2 Chronicles 13:5

KJV

Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, [even] to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?

KJV (with Strong's)

Ought ye not to know {H3045} that the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} gave {H5414} the kingdom {H4467} over Israel {H3478} to David {H1732} for ever {H5769}, even to him and to his sons {H1121} by a covenant {H1285} of salt {H4417}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't you know that ADONAI, the God of Isra'el, gave rulership over Isra'el to David forever, to him and his descendants, by a covenant of salt [which is unbreakable]?

Berean Standard Bible

Do you not know that the LORD, the God of Israel, has given the kingship of Israel to David and his descendants forever by a covenant of salt?

American Standard Version

Ought ye not to know that Jehovah, the God of Israel, gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Chronicles 13:5, King Abijah of Judah issues a potent challenge to Jeroboam and the northern kingdom of Israel, asserting the divine and perpetual nature of the Davidic covenant. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promise to establish David's kingdom and lineage forever, emphasizing that the kingship was granted by the LORD God of Israel to David and his descendants through an unbreakable "covenant of salt," thereby delegitimizing Jeroboam's rebellion and highlighting the divine right of the Davidic throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Abijah's powerful and lengthy speech to Jeroboam and the armies of Israel, delivered just before a significant battle between the divided kingdoms (2 Chronicles 13:4-12). Abijah’s address is not merely a pre-battle rallying cry but a theological argument, asserting the divine legitimacy of Judah’s kingship and condemning the northern kingdom’s apostasy and rebellion against God’s established order. The speech serves as the Chronicler’s theological explanation for Judah’s eventual victory, portraying it as a vindication of God’s covenant faithfulness and a judgment against those who oppose His will. The immediate verses describe the vast armies assembled, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation where spiritual truth is presented as the ultimate weapon.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the divided monarchy, a pivotal period following the reign of Solomon. After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam's harsh policies led to the secession of ten northern tribes, who then formed the kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, while Rehoboam retained control over Judah and Benjamin (see [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom") and [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - Rehoboam's Folly and the Kingdom's Division")). This division was not merely political but deeply theological, as Jeroboam established alternative worship sites and golden calves, drawing the people away from Jerusalem and the true worship of the LORD (see [1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). Abijah's speech, therefore, appeals to a foundational covenant that predates this schism, reminding his adversaries of God's original, enduring promise to David, which was understood to be inviolable in ancient Near Eastern thought, especially when sealed by a "covenant of salt."
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is the **Davidic Covenant**, first established in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), where God promises David an eternal dynasty and an enduring kingdom. Abijah's declaration reasserts this covenant's permanence and God's unwavering commitment to David's lineage, despite the kingdom's division. Closely related is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, as Abijah emphasizes that it was "the LORD God of Israel" who "gave the kingdom," highlighting God's ultimate authority over human rulers and political structures. The verse also underscores **Covenant Fidelity**, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises even when human actions (like Jeroboam's rebellion and idolatry) seem to contradict them. This fidelity provides the theological basis for Judah's claim to legitimate kingship and foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant in the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covenant of Salt (Hebrew, _berît melach'_):** This highly significant phrase refers to an unbreakable, enduring, and pure agreement. In the ancient Near East, salt was known for its preserving qualities, its role in purification, and its use in sealing agreements (often by sharing a meal where salt was present). To make a "covenant of salt" meant to establish an agreement that was permanent, incorruptible, and inviolable, much like salt itself, which does not decay. Its inclusion here underscores the absolute certainty and permanence of God's promise to David, making the northern kingdom's rebellion a direct challenge to God's immutable word.
* **For Ever (Hebrew, _lĕʿôlām'_):** This term signifies eternity, perpetuity, or for all time. When applied to God's covenant with David, it emphasizes the unending nature of the Davidic dynasty and the divine promise that David's throne would be established eternally. It conveys the idea that God's gift of the kingdom to David was not temporary or conditional upon human performance, but an everlasting decree, establishing a perpetual lineage that would ultimately culminate in the Messiah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ought ye not to know":** This opening rhetorical question is a powerful indictment, implying that Jeroboam and the northern tribes are willfully ignorant or deliberately defiant of a fundamental, well-known truth. Abijah is not asking for information but challenging their understanding and moral culpability, suggesting their rebellion is inexcusable because they *should* know God's established order.
* **"that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever":** This clause declares the divine origin and eternal nature of the Davidic kingship. It attributes the establishment of the kingdom directly to "the LORD God of Israel," emphasizing His sovereignty and exclusive right to appoint rulers. The phrase "gave the kingdom" highlights God's initiative and authority, while "to David for ever" reiterates the unconditional and perpetual nature of the Davidic covenant, a promise that transcends human political machinations.
* **"[even] to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?":** This final clause specifies the recipients of the eternal kingdom—David and his descendants—and, crucially, the unbreakable nature of the divine promise. The "covenant of salt" serves as a powerful metaphor and legal term, certifying the absolute permanence, purity, and inviolability of God's commitment. It implies that the northern kingdom's secession and Jeroboam's usurpation are not merely political acts but a direct violation of a sacred, eternal, and divinely sanctioned agreement.

