2 Chronicles 13
-The chronicler paints only the positive in the brief reign
of Abijah, king of Judah and great grandson of David. In an otherwise wicked
rule with much sin (1 Kings 15:3), this chapter points out the stand that he
took against the idolatry and rebellion of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (2
Chronicles 13:6, 8-9). War between the nations brought out immense numbers of
warriors where the Northern Tribes had double the men, but God was with Judah
as His covenant people (2 Chronicles 13:2-5). In Abijah’s speech on Mount
Zemaraim he extolled the LORD and His worship done properly by His Word, and he
warned the Northern Kingdom not to fight against the LORD God of their fathers
(2 Chronicles 13:10-12). His point was that Judah was keeping the charge of the
LORD their God, but the Northern Tribes had forsaken Him (2 Chronicles 13:11b).
Jeroboam and his troops tried a sneak attack ambush from the rear of the
formation to gain a two-front advantage with their superior numbers, but the
army of Judah cried out to God for deliverance and He gave them an incredible
victory (2 Chronicles 13:13-16). It turned out to be a great slaughter of a
half-million chosen men of Israel slain because the sons of Judah “trusted in
the LORD, the God of their fathers (2 Chronicles 13:17-18).” Several cities
with their villages were captured at this time by Abijah’s army, and Jeroboam
never regain his strength in the days of Abijah (2 Chronicles 13:19-20a). The LORD
eventually struck the sinful Jeroboam and he died, while God allowed Abijah to become
powerful with many family members (2 Chronicles 13:20b-22).
-*Application* It is important for us to always trust in the
LORD and cry out to Him in all our distress when things seem to be totally against
us. Maintain His ways. He is full of grace and mercy seeking to bless those truly
committed to His desires and plans in the fear of Him (Psalms 103:8-11). He will
overlook everything evil we have done if we turn to Him with a pure heart and trust
in Him. This is an important biblical concept to remember for us. When our heart
condemns us, we know that God is greater than our heart if we have His Spirit within
us (1 John 3:19-24).
Verse to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 13:18
No comments:
Post a Comment