited all claim to protection.

JFB: 2Ch 13:3 - Abijah set the battle in array

That is, took the field and opened the campaign.

JFB: 2Ch 13:3 - with . . . four hundred thousand chosen men . . . Jeroboam with eight hundred thousand

These are, doubtless, large numbers, considering the smallness of the two kingdoms. It must be borne in mind, however, that Oriental armies are mere mobs--vast numbers accompanying the camp in hope of plunder, so that the gross numbers described as going upon an Asiatic expedition are often far from denoting the exact number of fighting men. But in accounting for the large number of soldiers enlisted in the respective armies of Abijah and Jeroboam, there is no need of resorting to this mode of explanation; for we know by the census of David the immense number of the population that was capable of bearing arms (1Ch 21:5; compare 2Ch 14:8; 2Ch 17:14).

JFB: 2Ch 13:4-12 - Abijah stood up upon Mount Zemaraim

He had entered the enemy's territory and was encamped on an eminence near Beth-el (Jos 18:22). Jeroboam's army lay at the foot of the hill, and as a pitched battle was expected, Abijah, according to the singular usage of ancient times, harangued the enemy. The speakers in such circumstances, while always extolling their own merits, poured out torrents of invective and virulent abuse upon the adversary. So did Abijah. He dwelt on the divine right of the house of David to the throne; and sinking all reference to the heaven-condemned offenses of Solomon and the divine appointment of Jeroboam, as well as the divine sanction of the separation, he upbraided Jeroboam as a usurper, and his subjects as rebels, who took advantage of the youth and inexperience of Rehoboam. Then contrasting the religious state of the two kingdoms, he drew a black picture of the impious innovations and gross idolatry introduced by Jeroboam, with his expulsion and impoverishment (2Ch 11:14) of the Levites. He dwelt with reasonable pride on the pure and regular observance of the ancient institutions of Moses in his own dominion [2Ch 13:11] and concluded with this emphatic appeal: "O children of Israel, fight ye not against Jehovah, the God of your fathers, for ye shall not prosper."

JFB: 2Ch 13:13-17 - But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them

The oration of Abijah, however animating an effect it might have produced on his own troops, was unheeded by the party to whom it was addressed; for while he was wasting time in useless words, Jeroboam had ordered a detachment of his men to move quietly round the base of the hill, so that when Abijah stopped speaking, he and his followers found themselves surprised in the rear, while the main body of the Israelitish forces remained in front. A panic might have ensued, had not the leaders "cried unto the Lord," and the priests "sounded with the trumpets"--the pledge of victory (Num 10:9; Num 31:6). Reassured by the well-known signal, the men of Judah responded with a war shout, which, echoed by the whole army, was followed by an impetuous rush against the foe. The shock was resistless. The ranks of the Israelites were broken, for "God smote Jeroboam and all Israel." They took to flight, and the merciless slaughter that ensued can be accounted for only by tracing it to the rancorous passions enkindled by a civil war.

JFB: 2Ch 13:19 - Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him

This sanguinary action widened the breach between the people of the two kingdoms. Abijah abandoned his original design of attempting the subjugation of the ten tribes, contenting himself with the recovery of a few border towns, which, though lying within Judah or Benjamin, had been alienated to the new or northern kingdom. Among these was Beth-el, which, with its sacred associations, he might be strongly desirous to wrest from profanation.

JFB: 2Ch 13:20 - Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah

The disastrous action at Zemaraim, which caused the loss of the flower and chivalry of his army, broke his spirits and crippled his power.

JFB: 2Ch 13:20 - the Lord struck him, and he died

That is, Jeroboam. He lived, indeed, two years after the death of Abijah (1Ki 14:20; 1Ki 15:9). But he had been threatened with great calamities upon himself and his house, and it is apparently to the execution of these threatenings, which issued in his death, that an anticipatory reference is here made.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:2 - His mother’ s name - was Michaiah

His mother’ s name - was Michaiah - See on 2Ch 11:20 (note).

Clarke: 2Ch 13:3 - Abijah set the battle in array

Abijah set the battle in array - The numbers in this verse and in the seventeenth seem almost incredible. Abijah’ s army consisted of four hundred thousand effective men; that of Jeroboam consisted of eight hundred thousand; and the slain of Jeroboam’ s army were five hundred thousand. Now it is very possible that there is a cipher too much in all these numbers, and that they should stand thus: Abijah’ s army, forty thousand; Jeroboam’ s eighty thousand; the slain, fifty thousand. Calmet, who defends the common reading, allows that the Venice edition of the Vulgate, in 1478; another, in 1489; that of Nuremberg, in 1521; that of Basil, by Froben, in 1538; that of Robert Stevens, in 1546; and many others, have the smaller numbers. Dr. Kennicott says: "On a particular collation of the Vulgate version, it appears that the number of chosen men here slain, which Pope Clement’ s edition in 1592 determines to be five hundred thousand, the edition of Pope Sixtus, printed two years before, determined to be only fifty thousand; and the two preceding numbers, in the edition of Sixtus, are forty thousand and eighty thousand. As to different printed editions, out of fifty-two, from the year 1462 to 1592, thirty-one contain the less number. And out of fifty-one MSS. twenty-three in the Bodleian library, four in that of Dean Aldrich, and two in that of Exeter College, contain the less number, or else are corrupted irregularly, varying only one or two numbers.

