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. 1 His mother was Michaiah, the daughter of Uriel from Gibeah. 2
There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. 13:3 Abijah launched the attack with 400,000 well-trained warriors, 3 while Jeroboam deployed against him 800,000 well-trained warriors. 4
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? 5 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 6 gathered around him and conspired 7 against Rehoboam son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was an inexperienced young man 8 and could not resist them. 13:8 Now you are declaring that you will resist the Lord’s rule through the Davidic dynasty. 9 You have a huge army, 10 and bring with you the gold calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods.