2 Chronicles 13:17

KJV

And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abijah {H29} and his people {H5971} slew {H5221} them with a great {H7227} slaughter {H4347}: so there fell down {H5307} slain {H2491} of Israel {H3478} five {H2568} hundred {H3967} thousand {H505} chosen {H977} men {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Aviyah and his army inflicted a great slaughter on them - 500,000 of Isra'el's select soldiers fell dead.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Abijah and his people struck them with a mighty blow, and 500,000 chosen men of Israel fell slain.

American Standard Version

And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 13:17 records the devastating and decisive outcome of the battle between King Abijah of Judah and King Jeroboam of Israel, detailing a "great slaughter" in which five hundred thousand of Israel's chosen men fell. This verse climaxes a narrative emphasizing Judah's reliance on God and His miraculous intervention, serving as a stark demonstration of divine judgment against the Northern Kingdom's apostasy and a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness to His covenant with David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic statement of the battle account in [2 Chronicles 13](/2-chronicles/13 "The Battle Between Abijah and Jeroboam"). The preceding verses establish the theological framework for the conflict: King Abijah of Judah, though outnumbered, boldly confronts King Jeroboam of Israel, condemning their idolatry and rebellion against the Lord while asserting Judah's faithfulness to the covenant and the Jerusalem temple, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 13:4-12](/2-chronicles/13-4-12 "Abijah's Speech to Jeroboam and Israel"). Despite Israel's numerical superiority, Judah "cried out to the Lord" and the priests sounded the trumpets, a pivotal moment described in [2 Chronicles 13:14](/2-chronicles/13-14 "Judah Cries Out to the Lord"). The turning point is explicitly divine: "God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah," as stated in [2 Chronicles 13:15](/2-chronicles/13-15 "God Strikes Jeroboam's Army"). Verse 17, therefore, is not merely a military casualty report but the tangible, horrific evidence of God's direct intervention and judgment, confirming the theological claims made by Abijah and showcasing the immediate consequences of divine favor and disfavor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The battle described in [2 Chronicles 13](/2-chronicles/13 "The Reign of Abijah") occurs roughly two decades after the division of the united monarchy following Solomon's reign, a schism detailed in [1 Kings 12](/1-kings/12 "The Division of the Kingdom"). Jeroboam, the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, had established alternative worship centers in Bethel and Dan with golden calves and non-Levitical priests to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem for worship, thereby securing his political power but leading Israel into profound idolatry, as recorded in [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1-kings/12-28-30 "Jeroboam's Sin of Idolatry"). In contrast, Judah, under Abijah, maintained its allegiance to the Davidic dynasty and the legitimate worship at the temple in Jerusalem. The clash represents not just a political or territorial dispute but a profound theological conflict between covenant faithfulness (Judah) and apostasy (Israel). The scale of the reported casualties—five hundred thousand—is exceptionally large for ancient warfare, suggesting a theological emphasis on the magnitude of God's judgment rather than a precise historical census of fatalities. Such numbers were often used in ancient Near Eastern historiography to convey the overwhelming nature of a divine victory.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes evinced in [2 Chronicles 13:17](/2-chronicles/13-17 "Abijah's Victory Over Jeroboam") are **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs and His ultimate authority over nations. The immense slaughter unequivocally points to God's hand in punishing Israel for their idolatry and rebellion against His covenant, as initiated by Jeroboam. This highlights the **Consequences of Apostasy**, serving as a severe warning that turning away from God carries dire repercussions, both individually and corporately. Conversely, Judah's victory, despite being outnumbered, underscores the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenant**, particularly the unconditional promises made to David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12-16 "God's Covenant with David"). God preserved the Davidic line in Judah and upheld the legitimate worship centered in Jerusalem. Finally, the narrative powerfully illustrates the theme of **Reliance on God vs. Human Strength**, where Judah's trust in the Lord proved superior to Israel's numerical and military advantage, affirming that true victory comes from divine intervention, not human might, a principle echoed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Trust in the Name of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slaughter (Hebrew, _makkâh'_):** From H4347, this word properly denotes "a blow" or "a striking," but in this context, it carries the profound implication of a severe wound, carnage, or even a plague. Its use here emphasizes not merely a high casualty count, but a decisive, overwhelming, and divinely orchestrated defeat, akin to a divinely inflicted wound or a sweeping pestilence. It underscores the severity and finality of the judgment, portraying the event as a catastrophic and divinely sanctioned rout.
* **Slain (Hebrew, _châlâl'_):** From H2491, this term refers to those who are "pierced" or "wounded to death." In military contexts, it specifically denotes those who have fallen in battle. The use of this word here, in conjunction with "fell down," vividly portrays the sheer number of Israelite soldiers who were not merely defeated but utterly destroyed, highlighting the devastating physical outcome of the divine judgment and the completeness of their demise on the battlefield.