This examination was made by Dr. Kennicott before he had finished his collation of Hebrew MSS., and before De Rossi had published his Variae Lectiones Veteris Testamenti; but from these works we find little help, as far as the Hebrew MSS. are concerned. One Hebrew MS., instead of ארבע מאות אלף arba meoth eleph , four hundred thousand, reads ארבע עשר אלף arba eser eleph , fourteen thousand

In all printed copies of the Hebrew, the numbers are as in the common text, four hundred thousand, eight hundred thousand, and five hundred thousand

The versions are as follow: - The Targum, or Chaldee, the same in each place as the Hebrew

The Syriac in 2Ch 13:3 has four hundred thousand young men for the army of Abijah, and eight hundred thousand stout youth for that of Jeroboam. For the slain Israelites, in 2Ch 13:17, it has five hundred thousand, falsely translated in the Latin text quinque milia , five thousand, both in the Paris and London Polyglots: another proof among many that little dependence is to be placed on the Latin translation of this version in either of the above Polyglots

The Arabic is the same in all these cases with the Syriac, from which it has been translated

The Septuagint, both as it is published in all the Polyglots, and as far as I have seen in MSS. is the same with the Hebrew text. So also is Josephus

The Vulgate or Latin version is that alone that exhibits any important variations; we have had considerable proof of this in the above-mentioned collations of Calmet and Kennicott. I shall beg liberty to add others from my own collection

In the Editio Princeps of the Latin Bible, though without date or place, yet evidently printed long before that of Fust, in 1462, the places stand thus: 2Ch 13:3. Cumque inisset certamen, et haberet bellicosissimos viros, et electorum Quadraginta milia: Iheroboam construxit e contra aciem Octoginta milia virorum ; "With him Abia entered into battle; and he had of the most warlike and choice men forty thousand; and Jeroboam raised an army against him of eighty thousand men."And in 2Ch 13:17 : Et corruerunt vulnerati ex Israel, Quinquaginta milia virorum fortium ; "And there fell down wounded fifty thousand stout men of Israel."In the Glossa Ordinaria, by Strabo Fuldensis, we have forty thousand and eighty thousand in the two first instances, and five hundred thousand in the last. - Bib. Sacr. vol. ii., Antv. 1634

In six ancient MSS. of my own, marked A, B, C, D, E, F. the text stands thus: -

A. - Cumque inisset Abia certamen, et haberet bellicosissimos viros, et electorum XL. MIL. Jeroboam instruxit contra aciem LXXX. MIL

And in 2Ch 13:17 : Et corruerunt vulnerati ex Israel L. MIL. virorum fortium . Here we have forty thousand for the army of Abijah, and eighty thousand for that of Jeroboam, and Fifty thousand for the slain of the latter

B. -

C. -

Quadraginita milia	Forty thousand
Octoginta milia	Eighty thousand
Quinquiaginta milia	Fifty thousand
The numbers being here expressed in words at full length, there can be no suspicion of mistake
CCCC milia	400 thousand
DCCC milibus	800 thousand
D milia	500 thousand
This is the same as the Hebrew text, and very distinctly expressed D. -
xl. m.	40,000
lxxx. m.	80,000
l. v. m.	50 and 5000
This, in the two first numbers, is the same as the others above; but the last is confused, and appears to stand for fifty thousand and five thousand. A later hand has corrected the two first cccc numbers in this MS., placing over the first four CCCC, thus 40, thus changing forty into four hundred; and over the second thus, dccc lxxx., thus changing eighty into eight hundred. Over the latter number, which is evidently a mistake of the scribe, there is no correction E. -
xl. m.	40,000
Octoginta m.	Eighty thousand
l. m.	50,000
F. -
CCCC. m.	400,000
DCCC. m.	800,000
D. m.	600,000

This also is the same as the Hebrew

The reader has now the whole evidence which I have been able to collect before him, and may choose; the smaller numbers appear to be the most correct. Corruptions in the numbers in these historical books we have often had cause to suspect, and to complain of.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:4 - Stood up upon Mount Zemaraim

Stood up upon Mount Zemaraim - "Which was a mount of the tribe of the house of Ephraim."- Targum. Jarchi thinks that Abijah went to the confines of the tribe of Ephraim to attack Jeroboam. It could not be Shomeron, the mount on which Samaria was built in the days of Omri king of Israel, 1Ki 16:24.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:5 - By a covenant of salt?

By a covenant of salt? - For ever. "For as the waters of the sea never grow sweet, neither shall the dominion depart from the house of David."- Targum. See my note on Num 18:19 (note).

Clarke: 2Ch 13:7 - When Rehoboam was young and tender-hearted

When Rehoboam was young and tender-hearted - Therefore he could not be forty-one when he came to the throne; see the note on 2Ch 13:3. Children of Belial here signifies men of the most abandoned principles and characters; or men without consideration, education, or brains.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:9 - A young bullock and seven rams

A young bullock and seven rams - He who could provide these for his own consecration was received into the order of this spurious and wicked priesthood. Some think he who could give to Jeroboam a young bullock and seven rams, was thereby received into the priesthood; this being the price for which the priesthood was conferred. The former is most likely.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:10 - The Lord is our God

The Lord is our God - We have not abandoned the Lord; and we still serve him according to his own law.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:12 - God himself is with us

God himself is with us - Ye have golden calves; we have the living and omnipotent Jehovah

Clarke: 2Ch 13:12 - With - trumpets to cry alarm against you

With - trumpets to cry alarm against you - This was appalling: When the priests sound their trumpets, it will be a proof that the vengeance of the Lord shall speedily descend upon you.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:13 - But Jeroboam caused an ambushment

But Jeroboam caused an ambushment - While Abijah was thus employed in reproving them, Jeroboam divided his army privately, and sent a part to take Abijah in the rear; and this must have proved fatal to the Jews, had not the Lord interposed.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:17 - Slain - five hundred thousand chosen men

Slain - five hundred thousand chosen men - Query, fifty thousand? This was a great slaughter: see the note on 2Ch 13:3, where all these numbers are supposed to be overcharged.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:18 - Judah prevailed, because

Judah prevailed, because - "They depended on the Word of the God of their fathers."- T.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:19 - Beth-el

Beth-el - "Beth-lehem."- Targum

Clarke: 2Ch 13:19 - Jeshanah

Jeshanah - We know not where these towns lay.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:20 - The Lord struck him, and he died

The Lord struck him, and he died - Who died? Abijah or Jeroboam? Some think it was Jeroboam; some, that it was Abijah. Both rabbins and Christians are divided on this point; nor is it yet settled. The prevailing opinion is that Jeroboam is meant, who was struck then with that disease of which he died about two years after; for he did not die till two years after Abijah: see 1Ki 14:20; 1Ki 15:9. It seems as if Jeroboam was meant, not Abijah.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:21 - Married fourteen wives

Married fourteen wives - Probably he made alliances with the neighboring powers, by taking their daughters to him for wives.

