2 Chronicles 13:10

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But as for us, the LORD {H3068} is our God {H430}, and we have not forsaken {H5800} him; and the priests {H3548}, which minister {H8334} unto the LORD {H3068}, are the sons {H1121} of Aaron {H175}, and the Levites {H3881} wait upon their business {H4399}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"But we are different. ADONAI is our God, and we have not abandoned him. We have cohanim performing the service for ADONAI, descendants of Aharon. With the L'vi'im doing their work,

Berean Standard Bible

But as for us, the LORD is our God. We have not forsaken Him; the priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties.

American Standard Version

But as for us, Jehovah is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and we have priests ministering unto Jehovah, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in their work:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 13:10 captures a pivotal declaration by King Abijah of Judah to Jeroboam I and the northern kingdom of Israel, asserting Judah's unwavering fidelity to the LORD and His divinely ordained system of worship. In stark contrast to Israel's apostasy and illegitimate religious innovations, Abijah proclaims Judah's continued covenant faithfulness, highlighting their preservation of the legitimate Aaronic priesthood and the dedicated service of the Levites in accordance with God's commands. This verse serves as a theological cornerstone in Abijah's appeal, emphasizing the sanctity of true worship and the consequences of abandoning God's established order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within King Abijah's impassioned speech to Jeroboam and the army of Israel, delivered just before a significant battle (2 Chronicles 13:4-12). Abijah’s address is not merely a pre-battle rallying cry but a profound theological argument, contrasting Judah’s adherence to the Davidic covenant and the Mosaic Law with Israel’s rebellion and idolatry. The preceding verses establish the historical backdrop of the kingdom’s division and Jeroboam’s establishment of alternative worship sites and non-Levitical priests. Abijah’s declaration in verse 10 sets the stage for his subsequent assertion of Judah’s reliance on the LORD and their confidence in divine victory, culminating in God striking down Jeroboam and Israel (2 Chronicles 13:15-18).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the early period of the divided monarchy, roughly 931-913 BC. Following the death of Solomon, the ten northern tribes seceded from the Davidic dynasty, forming the kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam I, while Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam (Abijah’s father) and the house of David. Jeroboam, fearing that pilgrimages to Jerusalem for worship would lead his people back to Rehoboam, established golden calves in Bethel and Dan and appointed priests who were not of the tribe of Levi, thereby creating an illegitimate religious system (see [1 Kings 12:25-33](/1_kings/12-25 "1 Kings 12:25-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). Abijah’s speech, therefore, directly confronts this religious apostasy, emphasizing Judah’s unique position as the preservers of the true worship of Yahweh, including the legitimate Aaronic priesthood and the Temple service in Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores **Covenant Faithfulness**, as Abijah asserts Judah’s unwavering loyalty to the LORD and their adherence to the covenant established with Abraham, Moses, and David. This stands in stark contrast to Israel's defection, highlighting the importance of remaining true to God's revealed will. The verse also champions **Legitimate Worship**, stressing the necessity of worshipping God according to His prescribed pattern, specifically through the divinely appointed Aaronic priests and Levites. This theme is central to the Chronicler’s emphasis on proper temple worship and the dangers of syncretism or innovation, as seen in Jeroboam’s actions (compare [Leviticus 10:1-2](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-2 - Nadab and Abihu's Unholy Fire")). Finally, it speaks to **Divine Authority and Order**, affirming that God has established a specific structure for His people’s spiritual life and leadership, which Judah respects and maintains, unlike Israel, who "have broken the covenant of the LORD" (as implied in [2 Chronicles 13:11-12](/2_chronicles/13-11 "2 Chronicles 13:11-12 - Abijah's Further Accusations")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD [is] our God (Hebrew, _YHWH Eloheinu'_):** This foundational declaration, echoing the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), signifies Judah's exclusive allegiance to the covenant God of Israel. "YHWH" (often rendered "LORD") is the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and active presence. "Eloheinu" ("our God") asserts a unique, possessive relationship, distinguishing Judah's God from the foreign deities or idols worshipped by other nations, and crucially, from Jeroboam's golden calves. It is a statement of identity and commitment.
* **forsaken (Hebrew, _'azav'_):** This verb implies a deliberate act of abandoning, deserting, or turning away from something or someone. Abijah's claim that Judah has "not forsaken him" is a powerful assertion of their steadfastness and loyalty to the LORD, despite the political and religious turmoil of the divided kingdom. It contrasts sharply with Israel's spiritual betrayal, highlighting the moral and spiritual chasm between the two kingdoms.
* **wait upon [their] business (Hebrew, _ba'm'lakhah'_):** The phrase "ba'm'lakhah" literally means "in the work" or "in the service." When applied to the Levites, it refers to their specific, divinely appointed duties within the Temple service, which included assisting the priests, maintaining the sanctuary, preparing sacrifices, and leading music. This emphasizes the diligent and faithful performance of their sacred responsibilities, underscoring the order and legitimacy of Judah's worship system.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But as for us, the LORD [is] our God":** This opening clause establishes a direct and emphatic contrast ("But as for us") between Judah and Israel. It is a bold declaration of Judah's unwavering allegiance to Yahweh, the true God of Israel, asserting their unique covenant relationship with Him. This serves as the foundational premise for Abijah's entire argument.
* **"and we have not forsaken him":** This is a crucial assertion of Judah's faithfulness. It claims that, unlike the northern kingdom, Judah has not abandoned their covenant obligations or turned away from the LORD, either through idolatry or neglect. This statement positions Judah as the true inheritors and practitioners of the Mosaic covenant.
* **"and the priests, which minister unto the LORD, [are] the sons of Aaron":** This clause highlights the legitimacy and divine authorization of Judah's priesthood. The "sons of Aaron" refers exclusively to the lineage designated by God for priestly service, emphasizing the continuity and purity of their worship practices. This directly contrasts with Jeroboam's appointment of non-Levitical priests, underscoring the sanctity of God's established order for His sanctuary.
* **"and the Levites [wait] upon [their] business":** This final clause further elaborates on the proper functioning of Judah's worship system. The Levites, who were distinct from the Aaronic priests but served alongside them, diligently performed their specific duties related to the Temple service. This signifies the comprehensive and orderly adherence to God's ceremonial law, reinforcing the idea that Judah's worship was conducted according to divine prescription, unlike the chaotic and illegitimate practices of the northern kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Abijah's speech, particularly 2 Chronicles 13:10, masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its persuasive power and theological impact. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the entire address. Abijah meticulously contrasts Judah's faithfulness, legitimate worship, and reliance on the LORD with Israel's apostasy, illegitimate priesthood, and reliance on golden calves. This stark juxtaposition serves to highlight Judah's righteousness and Israel's sin. The verse also uses **Rhetorical Appeal**, as Abijah's words are designed not just to inform but to persuade and condemn, invoking divine judgment against Israel while bolstering Judah's morale. There is an element of **Emphasis** through repetition of themes related to divine order and true worship, underscoring their critical importance. Finally, the structure of the verse itself, listing the components of Judah's faithfulness (God, their own loyalty, the priests, the Levites), creates a sense of **Completeness** and thorough adherence to God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 13:10 powerfully articulates the theological principle that true worship is inseparable from covenant faithfulness and adherence to God's revealed will. Judah's declaration, "the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him," echoes the core tenets of the Mosaic covenant, where exclusive allegiance to Yahweh was paramount. The emphasis on the legitimate Aaronic priesthood and the diligent service of the Levites underscores the sanctity of God's prescribed order for worship, demonstrating that genuine devotion is not merely internal sentiment but also involves external conformity to divine commands. This verse serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual integrity is maintained by upholding God's truth and resisting the temptation to innovate or compromise with illegitimate practices.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Leviticus 8:1-36](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")
* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God's Unchanging Nature")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly shifting its values and redefining truth, 2 Chronicles 13:10 offers a profound anchor for believers. It calls us to examine the foundation of our faith and practice, challenging us to declare with conviction, "the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him." This isn't merely a historical statement but a living commitment to exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ, the one true God. Just as Judah was called to uphold legitimate worship, believers today are called to worship God "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24), ensuring that our devotion is rooted in His revealed Word, not in human traditions or fleeting cultural trends. The diligence of the priests and Levites reminds us of the importance of faithful service within the body of Christ, recognizing that every believer has a divinely appointed role in building up the church and proclaiming the gospel. This verse encourages us to resist spiritual compromise and remain steadfast in our confession, even when surrounded by competing ideologies or pressures to conform to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to "forsake" the Lord, either through direct disobedience or subtle neglect?**
* **How does my personal and corporate worship reflect a commitment to God's revealed truth, rather than merely personal preference or cultural trends?**
* **What specific "business" or service has God called me to within His kingdom, and how faithfully am I "waiting upon" it?**

