2 Chronicles 13:4

And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which [is] in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel;

And Abijah {H29} stood up {H6965} upon mount {H2022} Zemaraim {H6787}, which is in mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669}, and said {H559}, Hear {H8085} me, thou Jeroboam {H3379}, and all Israel {H3478};

Aviyah, standing on Mount Z'marayim, in the hills of Efrayim, cried, "Yarov'am and all Isra'el! Listen to me!

Then Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim in the hill country of Ephraim and said, “Hear me, O Jeroboam and all Israel!

And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is in the hill-country of Ephraim, and said, Hear me, O Jeroboam and all Israel:

Commentary

2 Chronicles 13:4 marks the beginning of a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel. Here, King Abijah of Judah takes a strategic and bold stance on Mount Zemaraim, situated within the territory of Mount Ephraim, which was part of the northern kingdom of Israel. This verse sets the stage for Abijah's significant address to his adversary, King Jeroboam, and all the people of Israel.

Context

Following the death of King Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel split into two separate nations: the Northern Kingdom of Israel, led by Jeroboam, and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, ruled by Rehoboam (Abijah's father). This division was a direct consequence of Solomon's idolatry and the people's grievances. By the time of 2 Chronicles 13, Abijah, Rehoboam's son, is king of Judah, and a large-scale battle is imminent between the two kingdoms. Abijah's decision to deliver this speech from a prominent position within Israelite territory underscores the gravity of the situation and his intent to challenge Jeroboam's legitimacy and the northern kingdom's actions.

Key Themes

  • Confrontation and Authority: Abijah's act of standing up and commanding attention ("Hear me") signifies a direct challenge to Jeroboam and an assertion of his own authority as the king of Judah, claiming divine legitimacy.
  • Geopolitical Significance: Delivering the speech from Mount Zemaraim in Ephraim was a strategic move, allowing Abijah to address the northern kingdom on their own ground, perhaps aiming to sway some of their populace or demoralize Jeroboam's forces.
  • The Divided Kingdom: This verse highlights the deep-seated schism between Judah and Israel, a central theme throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles. Abijah's speech will elaborate on the perceived spiritual and political errors of the northern kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "stood up" (Hebrew: wayyaqom) implies taking a firm, authoritative position, ready to deliver an important declaration. It's not just a physical act but a symbolic posture of readiness for a significant address. The command "Hear me" (Hebrew: shim'uni) is a common rhetorical device in ancient Near Eastern speeches, used to silence the audience and demand their full attention before a weighty pronouncement or argument.

Related Scriptures

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of clear communication and standing firm for what one believes to be true, even in the face of significant opposition. Abijah's bold public address, delivered on enemy territory, serves as an example of courageous leadership. It also underscores how historical context and past covenants can profoundly influence present-day conflicts and discussions, whether in personal relationships or larger societal issues. Understanding the roots of division can be crucial for seeking reconciliation or affirming truth.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 18:22 (5 votes)

    And Betharabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel,

  • Genesis 10:18 (2 votes)

    And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite: and afterward were the families of the Canaanites spread abroad.

  • 2 Chronicles 15:2 (2 votes)

    And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

  • Judges 9:7 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when they told [it] to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.