Clarke: 2Ch 13:22 - Written in the story

Written in the story - במדרש bemidrash , "in the commentary;"this, as far as I recollect, is the first place where a midrash or commentary is mentioned. The margin is right

Clarke: 2Ch 13:22 - His ways, and his sayings

His ways, and his sayings - The commentary of the prophet Iddo is lost. What his sayings were we cannot tell; but from the specimen in this chapter, he appears to have been a very able speaker, and one who knew well how to make the best use of his argument.

Defender: 2Ch 13:5 - covenant of salt

A "covenant of salt" was understood in ancient nations to be permanent and unbreakable. This covenant was ratified by a meal seasoned with salt and shared by the two parties. Salt was considered to be a very valuable and significant component of the meal. When God was one of the parties, the food was first sacrificed to Him (Lev 2:13; Num 18:19)."

Defender: 2Ch 13:22 - story of the prophet Iddo

The Hebrew word here for "story" is midrash. It originally meant something like a commentary. In more recent times, it came to be applied to a collection of Rabbinic comments on the Old Testament, collected between 100 b.c. and a.d. 300 (see note on 1Ch 29:29)."

TSK: 2Ch 13:1 - in the eighteenth

am 3046-3049, bc 958-955

in the eighteenth : 2Ch 12:16; 1Ki 15:1-8

TSK: 2Ch 13:2 - Michaiah // Gibeah // And there was

Michaiah : 2Ch 11:20, Maachah the daughter of Absalom, 1Ki 15:2, Abishalom

Gibeah : Jos 18:28, Gibeath, Jdg 19:14, Jdg 19:16; 1Sa 10:26, am 3047, bc 957

And there was : 1Ki 15:6, 1Ki 15:7

TSK: 2Ch 13:3 - set // four hundred // eight hundred

set : Heb. bound together, 1Sa 17:1-3

four hundred : 2Ch 11:1, 2Ch 14:8, 2Ch 17:14-18, 2Ch 26:12, 2Ch 26:13; 1Ch 21:5

eight hundred : 2Ch 14:9

TSK: 2Ch 13:4 - Zemaraim // Hear me

Zemaraim : Zemaraim could not be, as some have supposed, the same as the hill of Samaria, שׁמרון [Strong’ s H8111], so called from Shemer, in the days of Omri; but was probably a hill on the confines of Ephraim, near Zemaraim, a city of Benjamin, near Bethel. Gen 10:18; Jos 18:22

Hear me : 2Ch 15:2; Jdg 9:7

TSK: 2Ch 13:5 - Ought ye not // the Lord // to David // a covenant of salt

Ought ye not : Neh 5:9; Pro 1:29; 2Pe 3:5

the Lord : Jdg 11:21-24; Jer 27:5-7; Dan 4:25-32, Dan 5:18

to David : 1Sa 16:1, 1Sa 16:12; 2Sa 7:12-16; 1Ki 8:20; 1Ch 17:11, 1Ch 17:14, 1Ch 28:4, 1Ch 28:5; Psa. 89:19-37; Jer 33:21, Jer 33:22, Jer 33:26; Luk 1:31-33

a covenant of salt : Lev 2:13; Num 18:19; Eze 43:24; Mar 9:49, Mar 9:50

TSK: 2Ch 13:6 - rebelled

rebelled : 2Ch 10:19; 1Ki 11:26, 1Ki 12:20, 1Ki 12:27

TSK: 2Ch 13:7 - vain men // the children of Belial // young // could not

vain men : Jdg 9:4, Jdg 11:3; 1Sa 22:2; Job 30:8; Psa 26:4; Pro 12:11, Pro 28:19; Act 17:5; Tit 1:10

the children of Belial : Deu 13:13; 1Ki 21:10, 1Ki 21:13

young : 2Ch 10:16, 2Ch 12:13; Ecc 10:16; Isa 3:4; 1Co 14:20; Heb 5:12

could not : 2Ch 11:1-4

TSK: 2Ch 13:8 - the kingdom // a great multitude // with you golden

the kingdom : 2Ch 9:8; Psa 2:1-6; Isa 7:6, Isa 7:7, Isa 9:6, Isa 9:7; Luk 19:14, Luk 19:27

a great multitude : 2Ch 14:9-11, 2Ch 20:6, 2Ch 20:12; Psa 33:16

with you golden : 2Ch 11:15; 1Ki 12:28, 1Ki 14:9; Hos 8:5, Hos 8:6

TSK: 2Ch 13:9 - cast out // made you priests // consecrate himself // young // no gods

cast out : 2Ch 11:14, 2Ch 11:15

made you priests : 1Ki 12:31-33, 1Ki 13:33

consecrate himself : Heb. fill his hand, Exo 32:29; Lev 16:32; 1Ch 29:5 *marg.

young : Exo 29:1, Exo 29:35; Lev 8:2

no gods : Deu 32:17; 2Ki 19:18; Jer 2:11; Hos 8:6; Act 19:26; Gal 4:8

TSK: 2Ch 13:10 - the Lord // the priests

the Lord : We have not abandoned the Lord; and we still serve him according to His own law. But what Abijah urged concerning the state of religion in Judah was not strictly just; and, as spoken by him, it favoured ostentation. Abijah himself was but an indifferent character; and idolatry was evidently connived at in his days. Yet it was true, that the men of Judah had the priests, ordinances, and worship of Jehovah among them; that there were numbers of pious worshippers in the land; that theirs was the more righteous cause; that Jehovah was on their side as their Captain, while Israel fought against him; and that the presence of the priests with the sacred trumpets was a token of His presence and favour. 2Ch 11:16, 2Ch 11:17; Exo 19:5, Exo 19:6; Zec 13:9

the priests : Exod. 29:1-37; Num 16:40, Num 18:1-7

TSK: 2Ch 13:11 - they burn // sweet incense // showbread // the candlestick // we keep

they burn : 2Ch 2:4; Exo 29:38

sweet incense : Exo 30:1-10; Lev 2:1-3; Num 16:6, Num 16:46; Luk 1:9; Rev 8:3, Rev 8:4

showbread : Exo 25:30; Lev 24:5-9

the candlestick : Exo 25:31-39, Exo 27:20, Exo 27:21; Lev 24:2-4

we keep : Gen 26:5; Num 9:19; Eze 44:8, Eze 44:15, Eze 48:11

TSK: 2Ch 13:12 - God // for our captain // his priests // fight ye // ye shall not

