2 Chronicles 13:18

KJV

Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} were brought {H3665} under at that time {H6256}, and the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063} prevailed {H553}, because they relied {H8172} upon the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of their fathers {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus the people of Isra'el were subdued that time, and the people of Y'hudah won the victory, because they relied on ADONAI the God of their ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

Thus the Israelites were subdued at that time, and the men of Judah prevailed because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers.

American Standard Version

Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon Jehovah, the God of their fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 13:18 provides a succinct and profound theological interpretation of the battle between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, highlighting the decisive factor in Judah's unexpected victory. It declares that the children of Israel were subdued, while the children of Judah prevailed, not due to superior military might or strategy, but because they placed their complete trust and dependence upon the LORD God of their ancestors. This verse underscores the foundational biblical principle that divine intervention and human reliance on God are paramount in determining outcomes, particularly in times of conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic summary of the battle described in [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - Abijah's Victory Over Jeroboam"). The preceding verses detail the immense armies involved, with Jeroboam's Israelite forces significantly outnumbering Abijah's Judahite army ([2 Chronicles 13:3](/2_chronicles/13-3 "2 Chronicles 13:3 - Armies of Israel and Judah")). King Abijah's powerful pre-battle address to Jeroboam and his army ([2 Chronicles 13:4-12](/2_chronicles/13-4 "2 Chronicles 13:4-12 - Abijah's Speech to Jeroboam")) sets the theological stage, contrasting Judah's adherence to the LORD and His established worship with Israel's apostasy and idolatry. The narrative emphasizes Judah's desperate cry to the LORD in battle ([2 Chronicles 13:14](/2_chronicles/13-14 "2 Chronicles 13:14 - Judah Cries Out to the LORD")), followed by God's direct intervention, striking down Jeroboam and Israel before Judah ([2 Chronicles 13:15](/2_chronicles/13-15 "2 Chronicles 13:15 - God Strikes Jeroboam")). Thus, [2 Chronicles 13:18](/2_chronicles/13-18 "2 Chronicles 13:18 - Judah's Victory Through Reliance on God") functions as the author's interpretive conclusion, attributing Judah's triumph directly to their reliance on God, thereby reinforcing the Chronicler's overarching theological agenda.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - Abijah's Victory Over Jeroboam") transpired approximately 900 years before Christ, following the division of the united kingdom of Israel after Solomon's reign. The Northern Kingdom, Israel, under Jeroboam I, had rejected the Davidic dynasty and established alternative worship centers at Dan and Bethel, complete with golden calves, to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem for worship ([1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This act constituted a profound religious and political rebellion against the LORD's covenant and His chosen sanctuary. In contrast, the Southern Kingdom, Judah, though not without its own moral and spiritual failings, largely maintained the worship of the LORD at the temple in Jerusalem, upholding the Levitical priesthood and the Davidic covenant. The battle itself was a massive engagement, indicative of the ongoing tensions and conflicts between the two fractured kingdoms. The cultural understanding of warfare at the time often linked military success directly to divine favor, making the Chronicler's explicit attribution of Judah's victory to their reliance on the LORD a powerful theological statement.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme permeating [2 Chronicles 13](/2_chronicles/13 "2 Chronicles 13 - Abijah's Victory Over Jeroboam") and encapsulated in [2 Chronicles 13:18](/2_chronicles/13-18 "2 Chronicles 13:18 - Judah's Victory Through Reliance on God") is **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**. The Chronicler consistently emphasizes that God is the ultimate arbiter of history, actively intervening in human affairs to uphold His covenant and punish unfaithfulness. Judah's victory, despite being vastly outnumbered, is presented as a clear demonstration of God's power to turn the tide of battle. Closely related is the theme of **The Power of Reliance on God**. The phrase "because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers" is the central interpretive key, highlighting that genuine trust, active dependence, and fervent prayer to God are the true sources of strength and success, far surpassing human might or strategic brilliance. This reliance is portrayed as a conscious choice of faith and obedience. Finally, the narrative powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Idolatry versus Faithfulness**. Israel's defeat serves as a stark warning about the judgment that follows apostasy and the abandonment of the LORD, while Judah's triumph, despite their imperfections, underscores the blessings, protection, and favor extended to those who remain faithful to God and His covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **relied upon (Hebrew, _yish'anu'_):** Derived from the verb שָׁעַן (_sha'an_), this word signifies a deep, active leaning upon, resting on, or trusting in something for support and stability. It implies a complete dependence, not merely a casual acknowledgment or intellectual assent. In this context, it denotes a profound and active trust in the LORD, demonstrated by their cry to Him in battle and their adherence to His covenant. This reliance is the direct cause of their victory.
