2 Chronicles 13:16

And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand.

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} fled {H5127} before {H6440} Judah {H3063}: and God {H430} delivered {H5414} them into their hand {H3027}.

The people of Isra'el fled before Y'hudah, and God handed them over to them.

So the Israelites fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hands.

And the children of Israel fled before Judah; and God delivered them into their hand.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 13:16 describes the decisive outcome of the battle between King Abijah of Judah and King Jeroboam of Israel. It highlights God's direct intervention in favor of Judah, leading to Israel's defeat and flight.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative detailing the war between the southern kingdom of Judah, led by King Abijah, and the northern kingdom of Israel, led by King Jeroboam. This conflict occurred shortly after the division of the united kingdom. Judah, under Abijah, represented the line of David and adhered to the worship at the Jerusalem Temple, while Jeroboam had established alternative worship sites and a non-Levitical priesthood in Israel. Abijah had just delivered a powerful speech, reminding Israel of their rebellion against the Lord and Judah's faithfulness to Him (2 Chronicles 13:10-12). Despite being outnumbered, Judah cried out to the Lord, and God intervened directly in the battle (2 Chronicles 13:14-15).

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention and Sovereignty: The verse clearly states, "God delivered them into their hand," emphasizing that the victory was not merely a military triumph but a direct act of God. This underscores God's ultimate control over human affairs and battles.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Israel's defeat serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of their apostasy and rebellion against God's established covenant and worship.
  • Reward for Faithfulness: Judah's victory is a testament to God's favor upon those who remain faithful to Him, even when facing overwhelming odds. Their reliance on the Lord (2 Chronicles 13:18) was honored.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "God delivered them into their hand" is a common biblical idiom, especially in historical books. The Hebrew word for "delivered" (Χ ΦΈΧͺַן - nathan) means to give, place, or put. When used in this context, it signifies a complete surrender or victory where the vanquished are entirely at the mercy of the victors, directly attributed to divine agency. It's not just that Israel fled, but that God orchestrated their defeat and placed them under Judah's power.

Related Scriptures

  • For another example of God fighting for His people, see Deuteronomy 20:4.
  • The importance of crying out to God in distress and receiving deliverance is also seen in Psalm 18:6.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless insights for believers today. It reminds us that our battles, whether spiritual, emotional, or physical, are ultimately in God's hands. When we align ourselves with God's will and seek His intervention through prayer and faithfulness, He is able to deliver us from seemingly insurmountable challenges. It encourages us to trust in God's power and sovereignty, knowing that true victory comes from Him, not merely from human strength or strategy. It also serves as a caution against spiritual rebellion, emphasizing that disobedience can lead to severe consequences.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 16:8

    Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.

  • Deuteronomy 3:3

    So the LORD our God delivered into our hands Og also, the king of Bashan, and all his people: and we smote him until none was left to him remaining.

  • Judges 1:4

    And Judah went up; and the LORD delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men.

  • Judges 11:21

    And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.

  • Deuteronomy 2:36

    From Aroer, which [is] by the brink of the river of Arnon, and [from] the city that [is] by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us:

  • Genesis 14:20

    And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.

  • 1 Samuel 23:7

    ΒΆ And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars.
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