2 Chronicles 13:18

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

2 Chronicles 13:18 succinctly captures the outcome of a significant conflict between the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, highlighting the divine reason for Judah's victory. It states, "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." This verse underscores the crucial role of faith and dependence on God in determining the course of events.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse describes the climax of a major battle between King Abijah of Judah and King Jeroboam of Israel, approximately 900 years before Christ. After the reign of King Solomon, the unified kingdom of Israel had split into two distinct entities: the Northern Kingdom, retaining the name Israel (often referred to as Ephraim or Samaria later), and the Southern Kingdom, Judah, which included the tribe of Benjamin and maintained Jerusalem as its capital. Jeroboam, fearing that pilgrimages to Jerusalem would draw his people back to Judah, established new centers of worship in Dan and Bethel, complete with golden calves for idol worship. In contrast, Judah, under Abijah, largely maintained the worship of the LORD in Jerusalem, despite some moral failings. The battle detailed in 2 Chronicles 13 involved immense armies, with Israel outnumbering Judah significantly. Abijah's powerful speech before the battle, recorded in 2 Chronicles 13:4-12, contrasted Judah's reliance on the LORD with Israel's apostasy, setting the stage for the divine intervention that led to Judah's unexpected triumph.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Intervention: The verse clearly attributes Judah's victory not to their military prowess or numbers, but to God's direct involvement. It teaches that God can turn the tide of any battle, physical or spiritual, when His people call upon Him.
  • The Power of Reliance on God: The phrase "because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers" is the core message. It emphasizes that genuine trust and dependence on God are powerful forces, leading to favorable outcomes even against overwhelming odds. This reliance is an active choice, involving faith, prayer, and obedience.
  • Consequences of Idolatry vs. Faithfulness: The defeat of Israel serves as a stark consequence of their abandonment of the LORD and their embracing of idolatry. Conversely, Judah's victory highlights the blessings and protection afforded to those who remain faithful to God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "relied upon" is yish'anu (ื™ึทืฉึฐืืขึฒื ื•ึผ), derived from the root sha'an. This word signifies a deep sense of leaning on, resting on, or trusting in something for support and stability. It implies a complete dependence, not just a casual acknowledgment. The phrase "God of their fathers" emphasizes the covenant relationship God had established with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, reminding the people of His historical faithfulness and His unchanging character.

Related Scriptures

The principle of trusting in the Lord for victory is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. This verse resonates with the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which admonishes us to "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Similarly, Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." The narrative of Judah's victory here serves as a powerful historical illustration of these spiritual truths, reinforcing that true strength comes from divine backing, not human might.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Chronicles 13:18 offers a timeless lesson. In an often-challenging world, we are called to rely on the Lord in all circumstances, whether facing personal struggles, spiritual battles, or societal pressures. This means actively seeking God's will through prayer, studying His Word, and obeying His commands, rather than trusting solely in our own abilities, resources, or human wisdom. Just as Judah prevailed because they trusted in God, we too can experience victory and peace when we place our complete dependence on the "LORD God of our fathers," who remains faithful through all generations. It reminds us that our greatest strength lies not in our numbers or strategies, but in our unwavering faith in Him.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 14:11 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 20:20 (3 votes)

    ยถ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.