* **Chosen (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** From H977, this word means "selected" or "tried," referring to those who are fit, excellent, or elite. When applied to men in a military context, it signifies the prime, most capable, and valorous soldiers. The fact that five hundred thousand of Israel's *chosen* men fell highlights the depth of their loss—it was their most formidable and valuable fighting force that was decimated. This detail further magnifies the miraculous nature of Judah's victory and the devastating impact of God's judgment, as it was not just the weak or untrained who fell, but the very best of Israel's army.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter":** This clause attributes the physical act of "slew them" to Abijah and his people, yet the preceding verses (especially [2 Chronicles 13:15](/2-chronicles/13-15 "God Strikes Jeroboam's Army")) make it clear that God was the primary agent who "struck Jeroboam and all Israel." Thus, Abijah and Judah were the instruments of a divinely empowered victory. The phrase "with a great slaughter" emphasizes the overwhelming, decisive, and divinely sanctioned nature of the defeat, far beyond what human military prowess alone could achieve. It signifies a comprehensive rout, a divinely inflicted blow that left no doubt about the source of Judah's triumph.
* **"so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men":** This clause presents the staggering result of the "great slaughter." The immense number—five hundred thousand—underscores the catastrophic scale of the loss for the Northern Kingdom, representing a significant portion of their military strength. The specification that these were "chosen men" intensifies the tragedy and highlights the profound weakening of Israel's military and national strength, as their most capable warriors were annihilated. This outcome serves as a powerful testament to the severity of God's judgment against Israel's apostasy and the undeniable effectiveness of His intervention on behalf of Judah.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several potent literary devices in [2 Chronicles 13:17](/2-chronicles/13-17 "Abijah's Victory Over Jeroboam") to convey its profound theological message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the extraordinarily large number of slain men (five hundred thousand). While precise casualty figures in ancient texts often served rhetorical rather than strictly literal purposes, this exaggerated number effectively emphasizes the overwhelming magnitude of God's judgment and the miraculous nature of Judah's victory against superior forces. This hyperbole magnifies the divine intervention, presenting the event as an act of God so immense that it defies typical human military outcomes. Additionally, there is a strong element of **Contrast** throughout the narrative, culminating in this verse. The small, faithful army of Judah stands in stark contrast to the vast, apostate army of Israel. This contrast highlights the biblical principle that victory is not determined by human strength or numbers but by divine favor and faithfulness. The narrative also functions as a **Didactic Narrative**, using the historical event to teach profound theological lessons about the consequences of obedience and disobedience to God's covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound theological implications of [2 Chronicles 13:17](/2-chronicles/13-17 "Abijah's Victory Over Jeroboam") resonate throughout biblical theology. This verse powerfully illustrates the principle of divine judgment against unfaithfulness, particularly against those who deliberately turn from God's established covenant and worship. It underscores that God is not passive in the face of idolatry and rebellion but actively intervenes in history to uphold His righteous standards and protect His covenant people. The magnitude of the slaughter serves as a grim reminder of the severe consequences of spiritual apostasy. Simultaneously, Judah's victory, divinely granted despite their numerical inferiority, reinforces God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, especially the Davidic covenant, ensuring the preservation of the lineage through which the Messiah would come. This event also highlights the futility of relying on human strength or numbers when God's favor is withdrawn, emphasizing that true security and victory come only through trusting in the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Consequences of Disobedience in Deuteronomy 28")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "God Our Refuge and Strength in Psalm 46")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "God Is For Us in Romans 8")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the battle in [2 Chronicles 13:17](/2-chronicles/13-17 "Abijah's Victory Over Jeroboam"), culminating in such a devastating loss for Israel, offers timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, and there are tangible consequences for our choices, particularly concerning faithfulness and obedience to Him. In a world that often prioritizes human strength, strategic advantage, or numerical superiority, this narrative redirects our focus to divine power and sovereignty. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies: in our own abilities, resources, or alliances, or in the unfailing power of God. Just as Judah cried out to the Lord and witnessed His miraculous intervention, we are called to cultivate a spirit of dependence on God, especially when facing overwhelming odds or spiritual battles. This passage encourages us to remain steadfast in our commitment to God's truth and worship, understanding that His favor is the most potent force in the universe, and spiritual rebellion, though seemingly advantageous in the short term, ultimately leads to ruin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or resources rather than crying out to the Lord for intervention?**
* **How does this account of divine judgment against Israel inform your understanding of the seriousness of spiritual apostasy and idolatry today?**
* **In what ways can you actively demonstrate your trust in God's power and faithfulness, even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly against you?**
* **What specific areas of your life or community need God's intervention, and how can you, like Judah, seek Him with earnest prayer and faithfulness?**