God : Num 23:21; 1Sa 4:5-7; Isa 8:10; Zec 10:5; Rom 8:31

for our captain : Deu 20:4; Jos 5:13-15; Psa 20:7; Heb 2:10

his priests : Num 10:8, Num 10:9, Num 31:6; Jos 6:13-20

fight ye : Job 15:25, Job 15:26, Job 40:9; Isa 45:9; Jer 50:24; Act 5:39, Act 9:4, Act 9:5

ye shall not : 2Ch 24:20; Num 14:41; Deu 28:29; Job 9:4; Isa 54:17; Jer 2:37; Eze 17:9

TSK: 2Ch 13:13 - an ambushment

an ambushment : 2Ch 20:22; Jos 8:4; Pro 21:30; Jer 4:22

TSK: 2Ch 13:14 - looked back // cried // the priests

looked back : Exo 14:10; Jos 8:20; Jdg 20:33-43; 2Sa 10:8-14

cried : 2Ch 14:11, 2Ch 18:31; Psa 50:15, Psa 91:5

the priests : 2Ch 13:12

TSK: 2Ch 13:15 - as the men // God smote

as the men : 2Ch 20:21; Jos 6:16, Jos 6:20; Jdg 7:18-22; Psa 47:1, Psa 47:5

God smote : 2Ch 14:12; Num 32:4; Jos 11:8; Jdg 4:15; 2Ki 5:1; Psa 118:4-7; Isa 37:36

TSK: 2Ch 13:16 - God delivered

God delivered : Gen 14:20; Deu 2:36, Deu 3:3; Jos 10:12, Jos 21:44; Jdg 1:4, Jdg 11:21; 1Sa 23:7

TSK: 2Ch 13:17 - five hundred

five hundred : 2Ch 13:3, 2Ch 13:12, 2Ch 28:6; Isa 10:16-19, Isa 37:36; Nah 1:5; 1Co 10:22

TSK: 2Ch 13:18 - relied

relied : 2Ch 16:8, 2Ch 16:9, 2Ch 20:20; 2Ki 18:5; 1Ch 5:20; Psa 22:4, Psa 22:5, Psa 146:5; Dan 3:28; Nah 1:7; Eph 1:12

TSK: 2Ch 13:19 - took cities // Jeshanah // Ephrain

took cities : Jos 10:19, Jos 10:39, Jos 11:12; 1Sa 31:7

Jeshanah : Jeshanah, according to the Talmud, was not far from Sephoris. Perhaps it is the Migdal-Senna of Eusebius, eight miles north of Jericho.

Ephrain : Ephrain, or Ephron, a city of Benjamin, is placed by Eusebius, eight miles north of Jerusalem, near Bethel. Josephus calls Ephrain and Bethel two little cities; and places the former in the tribe of Benjamin, near the wilderness of Judea, in the way to Jericho. 2Ch 15:8; Jos 15:9, Ephron, Joh 11:54

TSK: 2Ch 13:20 - did // Lord // he died

did : Psa 18:37, Psa 18:38

Lord : 1Sa 25:38, 1Sa 26:10; Eze 24:16; Act 12:23

he died : 1Ki 14:20, 1Ki 15:9

TSK: 2Ch 13:21 - waxed // fourteen wives // begat

waxed : 2Sa 5:12, 2Sa 5:13

fourteen wives : 2Ch 11:21

begat : Jdg 8:30, Jdg 8:31, Jdg 9:5, Jdg 10:4

TSK: 2Ch 13:22 - story // Iddo

story : or, commentary

Iddo : 2Ch 9:29, 2Ch 12:15

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: 2Ch 13:2 - Michaiah the daughter of Uriel

Michaiah the daughter of Uriel called Maachah the daughter of Absalom , 1Ki 15:2 . She might be daughter to one, and granddaughter to the other; or the proper and natural daughter of the, one, and the other’ s by adoption, of which there are instances in Scripture; or the same person might be called Uriel and Absalom: see 1Ki 15:2 .

Poole: 2Ch 13:3 - Abijah set the battle in array

Abijah set the battle in array against Jeroboam. We need not scrupulously inquire into the lawfulness of this war, for this Abijah, though here he makes a fair flourish, and maintained the better cause, yet was indeed an ungodly man, 1Ki 15:3 , and therefore minded not the satisfaction of his conscience, but only the recovery of his parent’ s ancient dominions.

Poole: 2Ch 13:4 - Upon Mount Zemaraim

Upon Mount Zemaraim some commodious place whence his voice might be heard by Jeroboam, and some of his host, who possibly were pitched in the valley. Or the two armies being pitched near to one another, Abijah might desire a parley, before they fight; whereupon Jeroboam, and some of his commanders and soldiers, might draw near to him, and stand below him at the bottom of the hill, where they might hear his speech; which Jeroboam was the more willing to do, that in the mean time he might cause an ambushment to come behind Abijah and his army, as he did, 2Ch 13:13 , whilst he was quietly standing before them, and seemed to hearken to any terms of accommodation which might be offered.

Poole: 2Ch 13:5

i.e. By a perpetual covenant, which thy usurpation can not disannul. For the phrase, See Poole "Num 18:19" .

Poole: 2Ch 13:7 - The children of Belial // When Rehoboam was young // Tender-hearted

The children of Belial such as have cast off the yoke and obedience which they owed both to God and to their king.

When Rehoboam was young not in age, for he was then forty-one years old, but in his kingdom, which he had but newly obtained, and in experience in politic, and especially in military, affairs, to which he was wholly a stranger, as having been born and bred up in a time of great peace and security.

