2 Chronicles 13:15

KJV

Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the men {H376} of Judah {H3063} gave a shout {H7321}: and as the men {H376} of Judah {H3063} shouted {H7321}, it came to pass, that God {H430} smote {H5062} Jeroboam {H3379} and all Israel {H3478} before {H6440} Abijah {H29} and Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the men of Y'hudah gave forth a shout, and as the men of Y'hudah shouted, God struck Yarov'am and all Isra'el before Aviyah and Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. And when they raised the cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

American Standard Version

Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 13:15 powerfully narrates the pivotal moment in the battle between King Abijah of Judah and King Jeroboam of Israel. Faced with overwhelming odds, the men of Judah cried out to the Lord, and as their collective shout ascended, God supernaturally intervened, decisively striking down Jeroboam and the entire army of Israel before Abijah and Judah. This verse stands as a profound testament to God's direct sovereignty, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, and the truth that ultimate victory is secured not by human might or numerical superiority, but by divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic climax of the conflict detailed in [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - Abijah's War with Jeroboam"), a narrative meticulously crafted by the Chronicler to underscore theological truths. The chapter opens by establishing the immense numerical disparity between Judah (400,000 men) and Israel (800,000 men) in [2 Chronicles 13:3](/2_chronicles/13-3 "2 Chronicles 13:3 - Armies of Judah and Israel"), immediately setting the stage for a divinely orchestrated victory. Abijah's impassioned speech to Jeroboam and Israel in [2 Chronicles 13:4-12](/2_chronicles/13-4-12 "2 Chronicles 13:4-12 - Abijah's Powerful Speech"), delivered just before the battle, articulates Judah's reliance on the Lord, the enduring nature of the Davidic covenant, and the legitimacy of their worship in Jerusalem, starkly contrasting it with Jeroboam's apostasy. Despite this theological appeal, Jeroboam attempts a cunning ambush, surrounding Judah's forces in [2 Chronicles 13:13](/2_chronicles/13-13 "2 Chronicles 13:13 - Jeroboam's Ambush"). This dire situation prompts Judah's desperate cry to the Lord and the priests' trumpet blasts in [2 Chronicles 13:14](/2_chronicles/13-14 "2 Chronicles 13:14 - Judah Cries Out to the Lord"), directly preceding the divine intervention described in verse 15. The immediate aftermath, chronicled in [2 Chronicles 13:16-18](/2_chronicles/13-16-18 "2 Chronicles 13:16-18 - Israel's Devastating Defeat"), confirms the catastrophic defeat of Israel and the subsequent strengthening of Judah, solidifying the theological message of divine vindication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conflict between the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel was a direct consequence of the division of the united monarchy following the death of King Solomon. Jeroboam, the first king of Israel, led the ten northern tribes in rebellion against the Davidic dynasty, establishing his own idolatrous golden calf cults in Bethel and Dan to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem for true worship ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This historical backdrop is crucial, as it transforms the military engagement into a theological battle over legitimate worship, covenant fidelity, and the rightful heir to God's promises. Culturally, the "shout" (Hebrew: _teruah_) was a multifaceted practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare. While often a battle cry, in Israelite tradition, it frequently carried profound spiritual significance, serving as a signal for divine intervention or an expression of faith. This is notably seen in the miraculous fall of Jericho, where the collective shout of the people, combined with trumpet blasts, preceded God's direct action ([Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - The Fall of Jericho")). Thus, Judah's shout in 2 Chronicles 13:15 was not merely a military maneuver but a deeply spiritual act of reliance on Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of 2 Chronicles 13:15 is **Divine Intervention and God's Sovereignty**. Despite Judah's significant numerical disadvantage (400,000 against 800,000, as stated in [2 Chronicles 13:3](/2_chronicles/13-3 "2 Chronicles 13:3 - Armies of Judah and Israel")), the Chronicler explicitly attributes the victory to God: "God smote Jeroboam and all Israel." This highlights that the outcome was not determined by human strength, strategy, or numbers, but by the direct, powerful hand of God, emphasizing His active involvement in the affairs of His people. Another critical theme is **Faithfulness to the Covenant and its Consequences**. Abijah's preceding speech champions Judah's adherence to the Davidic covenant and the legitimate worship centered in Jerusalem, contrasting it sharply with Jeroboam's apostasy and idolatry. Israel's devastating defeat serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of rebellion against God and His established order, while Judah's victory vindicates God's covenant promises to David ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")). Finally, the **Power of Prayer and Worship in Warfare** is vividly portrayed. Judah's collective "shout" and the priests' trumpet blasts are presented as direct precursors to God's intervention, underscoring the spiritual dimension of their conflict and the efficacy of crying out to the Lord in times of crisis.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shout (Hebrew, _rûwaʻ'_):** This term (H7321) describes a loud cry, often a battle cry, or a trumpet blast. In a military context, it can signify the initiation of an attack or a call to arms. However, in this specific narrative, especially when read in conjunction with the priests' trumpet blasts in [2 Chronicles 13:14](/2_chronicles/13-14 "2 Chronicles 13:14 - Judah Cries Out"), it carries a profound spiritual and liturgical connotation. It represents Judah's collective cry to God, an act of desperate faith, and a signal for divine intervention in the face of overwhelming odds. It is an expression of their reliance not on their own strength, but on the Lord.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun (H430), used here with the article, specifically refers to the supreme God, Yahweh. Its explicit mention as the subject of the verb "smote" is crucial. It unequivocally identifies the divine agent behind the decisive victory. The Chronicler leaves no room for ambiguity: the defeat of Jeroboam and Israel was not a matter of military strategy or human prowess, but a direct, supernatural act of the one true God, demonstrating His absolute power, sovereignty, and justice.
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâgaph'_):** This primitive root (H5062) is a strong verb frequently used to describe a decisive, often fatal, blow or defeat. Its application here, with "God" as the subject, emphasizes that the defeat of Jeroboam and Israel was not merely a result of Judah's renewed strength or tactical superiority, but a direct, supernatural act of divine judgment and intervention. God Himself was the agent of their downfall, inflicting a devastating blow that led to the rout and immense casualties, underscoring His active and decisive involvement in the battle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the men of Judah gave a shout":** This opening clause details the immediate, collective action of Judah's army. Following their cry to the Lord and the priests blowing the trumpets in the preceding verse, this "shout" is presented not merely as a human battle cry, but as a deeply spiritual and collective expression of faith, desperation, and perhaps a liturgical act. It signifies their profound trust in God's imminent intervention, acknowledging their own inadequacy in the face of the enemy.
* **"and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel":** This central and most impactful clause reveals the direct cause-and-effect relationship between Judah's act of faith and God's powerful response. The phrase "it came to pass" emphasizes the immediate and direct consequence of their spiritual action and prayer. The explicit declaration "God smote Jeroboam and all Israel" attributes the victory entirely to divine agency. The verb "smote" (Hebrew: _nâgaph_) conveys a decisive, overwhelming blow, indicating a supernatural intervention that debilitated the Israelite forces, leading to their complete rout and massive casualties. This highlights God's sovereignty over the battlefield.
* **"before Abijah and Judah":** This concluding phrase clarifies the beneficiaries and witnesses of God's mighty action. The devastating defeat of Israel occurred "before," or in the presence of, Abijah and the entire army of Judah. This not only confirms their vindication but also underscores the divine favor bestowed upon them. It emphasizes that the victory was a sovereign gift granted *to* them by God, rather than something achieved *by* them through their own strength or military prowess.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Divine Intervention** is the most prominent, as the text explicitly states "God smote Jeroboam and all Israel," making the Almighty the direct agent of the decisive blow. This is not a subtle suggestion but a clear, unambiguous declaration of supernatural involvement, emphasizing God's active and personal role in human history and warfare. A strong sense of **Cause and Effect** is also evident, directly linking Judah's "shout"—an act of faith, prayer, and worship—to God's immediate and powerful response. The narrative structure creates a powerful sense of divine immediacy, demonstrating that God responds swiftly to the faithful cries of His people. Furthermore, the use of **Hyperbole** or **Synecdoche** in the phrase "all Israel" emphasizes the totality and devastating nature of the defeat, signifying the complete rout and decimation of Jeroboam's forces, even if not every single Israelite soldier literally perished. Finally, the stark **Contrast** between Judah's numerically inferior yet faithful army and Israel's numerically superior yet apostate army powerfully underscores the central theological message: victory ultimately belongs to God, not to human strength, numbers, or strategic advantage, but to those who align themselves with His covenant and truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the theological principle that God is intimately and actively involved in the affairs of His people, especially when they humble themselves, cry out to Him in faith, and remain faithful to His covenant. It demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His promises, particularly the Davidic covenant, even when His people are numerically or militarily disadvantaged. The decisive defeat of Jeroboam's Israel serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the dire consequences of apostasy, rebellion against God's established order, and the abandonment of true worship. God's intervention here is a profound vindication of His name and His covenant, unequivocally showing that He defends and upholds those who remain loyal to Him and His truth, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable opposition. This event underscores that ultimate power, authority, and victory belong to God alone, not to human might, strategic brilliance, or numerical superiority, compelling believers to place their trust entirely in Him.