* **prevailed (Hebrew, _vayyeḥezqu'_):** From the root חָזַק (_ḥazaq_), meaning "to be strong, firm, courageous, to seize, to overcome." This word indicates that Judah gained a decisive victory, not merely holding their ground but actively overpowering their adversaries. The Chronicler attributes this strength and overcoming power directly to their reliance on the LORD, contrasting it with any inherent military advantage.
* **brought under (Hebrew, _vayyikkane'u'_):** From the root כָּנַע (_kana'_), meaning "to be humbled, subdued, brought low, to submit." This term vividly describes the complete defeat and subjugation of the Israelite forces. The passive voice implies that their defeat was not merely a result of Judah's actions but an outcome ordained by a higher power, namely God, who brought them low due to their spiritual rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time":** This clause describes the outcome for the Northern Kingdom. "Brought under" signifies their decisive defeat and humbling. The phrase "at that time" refers specifically to the battle against Abijah, indicating a moment of divine judgment against Jeroboam's idolatrous kingdom. This defeat serves as a clear consequence of their apostasy and defiance against the LORD and His established worship in Jerusalem.
* **"and the children of Judah prevailed":** This clause states the contrasting outcome for the Southern Kingdom. "Prevailed" emphasizes their victory and ascendancy in the conflict. Despite being numerically inferior, Judah achieved a decisive triumph, highlighting a supernatural element at play rather than mere human military prowess. This victory is presented as a direct result of their spiritual alignment.
* **"because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers":** This final, crucial clause provides the divine explanation for Judah's success and Israel's defeat. The "because" clause establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship between Judah's active trust in God and their victory. "The LORD God of their fathers" emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness, recalling His historical relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and underscoring His unchanging character and commitment to those who remain faithful to Him. Judah's reliance was not on human strength but on the enduring power and promises of their ancestral God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its theological message. **Contrast** is evident in the direct juxtaposition of the "children of Israel" being "brought under" and the "children of Judah" who "prevailed," highlighting the divergent fates of the two kingdoms based on their spiritual allegiance. This contrast underscores the Chronicler's didactic purpose. The verse also functions as a clear example of **Cause and Effect**, explicitly stating that Judah's prevailing was *because* they relied upon the LORD. This direct causal link transforms a historical event into a theological lesson, demonstrating the immediate and tangible benefits of faithfulness. Furthermore, the verse serves as a **Theological Statement**, interpreting the historical outcome through a spiritual lens. It is not merely a report of events but an authoritative declaration of divine involvement and judgment, reinforcing the Chronicler's consistent theme that God actively blesses obedience and judges rebellion. The phrase "the LORD God of their fathers" also functions as a powerful **Allusion** to the foundational covenant history of Israel, grounding the present event in the enduring faithfulness of God across generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound message of 2 Chronicles 13:18 resonates throughout the biblical narrative, affirming that true strength and ultimate victory are found not in human might, strategic brilliance, or numerical superiority, but in unwavering reliance upon the sovereign God. This reliance is not a passive waiting but an active, faith-filled dependence that involves seeking God's will, crying out to Him in distress, and obeying His commands. It underscores the principle that God honors those who honor Him, demonstrating His power on behalf of those who trust in His covenant faithfulness. The historical account of Judah's triumph serves as a powerful illustration of this enduring theological truth, reminding believers across all generations that the divine advantage far outweighs any earthly disadvantage when God's people choose to lean fully on Him.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some trust in chariots, some in horses")
* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No king is saved by the size of his army")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Chronicles 13:18 offers a timeless and vital lesson: our ultimate success and ability to overcome life's challenges are directly tied to our reliance on God. In a world that often pressures us to depend on our own intellect, resources, or social standing, this verse calls us back to a foundational truth: genuine strength comes from divine backing. Whether facing personal struggles, spiritual battles against temptation, or navigating complex societal pressures, we are invited to actively "rely upon the LORD God of our fathers." This means cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, diligently studying and obeying His Word, and surrendering our anxieties and plans to His sovereign will. Just as Judah's desperate cry led to divine intervention, our humble and persistent dependence on God can unlock His power and provision in our lives, enabling us to prevail even against overwhelming odds. It reminds us that our greatest security and most profound victories are found not in self-sufficiency, but in complete and unwavering trust in the One who remains faithful through all generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently tempted to rely on your own strength or wisdom rather than actively trusting God?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your "reliance upon the LORD" in your daily walk?**
* **How does Judah's victory, despite being outnumbered, encourage you to trust God more fully when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that God always grants physical victory in battles to those who rely on Him?**