### FAQ
**Was the number "five hundred thousand chosen men" a literal count of casualties?**

Answer: While the Bible presents this number as a factual outcome, biblical scholars often interpret such exceptionally large figures in ancient Near Eastern historical narratives, particularly in contexts of divine intervention, as conveying theological truth rather than precise statistical data. The number "five hundred thousand" (half a million) is staggering for ancient warfare and serves to emphasize the overwhelming, miraculous, and divinely orchestrated nature of Judah's victory and God's judgment. It highlights the magnitude of God's power and the devastating consequences of Israel's apostasy, underscoring that this was not merely a human military victory but a profound act of divine judgment. The Chronicler's intent is to magnify God's role in the event, not necessarily to provide a modern-day census report.

**Why was God's judgment against Israel so severe?**

Answer: God's judgment against Israel was severe because their rebellion was profound and deliberate. Jeroboam had led the Northern Kingdom into deep idolatry by establishing alternative worship centers and golden calves, as detailed in [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1-kings/12-28-30 "Jeroboam's Idolatry and Its Consequences"), directly violating God's commands and the covenant. This was not merely a political disagreement but a spiritual apostasy that undermined the very foundation of their relationship with God. Abijah's speech before the battle explicitly highlighted Israel's abandonment of the Lord and His priests in [2 Chronicles 13:9-11](/2-chronicles/13-9-11 "Abijah Condemns Israel's Apostasy"). The severity of the judgment underscored the seriousness of their sin and God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His holiness. It served as a stark warning about the consequences of turning away from the one true God.

**What does this battle teach us about God's character?**

Answer: This battle reveals several crucial aspects of God's character. First, it demonstrates His **sovereignty and power**; He is able to intervene decisively in human affairs and grant victory to His people against overwhelming odds. Second, it highlights His **righteousness and justice**; He is faithful to punish sin and apostasy, even among His chosen people, when they turn away from Him. Third, it powerfully showcases His **faithfulness to His covenant promises**; despite Israel's rebellion, God remained true to His covenant with David, preserving the line through Judah and ensuring the continuation of true worship in Jerusalem. Finally, it underscores His **gracious responsiveness to prayer and faithfulness**; Judah's cry to the Lord in [2 Chronicles 13:14](/2-chronicles/13-14 "Judah Cries Out to the Lord") was met with divine intervention, affirming that God hears and acts on behalf of those who trust in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The catastrophic defeat of Israel in [2 Chronicles 13:17](/2-chronicles/13-17 "Abijah's Victory Over Jeroboam"), orchestrated by divine intervention, foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin and rebellion, yet also points to the ultimate victory secured by Christ. While this battle depicted God's judgment on a disobedient nation, Jesus Christ embodies the perfect fulfillment of God's covenant faithfulness, particularly the Davidic covenant, as He is the Son of David who reigns on an eternal throne, as promised in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Jesus, Son of David, Everlasting King"). The "great slaughter" of Israel's chosen men, a consequence of their spiritual rebellion, finds its ultimate reversal in the person of Christ, the true "Chosen One" of God, whose own sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate divine intervention, not for judgment against His people, but for their salvation, as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He, the victorious Lamb, takes away the sin of the world, absorbing the judgment we deserve. Furthermore, Judah's reliance on God for victory against overwhelming odds prefigures the believer's absolute reliance on Christ for victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. Our "chosen men" are not those of military might, but those chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, as stated in [Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World"), who find their strength not in themselves, but in the power of His resurrection. In Christ, God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant is revealed, offering not a temporary military triumph, but eternal peace and reconciliation for all who believe, triumphing over all spiritual adversaries through His cross, as celebrated in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers").

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 28:6

¶ For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in Judah an hundred and twenty thousand in one day, [which were] all valiant men; because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers.

Nahum 1:5

The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.

2 Chronicles 13:3

And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, [even] four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, [being] mighty men of valour.

Isaiah 10:16

Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.

Isaiah 10:19

And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.

1 Corinthians 10:22

Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

2 Chronicles 13:12

And, behold, God himself [is] with us for [our] captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.