Tender-hearted i.e. cowardly and fearful, who durst not adventure to chastise the rebels as he should have done. But therein Abijah forgets his duty, both to his father, whom he falsely traduceth; and to God, by whose express command Rehoboam was restrained from the war against Israel, which otherwise he had both courage and resolution to prosecute, as appears from the history, 1Ki 12:21 .

Poole: 2Ch 13:8 - The kingdom of the Lord in the land of the sons of David // And ye be a great multitude // And there are with you golden calves // For gods

The kingdom of the Lord in the land of the sons of David that kingdom which was not set up by vain men in pursuance of their own ambition and discontent, as yours was, but ordained and established by God himself in the house of David.

And ye be a great multitude or because (that Hebrew particle being oft so used) ye be , &c. This he mentions partly as the ground of their confidence, that they had more tribes and a greater host; and partly as a presage of their downfall, which trusting to the arm of flesh is.

And there are with you golden calves or, but there are, &c. There is that among you which may damp your courage and confidence: you worship those images which God abhors and severely forbids.

For gods or for God , as that plural word is most commonly used, i.e. instead of God, to give them the name of God, as Exo 32:4 , and that worship which is peculiar to him.

Poole: 2Ch 13:9 - To consecrate himself // That are no gods

To consecrate himself i. e. to make himself a priest. See Poole "Lev 7:37" .

That are no gods that have nothing of the nature or power, though you give them the name of gods.

Poole: 2Ch 13:10 - The Lord // We have not forsaken him

The Lord Heb. Jehovah , the only true and great God.

We have not forsaken him we maintain his honour and worship, which you have ungratefully rejected.

Poole: 2Ch 13:11 - The pure table // The candlestick // To burn every evening // We keep the charge of the Lord our God

The pure table so called, because it was made of pure gold, Exo 25:23,24 .

The candlestick he saith table and candlestick , though there were ten of each, 2Ch 4:7,8 ; either,

1. Because Shishak had carried away all but one. Or,

2. The singular number is put for the plural, as 1Ki 7:48 , and oft elsewhere. Or,

3. Because ordinarily there was but one of each used at a time for those uses.

To burn every evening and from evening to morning continually, Lev 24:2,3 ; for which end one candlestick was sufficient, and it is very improbable that all the candlesticks were used every night.

We keep the charge of the Lord our God: this he saith, though he was an ungodly king; either because he flattered himself and fancied that his keeping up the external worship of God would make full satisfaction for the errors of his life; or that he might hereby encourage his own soldiers, and convince or terrify his enemies.

Poole: 2Ch 13:12 - With sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you // Fight ye not against the Lord God of your fathers

With sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you upon the sounding whereof God hath solemnly promised to assist his people, Num 10:9 .

Fight ye not against the Lord God of your fathers you have not only us for your enemies, but God, even the God whom your fathers honoured and served, to their own great comfort and benefit.

Poole: 2Ch 13:13

Whilst Abijah was discoursing, Jeroboam takes the advantage of it to lay an ambush.

Poole: 2Ch 13:15

By strengthening the hearts and hands of the men of Judah, and taking away the spirits and power of their enemies; and, it may be, by some extraordinary assistance.

Poole: 2Ch 13:17

A vast number: but it hath been oft observed and recorded by sacred and profane historians, that in those ancient times there were very numerous armies, and ofttimes very great slaughters; and if this slaughter was more than ordinary, there is nothing strange nor incredible, because the Almighty God fought against the Israelites.

Poole: 2Ch 13:18

They put their trust in him, and confidently expected help from him; which is a disposition of heart that God prizeth and taketh kindly. See 2Ki 18:5 2Ch 20:20 Psa 22:4 Dan 3:28 .

Poole: 2Ch 13:19 - Beth-el // Ephrain

Beth-el which Jeroboam recovered afterwards, as appears by the course of the history, though it be not particularly mentioned, which is the case of many other considerable things. And in the mean time it is very probable, that when Jeroboam’ s host was discomfited, and he expected that Abijah would pursue his victory, he removed the golden calf from Beth-el, which lay near Abijah’ s kingdom, to some safer place.

Ephrain a city so called, possibly the same which is mentioned Joh 11:54 , or that which is called Ophrah, Jud 8:27 .

Poole: 2Ch 13:20 - The Lord struck him // He died

The Lord struck him i.e. Jeroboam, as appears from the contrary condition of Abijah described in the next verse. Him God might strike, either with vexation and horror of mind; or with some painful and lingering, but incurable, disease, like that of Jehoram, which tormented him two years together, and at last killed him, 2Ch 21:19 .

He died not presently, but a year or two after this time.

Poole: 2Ch 13:21

Not now after this victory, for he died presently after it; but in the whole time of his life, before he was king and afterward.

Haydock: 2Ch 13:1 - Terrified

Terrified. Septuagint, "struck;" God caused the victory to declare in favour of those who were only half the number. (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ch 13:2 - Michaia // Of Gabaa

Michaia, alias Maacha. Her father had also two names; viz., Absalom or Abessalom, and Uriel. (Challoner) ---

Many had two names. (Tirinus) ---

Of Gabaa, may refer to the women.