Answer: While 2 Chronicles 13:18 clearly attributes Judah's physical victory to their reliance on the LORD, it's important to interpret this within the broader biblical narrative. In the Old Testament, particularly in the Deuteronomistic history and Chronicles, there's often a direct correlation between national obedience/reliance and military success, and disobedience/idolatry and defeat. However, this is not a universal formula for all times or all situations. God's purposes are complex, and sometimes His people face suffering or defeat even when faithful, as seen in the exiles or the martyrdom of saints. The verse emphasizes that when God's people genuinely rely on Him and He chooses to act in a specific way, He is fully capable of delivering miraculous physical victory. More broadly, it teaches that reliance on God always leads to a spiritual victory or alignment with His ultimate good, even if the immediate physical outcome is not what was desired. The ultimate "victory" for believers is found in Christ, regardless of earthly circumstances, as we are [more than conquerors through Him who loved us](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors").

**What was the significance of calling Him "the LORD God of their fathers"?**

Answer: The phrase "the LORD God of their fathers" (or "ancestors") is profoundly significant. It anchors God's character and actions in His covenant history with Israel, specifically recalling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram"), [Exodus 3:6](/exodus/3-6 "Exodus 3:6 - God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob")). This title emphasizes several key points:
1. **Covenant Faithfulness:** It reminds the people that this is the same God who made an everlasting covenant with their patriarchs, demonstrating His unwavering commitment across generations.
2. **Historical Precedent:** It grounds their present experience in a long history of God's miraculous intervention, provision, and deliverance for His people.
3. **Continuity of Relationship:** It underscores that the God who acted powerfully in the past is still active and faithful in the present, inviting the current generation to trust Him just as their ancestors did.
4. **Legitimacy of Worship:** For Judah, it affirmed that they were worshipping the true, covenant-keeping God, in contrast to Israel's apostasy and worship of golden calves, which were not the "God of their fathers."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound truth of 2 Chronicles 13:18, that victory comes through reliance on the LORD God, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "LORD God of their fathers" is none other than the God who, in the fullness of time, sent His Son, Jesus, to perfectly embody divine reliance and secure the ultimate victory. While Judah's reliance led to a temporary military triumph, Christ's perfect reliance on His Father, demonstrated through His life of obedience, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, secured an eternal triumph over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. We, the spiritual children of Abraham, are called to rely not on our own works or strength, but on the finished work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Our "prevailing" is not through our own might, but through Christ's victory on our behalf ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the one who perfectly trusted the Father, even unto death, and through His perfect faith, we are enabled to live a life of reliance, knowing that in Him, we have overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Has Overcome the World")) and are [more than conquerors through Him who loved us](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ Jesus"). Our faith is not merely a human effort, but a gift that enables us to look to [Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus"), upon whom we can perfectly and eternally rely.

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 14:11

And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, [it is] nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou [art] our God; let not man prevail against thee.

1 Chronicles 5:20

And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that [were] with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him.

Nahum 1:7

The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

2 Chronicles 20:20

¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

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.

2 Chronicles 16:9

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of [them] whose heart [is] perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.

2 Kings 18:5

He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor [any] that were before him.