2 Chronicles 13:15

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

This verse describes a pivotal moment in the war between King Abijah of Judah and King Jeroboam I of Israel, as detailed in 2 Chronicles chapter 13. The conflict arose from the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign, with Jeroboam leading the northern tribes in rebellion against the house of David and establishing idolatrous worship practices, including golden calves, in opposition to the true worship of God at the Temple in Jerusalem (see 1 Kings 12:28-30). Abijah's army was vastly outnumbered by Jeroboam's, with Judah having 400,000 chosen men against Israel's 800,000. Despite the overwhelming odds, Abijah delivered a powerful speech, recorded in 2 Chronicles 13:4-12, appealing to God's covenant with David and condemning Jeroboam's apostasy. Just as Israel was about to execute a surprise attack, Judah cried out to the Lord, and the priests blew the trumpets, leading to the divine intervention described in this verse.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention: The central message is God's direct and decisive intervention in human affairs. The text explicitly states "God smote Jeroboam and all Israel," attributing the victory solely to Him, not to Judah's military prowess. This highlights God's sovereignty and His active role in defending His people and His covenant.
  • Faith and Reliance on God: The "shout" of the men of Judah, coupled with the priests blowing trumpets (2 Chronicles 13:14), signifies an act of desperate faith and reliance on God when facing an insurmountable enemy. It echoes similar moments in Israel's history where a battle cry was an act of worship and trust (e.g., Joshua 6:20).
  • Consequences of Idolatry and Rebellion: Jeroboam and Israel suffered a crushing defeat because they had forsaken the Lord and rebelled against the legitimate worship in Jerusalem. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of apostasy and disobedience to God's commands.
  • God's Vindication of His Covenant: The victory for Judah, despite their numerical disadvantage, validates God's covenant with David and the legitimacy of the worship centered in Jerusalem. It underscores God's faithfulness to those who remain true to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "smote" is nฤแธตฤh (ื ึธื›ึธื”), which is a strong verb often used to describe a decisive, often fatal, blow. Its use here emphasizes that God Himself was the agent of defeat for Jeroboam and Israel, not merely that He granted Judah strength. It denotes a direct, impactful divine action that brought about their downfall.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful encouragement for believers facing overwhelming odds. It reminds us that:

  • God Fights for His People: When we are outnumbered or seemingly outmatched by life's challenges, our trust should be in God, who can intervene decisively on our behalf. Just as God fought for Judah, He continues to fight for those who are faithful to Him (Exodus 14:14).
  • The Power of Faith and Prayer: Judah's shout was an expression of faith and a plea to God. In our own struggles, crying out to God in prayer and trusting in His power can lead to miraculous outcomes that transcend human capabilities.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The defeat of Jeroboam's army serves as a timeless warning about the spiritual dangers and eventual consequences of turning away from God and embracing idolatry or rebellion against His truth.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 14:12 (5 votes)

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

  • Judges 4:15 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 118:7 (2 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 37:36 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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 (2 votes)

    ยถ 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.