Haydock: 2Ch 13:3 - War

War. The author of the new edition of St. Jerome mentions two manuscripts and there are several printed editions, which reduce these numbers to one half. Castalio adopts this correction, asserting that the Greek and Josephus are on his side, which is not true. (Calmet) ---

We must however observe, that there is some doubt with respect to Josephus, (Haydock) as some of the oldest Latin editions acknowledge the smaller numbers; and Vignoles (i. 29.) conjectures, that the Greek copies did the same formerly, since Aborbanel "accuses Josephus of having made Jeroboam's loss no more than 50,000, contrary to the Hebrew text," ver. 17. This learned author is of opinion, that the Jews sometimes expressed their numbers by figures, (Kennicott) analogous to those which the later Arabs borrowed from the Indians; though, in more ancient times, the letters of the alphabet had been used. Both customs seem to have prevailed; (Erpenius) and this may account for many variations, as the omission of a single cypher, resembling our period (.), might easily occasion much confusion. Kennicott (Diss. i., and ii.) seems to suspect, that the ancient versions have been made to agree with the corrupted Hebrew, no less than Josephus; and that many of the large numbers, recorded in Scripture, (which might countenance what we here read) are incorrect. See chap. xvii. 13, 19., and xiv. 8., comp.[compare] with xvi. 1., and xxv. 6., comp.[compare] with 4 Kings xiii. 7. It is certain (Haydock) many Latin manuscripts confirm the edition of Sixtus V, which has the smaller numbers; and this is the case with most of the older manuscripts and editions. How St. Jerome expressed it, we cannot easily determine. The editor of his works has been guided chiefly by the Memmian canon. See 2 Kings xv. 7. Lyranus quotes St. Jerome, as reading 50,000; (ver. 7) and it is so expressed in the Paris editions of 1534 and (Haydock) 1546, of the Hebrew questions on Paralipomenon. But Erasmus doubts whether this be the genuine work of St. Jerome, (Kennicott) or in the state in which he left it. If we consult the more ancient manuscripts and editions, prior to that of Clement VIII, we shall allow that they are more favourable to the smaller numbers, on this occasion; and are more likely to exhibit the pure version of the holy doctor, (Haydock) as the later editions have had "the Hebrew fountains" also in view. (Kennicott) ---

If however we adhere to the received numbers, (Haydock) we must remember that kings, at that time, led forth to battle all their subjects who were able to bear arms. Under Moses there were 600,000. David found 1,100,000 in Israel, and 470,000 in Juda, exclusive of Levi and Benjamin; (chap. xxi. 5.) or, at least, as it is expressed [in] 2 Kings xxiv. 9., in all, 1,300,000. Asa was at the head of 580,000, chap. xiv. 8., &c.

Haydock: 2Ch 13:4 - Semeron

Semeron, on which Samaria was afterwards built. Hebrew reads, "Mount Tsemaraim." There was a city of this name in Benjamin. (Calmet) ---

But this was a mount. Hebrew, "in Mount Ephraim." (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ch 13:5 - A covenant of salt

A covenant of salt. That is, a firm and perpetual covenant. See Numbers xviii. 19. (Challoner) (Worthington) ---

It seems this covenant was to be inviolable; and it had its effect, notwithstanding the crimes of many of the kings. The Arabs still regard the partaking of bread and salt as the most sacred covenant. (Calmet) ---

"The ancients prayed when they placed salt before their guests, that, as salt partook of two natures, so they might be cemented together in concord." (Tzetzez on Lycoph.) (Haydock) ---

Abia speaks with much prudence, and with an air of piety, though his heart was corrupt, 3 Kings xv. 3. That of his adversary was still more so; and God granted victory to the former, to reward even the appearance of virtue in the king, and the sincere piety of some of his followers.

Haydock: 2Ch 13:7 - Vain // Rekim // Heart

Vain. The saem term is used as in Matthew v. 22. (Calmet) ---

Rekim, "stupid men." (Haydock) ---

Septuagint, "pestiferous." Syriac, "impious." ---

Heart. Protestants, "young and tender-hearted." (Haydock) ---

But Roboam was not very young; (3 Kings xiv. 21.) and we may adhere to the Vulgate. (Calmet) ---

Septuagint, "he was a youth, and timid." (Haydock) ---

Abia speaks of his father with little respect, and seems to have forgotten that he had laid down his arms in obedience to God's order. (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Ch 13:8 - And golden

And golden. These idols will enervate and render your great numbers useless. (Haydock) ---

We have a just cause and religion is on our side. (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Ch 13:9 - Rams

Rams. These were sacrificed by the false priests, who acted in a very different manner from those of the Lord, Leviticus viii., and ix. (Calmet)

Haydock: 2Ch 13:11 - Table

Table. It is hence inferred, that Sesac had only left one: (Lyranus; Torniel.) but this does not follow. (Calmet) (Salien)

Haydock: 2Ch 13:14 - Trumpets

Trumpets, to invoke God's aid, Numbers x. 9. (Menochius)

Haydock: 2Ch 13:17 - Five // Valiant

Five. Some Latin editions have 50,000, (Calmet) which number is found in some manuscripts of Epiphanius. (Hudson's Josephus) ---

Hentenius has the same, and only remarks five manuscripts which had the greater number. See ver. 3. (Haydock) ---

We do not read of such a slaughter in any one battle. But Israel made no resistance, and God assisted the four hundred thousand. (Menochius) ---

Valiant. Protestants, "chosen." See chap xiv. 13. (Haydock) ---

So many were either slain or wounded. (Du Hamel) ---

Protestants intimate all were "slain." (Haydock)

Haydock: 2Ch 13:19 - Bethel // Jesana // Ephron

Bethel, the head of the calf worship; though Abulensis thinks it was another city, otherwise it would not have been spared. The calf continued there till the reign of Jehu, 4 Kings x. 29. (Menochius) ---

Jesana; perhaps Senna, (Numbers xxxiv. 4.; Calmet) seven miles north of Jericho. (Eusebius) ---

The versions read differently. ---

Ephron. The Masorets have Ephraim. (Calmet) ---

Protestants, "Ephraim, with the towns thereof." (Haydock) ---

Josue (xv. 9.) places Mount Ephron between Juda and Ephraim; and we find a town of the name, (1 Machabees v. 46.) but on the other side of the Jordan.

Haydock: 2Ch 13:20 - Him

Him. Some think Abia, as Jeroboam survived him two years: but others, (Calmet) with greater probability, (Du Hamel) suppose that the latter is here specified, and that he fell a victim to the divine wrath, as the prophet Ahias had foretold. (Calmet) ---

(Salien, the year of the world 3081.)

Haydock: 2Ch 13:22 - Works // Modross

Works. Protestants, "sayings are written in the story of the prophets Iddo." (Haydock) ---

Modross properly means "researches," and was the title of the genealogical work of this prophet, from which this account is probably taken, chap. xii. 15. (Calmet) ---

The entire work is not extant. (Menochius)

Gill: 2Ch 13:1 - Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah.

Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah.; see Gill on 1Ki 15:1.

Gill: 2Ch 13:2 - He reigned three years in Jerusalem // his mother's name also was Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah // and there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam

He reigned three years in Jerusalem,.... See Gill on 1Ki 15:2,

his mother's name also was Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah; see 2Ch 11:20; see Gill on 1Ki 15:2.

and there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam; and in this chapter is an account of a battle fought between them, not recorded in the book of Kings.

Gill: 2Ch 13:3 - And Abijah set the battle in array, with an army of valiant man of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men // and Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him, with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour

And Abijah set the battle in array, with an army of valiant man of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men,.... Collected such an army of select men, led them into his enemy's country, and set them in order of battle:

and Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him, with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour; double the number of Abijah s army, he having ten tribes to collect out of, and Abijah but two.

Gill: 2Ch 13:4 - And Abijah stood upon Mount Zemaraim, which is in Mount Ephraim // and said, hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel

And Abijah stood upon Mount Zemaraim, which is in Mount Ephraim,.... Which might have its name from a city of Benjamin of this name, to which it was near, though within the borders of Ephraim, Jos 18:22 formerly inhabited by the Zemarites, from whence it might have its name, Gen 10:18 here Abijah stood, that he might be the better heard by the armies pitched in the valley; and very probably he desired a parley, and it was granted, otherwise he would not have been safe in the position in which he was:

and said, hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel; as many as were now gathered together, and which were a great number.

Gill: 2Ch 13:5 - Ought you not to know // that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever // even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt

Ought you not to know,.... They did know what he afterwards says, but he would have them consider and acknowledge it:

that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever; to him and his seed, particularly to the Messiah, that should spring from him; but whether Abijah had this in view is a question, see 2Sa 7:13.

even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt? that is, a perpetual one, which was inviolable, and never to be made void; called so, because salt preserves from corruption and putrefaction, and because made use of in sacrifices offered when covenants were made; the Targum is,"as salt waters, which never lose their saltness.''

Gill: 2Ch 13:6 - Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up // and hath rebelled against his lord

Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up,.... Notwithstanding it was well known the kingdom was entailed on the posterity of David by an everlasting covenant; Abijah calls Jeroboam Solomon's servant, by way of great contempt, as Jarchi observes, he being the general receiver of his tax in the tribe of Ephraim, 1Ki 11:28.

and hath rebelled against his lord; his rightful king and sovereign; the charge is no less than high treason.

Gill: 2Ch 13:7 - And there are gathered unto him vain men // the children of Belial // And have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon // when Rehoboam was young and tender hearted, and could not withstand them

And there are gathered unto him vain men,.... Void of the fear of God, and all that is good:

the children of Belial: men unprofitable, good for nothing, or that had cast off the yoke of the law of God, were lawless and abandoned persons:

And have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon: rejected his government of them; went into a strong opposition to him, and set up another king over them:

when Rehoboam was young and tender hearted, and could not withstand them; not that he was young in years, for he was forty one years of age when he began to reign; though Joshua is called a young man when he is supposed to be between fifty and sixty years of age Exo 33:11, and though "adolescentia" and "juventus" are both used in Latin writers for "youth", yet Varro ^q distinguishes them, and makes the former to begin at the year fifteen, and continue to the year thirty, and the latter to begin at thirty, and end at forty five; so that, according to this, Rehoboam was then in his stage of youth; but perhaps the meaning here is, that he was young in the kingdom, scarcely settled on his throne, and the advantage of that was taken; not was he cowardly and fearful; and if Abijah meant that by "tender heartedness", he not only reproached but belied his father; for he would have fought with Israel in order to have reduced them to obedience, but was forbidden by the Lord; if by "tender hearted", he means that he had a tender regard to the command of God, it is true; but that seems not to be his sense, but the former.

Gill: 2Ch 13:8 - And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David // and ye be a great multitude // and there are with you golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods

And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David,.... To oppose them, prevail over them, and get it out of their hands, which is delivered to them by the Lord, as the Targum:

and ye be a great multitude; of which they boasted, and in which they trusted, being ten tribes to two, and in this army two to one:

and there are with you golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods; or, "but ^r there are with you", &c. which Abijah suggests would be so far from helping them, that they would be their ruin, they having, by the worship of them, provoked the Lord against them.

Gill: 2Ch 13:9 - Have ye not cast out the priests of the Lord the sons of Aaron, and the Levites // and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands // so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams // may be a priest of them that are no gods; by nature, only nominal and

Have ye not cast out the priests of the Lord the sons of Aaron, and the Levites,.... Because they would not sacrifice to his idols, and that they might not instruct the people in the pure worship of God, and that he and his people might be free from the payment of tithes, firstfruits, &c. and their cities fall into his hands:

and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands? after the manner of the Gentiles, without any regard to any particular tribe, which God had appointed those to be taken from:

so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams; which were five more than what were required by the law of Moses for the consecration of a priest, Exo 29:1, the same

may be a priest of them that are no gods; by nature, only nominal and fictitious deities, as the calves were, which had no divinity in them, see 1Ki 13:31.

Gill: 2Ch 13:10 - But as for us, the Lord is our God // and we have not forsaken him // and the priests which minister unto the Lord // are the sons of Aaron // and the Levites wait upon their business

But as for us, the Lord is our God,.... The Word of the Lord, as the Targum; we know and acknowledge no other; not the calves at Dan and Bethel, nor any other idols, only the one living and true God:

and we have not forsaken him; his laws, statutes, ordinances, and worship; for though Abijah was not a religious man, yet it seems the form of religion was kept up, and temple service was observed, in his days:

and the priests which minister unto the Lord; by offering sacrifices, and burning incense:

are the sons of Aaron; and they only:

and the Levites wait upon their business; some in singing songs of praise, vocally and instrumentally, others in keeping the doors of the temple and the treasures of the house of God, and others in assisting the priests at the altar.

