Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 13

Verse 2

2 Chronicles 13:2. His mother's name—was Michaiah, the daughter of Uriel— In the 20th verse of the 11th chapter, and in 1Ki 15:2 she is called Maachah the daughter of Absalom: the same persons, perhaps, having different names.

Verse 3

2 Chronicles 13:3. Even four hundred thousand chosen men— Houbigant thinks the numbers right in this and the 17th verse. Dr. Kennicott observes upon them as follows: "It is probable, that the Hebrew numbers may have been anciently expressed by marks, analogous to our common figures; for, indeed, several numbers seem greatly corrupted from the addition or subtraction of a cypher; and the numbers of this very passage, instead of 400,000, and 800,000, and 500,000, were probably at first 40,000, 80,000 and 50,000. On a particular examination of the Latin or Vulgate version, it appears that the number of chosen men here slain, which the Vulgate of Clement's edition in 1592 determines to be 500,000, the Vulgate of Sextus, printed two years before, determined to be only 50,000; and the two preceding numbers in the edition of Sextus are 40,000, and 80,000, and that of Clement 400,000 and 800,000. As to different printed editions, out of fifty-two different editions from the year 1462 to 1592, thirty-one contained the lesser number: and out of fifty-one manuscript copies, twenty-three in the Bodleian library, four in the library 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." Dissert. vol. i. p. 532. vol. ii. 197-221-564.

Verse 5

2 Chronicles 13:5. By a covenant of salt— See Numbers 18:19.

Verse 21

2 Chronicles 13:21. Abijah waxed mighty, and married, &c.— But Abijah had not delayed to marry fourteen wives. Houbigant.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, Abijah is scarcely fixed on the throne, before we find him involved in a dangerous war. Perhaps Jeroboam thought to take advantage of him on his accession, as unprepared, and unable to withstand him.

1. Immense armies on both sides were drawn into the field, but the men of Israel were twice as many as those of Judah. The forces were unequal; but what was wanting in number, was more than supplied by the justice of Abijah's cause.
2. Abijah, if possible to prevent bloodshed, obtains a parley, and tries by force of argument to prevail, rather than by the sword. He sought not conquest, but would gladly part in peace. Every method of accommodation should be tried before we have recourse to war, or the law, where generally much is lost on both sides, and little gained by either. Abijah with his party being on mount Ephraim, and Jeroboam and his party within hearing, he expostulates with him, [1.] On the injustice of Jeroboam's design. His former rebellion against his father was perfidious and base: he had taken advantage of his weakness during the infancy of his government: and, supported by men apostate from God, and sons of Belial, had withdrawn ten tribes from their allegiance: yet not satisfied with this, in opposition to the divine promises, he was now impiously attempting to dispossess David's successors of the little which was left, and, in so doing, fighting against God, by whom the kings of Judah reigned. Note; (1.) Ambition is never satisfied. (2.) Success emboldens sinners. (3.) Prosperous iniquity is but a short-lived joy. [2.] He warns him of the danger to which he exposed himself. What could he hope for? an apostate, an idolater, a persecutor, who had calves for his gods, and the vilest people for his priests. Little could his numerous army profit him in such a case; whilst Abijah boasts of Judah's fidelity to the great Jehovah; constant and exact in his worship at home; supported and strengthened by him, as the captain of their hope; animated by his ministers sounding the silver trumpets, the earnest of certain victory. Wisely, therefore, he persuades him to desist from war, and not think to fight against the God of their fathers, since in such case inevitable ruin awaited him. Abijah's own character, we find, 1Ki 15:3 was not the best; yet he maintained God's worship; and, though his own state was evil, his kingdom was under God's protection. Note; (1.) They who have God for their enemy will find all human efforts vain. (2.) It is just in God to give up those to ruin, who apostatize from his service. (3.) Diligent observance of God's instituted ordinances will bring its own reward. (4.) A good cause gives men courage; and how much more the presence and support of the great God! (5.) Fair warning of their danger leaves sinners inexcusable in their obstinacy.

2nd, They who are devoted to destruction, are deaf to admonition.
1. Jeroboam, perhaps while Abijah was speaking, took the advantage to plant an ambuscade behind him; and, instead of answering his reasoning, produced, as he concluded, the weightier argument of the longest sword.
2. Abijah and his servants put the battle in array; but no sooner was the front engaged, than a cry in the rear alarmed and terrified him. In deep distress they cried to the Lord, Save, or we perish! and, trusting all on his succour, endured the shock. The priests, with trumpets sounding, inspired more than mortal courage; and loud the men of Judah shout as for victory, rush on their foes, dispirited, and smitten of God with panic fear. A terrible havock ensued, such as no other history affords in any one battle; for, five hundred thousand men lay dead on the field. Note; (1.) God often leaves his people to fall into the most imminent danger, to awaken their cries, to exercise their faith, and make his deliverance of them more glorious. (2.) If we are enabled to trust in God, then shall we not be moved. (3.) The prayer of faith and the shout of victory, are inseparable. (4.) Civil wars and disputes among brethren are usually most bitter and bloody.

3. Abijah pursued his blow in the recovery of part of the revolted cities, particularly Beth-el, from whence Jeroboam had either withdrawn the calf, or Abijah had not zeal enough to destroy it. We find it still there, 2 Kings 10:29.

4. Death, soon after this, removed them both from the throne, to give an account of their government to the King of kings. Jeroboam, weakened with his defeat, and smitten of God with sickness, perhaps broken-hearted through pride and vexation on his losses, lingered for a while, and then died as miserably as he had lived wickedly. Mark the end of those men who forsake God. Abijah, strengthened by his acquisitions, and blessed with a numerous family, waxed mighty; but his greatness was short-lived; (such is the fate of all sublunary possessions!) he soon slept with his fathers; and in the book of Iddo, which has long since perished, a farther account of his wars, private character, and sayings, was recorded. Note; The preservation of the inspired writings from the ravages of time, is a singular instance of divine providence, which we are bound to acknowledge with thankfulness.