* [Exodus 14:14](/exodus/14-14 "The Lord Will Fight For You")
* [Psalm 3:8](/psalms/3-8 "Salvation Belongs to the Lord")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "God Is For Us")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 13:15 offers profound encouragement and timeless lessons for believers navigating the complexities of life today. When confronted with overwhelming challenges—be they personal struggles, spiritual battles against temptation, or societal pressures that seem insurmountable—this passage serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate reliance must be on God, not on our own strength, finite resources, or limited wisdom. Judah's "shout" was an act born of desperate faith, a profound recognition that human effort alone was utterly insufficient. In our own lives, crying out to God in fervent prayer, trusting implicitly in His sovereign power, and remaining steadfastly faithful to His revealed truth can unlock divine intervention that transcends all human capabilities and expectations. This verse challenges us to honestly examine where our trust truly lies and to remember that the Lord actively fights for His people. It also serves as a solemn warning: just as Jeroboam's apostasy led to a crushing defeat, turning away from God's truth, embracing spiritual idolatry, or living in deliberate disobedience inevitably leads to spiritual barrenness, defeat, and a forfeiture of divine blessing. Our unwavering faithfulness to God's covenant and His commands is paramount, for He alone is the one who ultimately determines the outcome of all battles, both seen and unseen.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "overwhelming odds" are you currently facing in your life, and how might Judah's "shout" inspire your response of faith and dependence on God?**
* **How does this verse challenge your understanding of the balance between human effort and divine intervention in your daily struggles and aspirations?**
* **In what specific ways might you be tempted to rely on your own strength, intellect, or strategies instead of crying out to God for His sovereign help?**
* **What forms of "idolatry" or areas of disobedience in your life might be hindering God's full intervention and blessing, and how can you repent and return to Him?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Judah's "shout" in this battle?**