Gill: 2Ch 13:11 - And they burn unto the Lord, every morning and every evening, burnt sacrifices and sweet incense // the shewbread also set they in order upon the pure table // and the candlestick of gold, with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening // for we keep the charge of the Lord our God // but ye have forsaken him

And they burn unto the Lord, every morning and every evening, burnt sacrifices and sweet incense,.... That is, the priests; the one they did on the altar of burnt offering, and the other on the altar of incense, and both every day, morning and evening:

the shewbread also set they in order upon the pure table; the shewbread table, every sabbath day, when they took the old bread off, which had stood there a week:

and the candlestick of gold, with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening; these were lighted every evening, and dressed every morning; and though there were ten tables and ten candlesticks in Solomon's temple, yet only one of each was used at a time; and therefore from hence it is not to be concluded that all the rest were taken away by Shishak:

for we keep the charge of the Lord our God; observe all the rites and ceremonies, laws, and ordinances enjoined by him; the Targum is,"the charge of the Word of the Lord our God:"

but ye have forsaken him; his fear or worship, as the same paraphrase.

Gill: 2Ch 13:12 - And, behold, God himself is with us for our Captain // and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you // O children of Israel, fight ye not against the Lord God of your fathers // for you shall not prosper

And, behold, God himself is with us for our Captain,.... To go before our armies, and fight our battles for us:

and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you; which was one use of the trumpets, that the people might be remembered by the Lord, and saved from their enemies, Num 10:9, so that this circumstance was against Jeroboam and his army, and for Abijah and his:

O children of Israel, fight ye not against the Lord God of your fathers; for fighting against his people, that retained the pure worship of him, was fighting against him:

for you shall not prosper; he seems to be assured of victory.

Gill: 2Ch 13:13 - But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them // so they were before Judah // and the ambushment was behind them

But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them,.... While Abijah was making his oration, he detached a party from his army, which got about, and lay in ambush, behind the army of Abijah:

so they were before Judah; Jeroboam and the greater part of his army:

and the ambushment was behind them; which Jeroboam had sent thither.

Gill: 2Ch 13:14 - And when Judah looked back // behold, the battle was before and behind // and they cried unto the Lord // and the priests sounded with the trumpets

And when Judah looked back,.... On hearing a noise behind them:

behold, the battle was before and behind; men were set in battle array, and the battle was begun, and an attack made upon them both ways:

and they cried unto the Lord; for help against their enemies, and to deliver them out of their hands:

and the priests sounded with the trumpets; to inspire them with cheerfulness, and to suggest to them that God was with them and they need not be afraid.

Gill: 2Ch 13:15 - Then the men of Judah gave a shout // and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah

Then the men of Judah gave a shout,.... Taking heart at the sound of the trumpets, and in order to encourage one another, and intimidate the enemy; See Gill on 1Sa 17:20,

and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah; possessed them with a panic, so that they fled at once, as follows.

Gill: 2Ch 13:16 - And the children of Israel fled before Judah // and God delivered them into their hand

And the children of Israel fled before Judah,.... Were in such a fright and consternation, that they could not stand their ground, or engage at all; but took to flight immediately:

and God delivered them into their hand; to be taken and slain by them.

Gill: 2Ch 13:17 - And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter // so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men

And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter,.... As they fled, pursuing them:

so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men; such a slaughter as is not to be met with in any history, as Josephus ^s observes; though Abarbinel wonders he should say so, and affirms that he had read of larger numbers slain at once; but he is the only man that ever pretended to it; Jerom ^t makes the number but 50,000, and some copies of the Vulgate Latin ^u, and Josephus Ben Gorion, as Abarbinel ^w relates; but the true Josephus, the Targum, and all the ancient versions, agree with the Hebrew text; more than half Jeroboam's army was cut off, and 100,000 more than Abijah had in his.

Gill: 2Ch 13:18 - Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time // and the children of Judah prevailed // because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers

Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time,.... Humbled and weakened, but not reduced to the government of the house of David:

and the children of Judah prevailed; or grew strong:

because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers; trusted in him, and not in an arm of flesh; the Targum is,"in the Word of the Lord God of their fathers.''

Gill: 2Ch 13:19 - And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam // and took cities from him // Bethel with the towns thereof // and Jeshanah with the towns thereof // and Ephraim with the towns thereof

And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam,.... As he and his army fled:

and took cities from him; the following ones:

Bethel with the towns thereof; the villages adjoining to it; here one of the calves was set up, which either Jeroboam took care to remove before this place fell into the hands of Abijah, or Abijah let it remain, and did not destroy it:

and Jeshanah with the towns thereof; which Reland ^x thinks is the same that is called by Jerom ^y Jethaba:

and Ephraim with the towns thereof; a city so called, thought to be the same that is mentioned in the passage; see Gill on Joh 11:54; it is here called, in the Targum, Ephron; so Jerom ^z calls it, and says it was Sichem.

Gill: 2Ch 13:20 - Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah // and the Lord struck him // and he died

Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah,.... So as to bring an army into the field against him, and fight him:

and the Lord struck him; by some Jewish writers ^a, this is interpreted of Abijah; and the reason of his being stricken, they say, was because he did not destroy the calf when he took Bethel; but it is best to understand it of Jeroboam, since Abijah is afterwards said to wax mighty:

and he died; not immediately, for he lived two years after Abijah, 1Ki 14:20, but continued under a lingering disease he was smitten with, and which issued in his death.

Gill: 2Ch 13:21 - But Abijah waxed mighty // and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons and sixteen daughters

But Abijah waxed mighty,.... In his kingdom, increasing in riches and numbers, power and authority, and in his family:

and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons and sixteen daughters; not after the above battle, nor since he began to reign; for he reigned but three years; but he, no doubt, married wives and had children before he came to the throne, as he might have others after.

Gill: 2Ch 13:22 - And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings // are written in the story of the prophet Iddo

And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings,.... Not only his warlike actions, and his course of life, but some remarkable sayings of his, he being a man of wisdom and eloquence, as his above speech shows:

are written in the story of the prophet Iddo; who might write the history of his own times; see 1Ki 15:7.