### FAQ
**Why was the Aaronic priesthood so important, and what is its relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: The Aaronic priesthood, established by God through Moses, was critically important for Old Testament Israel because it was the divinely ordained means through which atonement for sin was made and access to God was granted. Only the sons of Aaron could serve as priests, mediating between God and His people through sacrifices and rituals in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This strict adherence to lineage and prescribed duties underscored God's holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms. For Christians today, the Aaronic priesthood's relevance lies in its foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament priests could only offer temporary atonement and had to repeatedly offer sacrifices. Jesus, however, is our ultimate and eternal High Priest, who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin (see [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Therefore, while the Aaronic priesthood is no longer active, it helps us understand the profound significance and superiority of Christ's priestly work, through whom we now have direct access to God (see [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 13:10, with its emphasis on Judah's covenant faithfulness and adherence to God's legitimate worship system, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. The declaration, "the LORD [is] our God, and we have not forsaken him," points forward to the Church, the new Israel, whose very identity is defined by unwavering allegiance to Christ, our Lord and God (see [John 20:28](/john/20-28 "John 20:28 - Thomas's Confession")). The meticulous attention to the Aaronic priesthood and the Levites' service in the Temple prefigures the perfect and eternal high priesthood of Jesus. Unlike the Levitical priests who served temporarily and offered animal sacrifices, Christ, "a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek," offered Himself as the spotless Lamb of God, making a single, sufficient atonement for sin (as explained in [Hebrews 7:23-28](/hebrews/7-23 "Hebrews 7:23-28 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). His sacrifice on the cross fulfilled all the requirements of the Old Testament sacrificial system, rendering the Aaronic priesthood obsolete (see [Hebrews 10:1-18](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-18 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the "business" of the Levites in maintaining the sanctuary and facilitating worship is now embodied in Christ, who is both the true Temple (see [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")) and the one through whom believers, as a "royal priesthood," offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service (see [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, A Royal Priesthood")). Thus, Judah's faithfulness in 2 Chronicles 13:10 points to the greater faithfulness of Christ and the new covenant community established in Him, where true worship is offered in spirit and truth through our Great High Priest.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 29:1

¶ And this [is] the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish,

Exodus 29:37

Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Exodus 19:6

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Zechariah 13:9

And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people: and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.

2 Chronicles 11:16

And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.

2 Chronicles 11:17

So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.