Answer: The "shout" in [2 Chronicles 13:15](/2_chronicles/13-15 "2 Chronicles 13:15 - Judah's Shout and God's Victory") was far more than a mere battle cry; it was a deeply spiritual act. Following the priests blowing trumpets and Judah crying out to the Lord in [2 Chronicles 13:14](/2_chronicles/13-14 "2 Chronicles 13:14 - Judah Cries Out"), the shout likely signified a collective expression of desperate faith, a fervent plea for divine intervention, and an act of worship and trust. It echoed earlier instances in Israelite history, such as the miraculous fall of Jericho ([Joshua 6:20](/joshua/6-20 "Joshua 6:20 - The Fall of Jericho")), where a shout, combined with divine command, preceded a miraculous victory. It powerfully demonstrated Judah's profound reliance on God rather than their own military might, recognizing their severe numerical disadvantage.

**How did God "smite" Jeroboam and Israel? Was it a literal physical blow?**

Answer: The text states "God smote Jeroboam and all Israel," indicating a direct, supernatural intervention by God. While the exact mechanism is not detailed, the Hebrew word "smote" (_nakah_) implies a decisive, devastating, and often fatal blow or defeat. This divine action could have manifested in various ways: perhaps through supernatural panic, confusion, internal discord, or a sudden, inexplicable loss of strength and morale among the Israelite forces, leading to their complete rout and the massive casualties mentioned in [2 Chronicles 13:17](/2_chronicles/13-17 "2 Chronicles 13:17 - Israel's Great Slaughter"). The crucial point is that the defeat was divinely orchestrated and not simply a result of Judah's military prowess or tactical superiority.

**Does this story suggest that God always intervenes militarily for His faithful people?**

Answer: This story powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign power and His willingness to intervene for His people, especially when they are faithful to His covenant and cry out to Him in times of crisis. However, it does not establish a universal guarantee of military intervention in every conflict. Throughout biblical history, God's people also faced defeat, exile, and suffering due to their disobedience or for other divine purposes. The primary lesson of this passage is God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and the severe consequences of apostasy and rebellion against Him. For believers today, the application is often spiritual: God fights our spiritual battles, provides strength in our weakness, and ultimately secures victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")). While God's methods and timing of intervention may vary, His ultimate victory and faithfulness remain constant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine intervention in [2 Chronicles 13:15](/2_chronicles/13-15 "2 Chronicles 13:15 - God Smotes Israel"), where God "smote" Israel and secured a decisive victory for Judah, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternally decisive victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as Judah faced an overwhelming physical enemy in Jeroboam's vast army, humanity faces an infinitely more formidable spiritual foe in sin, death, and the principalities and powers of darkness ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). The "shout" of Judah, an act of desperate faith and complete reliance on God, points to the ultimate cry of humanity for a deliverer from this spiritual bondage. Jesus, the true Son of David and the rightful King of kings, entered the ultimate spiritual battle not with an earthly army, but through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. On the cross, He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by it ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). His resurrection from the dead is God's ultimate "smite" against the power of death and the grave, securing an eternal victory for all who put their faith in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Through Christ, believers are empowered to overcome spiritual adversaries, knowing that the battle ultimately belongs to the Lord ([1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle Belongs to the Lord")). The victory granted to Abijah and Judah was temporal and physical; the victory secured by Christ is eternal, spiritual, and redemptive, establishing His kingdom forever and offering true salvation to all who believe in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

2 Chronicles 14:12

So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.

Judges 4:15

And the LORD discomfited Sisera, and all [his] chariots, and all [his] host, with the edge of the sword before Barak; so that Sisera lighted down off [his] chariot, and fled away on his feet.

Psalms 118:4

Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 118:7

The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see [my desire] upon them that hate me.

Isaiah 37:36

Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they [were] all dead corpses.

2 Kings 5:1

¶ Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, [but he was] a leper.

Psalms 47:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.