2 Chronicles 13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 13

We have here a much fuller account of the reign of Abijah, the son of Rehoboam, than we had in the Kings. There we found that his character was no better than his father?s?he ?walked in the sins of his father, and his heart was not right with God,? 1 Kgs. 15:2, 3. But here we find him more brave and successful in war than his father was. He reigned but three years, and was chiefly famous for a glorious victory he obtained over the forces of Jeroboam. Here we have, I. The armies brought into... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 13:1-12

Abijah's mother was called Maachah, the daughter of Absalom, 2 Chron. 11:20; here she is called Michaiah, the daughter of Uriel. It is most probable that she was a grand-daughter of Absalom, by his daughter Tamar (2 Sam. 14:27), and that her immediate father was this Uriel. But we are here to attend Abijah into the field of battle with Jeroboam king of Israel. I. God gave him leave to engage with Jeroboam, and owned him in the conflict, though he would not permit Rehoboam to do it, 2 Chron.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Chronicles 13:13-22

We do not find that Jeroboam offered to make any answer at all to Abijah's speech. Though it was much to the purpose, he resolved not to heed it, and therefore he heard it as though he heard it not. He came to fight, not to dispute. The longest sword, he thought, would determine the matter, not the better cause. Let us therefore see the issue, whether right and religion carried the day or no. I. Jeroboam, who trusted to his politics, was beaten. He was so far from fair reasoning that he was... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 13

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 13 This chapter begins with the reign of Abijah, 2 Chronicles 13:1 , gives an account of a battle between him and Jeroboam, previous to which Abijah made a speech to Jeroboam and his army, to vindicate his own cause, encourage his own soldiers, and intimidate the enemy, and dissuade them from fighting, 2 Chronicles 13:3 and in the mean while Jeroboam laid an ambush for him, which greatly distressed him, 2 Chronicles 13:13 , nevertheless he obtained a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 13:1

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 13:2

He reigned three years in Jerusalem ,.... See Gill on 1 Kings 15:2 , his mother's name also was Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah ; see 2 Chronicles 11:20 ; see Gill on 1 Kings 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. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 13:3

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. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 13:4

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, Joshua 18:22 formerly inhabited by the Zemarites, from whence it might have its name, Genesis 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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 13:5

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 2 Samuel 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,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Chronicles 13:6

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, 1 Kings 11:28 . and hath rebelled against his lord ; his rightful king and sovereign; the charge is no less than high treason. read more

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