#### Literary Devices
Abijah's speech in 2 Chronicles 13:5 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question** ("Ought ye not to know"), which serves not to elicit an answer but to challenge the audience's knowledge and moral standing, implying their rebellion is a deliberate act of defiance against known divine truth. **Symbolism** is powerfully used with the phrase "covenant of salt," where salt represents permanence, purity, and an unbreakable bond, lending immense weight to the divine covenant with David. The assertion that "the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom" is an example of **Divine Attribution**, emphasizing God's ultimate sovereignty and legitimizing the Davidic line by divine decree. The entire verse functions as a form of **Exhortation** and **Argumentation**, as Abijah uses theological and historical facts to persuade and condemn his adversaries, framing the upcoming battle not just as a human conflict but as a divine judgment against those who oppose God's established order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 13:5 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic covenant. This covenant, first articulated in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Unbreakable Promise to David"), promised David an eternal dynasty, a secure throne, and an enduring kingdom. Abijah's appeal to this "covenant of salt" highlights its absolute permanence and inviolability, asserting that even human rebellion and the division of the kingdom cannot nullify God's ultimate plan. It underscores the theological truth that God's word stands firm, regardless of changing circumstances or human disobedience. This divine fidelity provides a foundation of hope and assurance, demonstrating that God's purposes will ultimately prevail and His promises will find their full and final realization.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "God's Unbreakable Promise to David")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David")
* [Jeremiah 33:20-21](/jeremiah/33-20 "Jeremiah 33:20-21 - The Permanence of God's Covenants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abijah's declaration in 2 Chronicles 13:5 serves as a profound reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and the enduring nature of His promises. In a world often characterized by political instability, shifting alliances, and broken agreements, this verse anchors us in the unchanging character of God. Just as God established an eternal kingdom through David, His faithfulness extends to every promise He has made to His people. For us today, this means we can trust in God's word implicitly, knowing that His covenants are not subject to human whims or failures. It calls us to examine our own lives: are we living in alignment with God's established truths, or are we, like Jeroboam, rebelling against His divine order, perhaps through our choices, priorities, or attitudes? This verse encourages unwavering trust in God's ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or contradictory, reminding us that His "covenant of salt" ensures His word will stand "for ever."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "covenant of salt" with David impact your trust in His promises for your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be, perhaps unintentionally, acting in defiance of God's established will or truth?**
* **How does the permanence of God's covenant with David offer hope and stability in an ever-changing world?**
* **What practical steps can you take to align your life more fully with God's sovereign plan, as revealed in His Word?**

### FAQ

**What exactly does "a covenant of salt" mean in the biblical context?**

Answer: "A covenant of salt" (Hebrew: _berît melach_) signifies an agreement that is permanent, unbreakable, and pure. In the ancient Near East, salt was highly valued for its preserving qualities, its use in purification, and its role in making food palatable. When used in the context of a covenant, it symbolized an agreement that was enduring and incorruptible, much like salt itself, which does not decay. It often involved a shared meal where salt was present, signifying an unbreakable bond of loyalty and fidelity between parties. In the case of God's covenant with David, it emphasizes the absolute certainty and eternal nature of God's promise to establish David's kingdom and lineage forever, as seen in [Numbers 18:19](/numbers/18-19 "Numbers 18:19 - A Covenant of Salt for the Priesthood") where the priestly portion is described as a "covenant of salt."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "covenant of salt" given to David, promising an eternal kingdom and an enduring lineage, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the earthly Davidic kingdom experienced division and exile, God's promise of a perpetual throne was not nullified but transcended. Jesus, born of the lineage of David (as affirmed in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel's Prophecy to Mary")), is the true Son of David, whose kingdom is indeed "for ever." He is the Messiah who reigns eternally, not from an earthly throne in Jerusalem, but from the right hand of God, exercising spiritual authority over all creation. His sacrifice on the cross establishes a new, everlasting covenant, sealed not with salt, but with His own blood, which brings eternal life and salvation (as described in [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). Thus, Abijah's declaration in [2 Chronicles 13:5](/2_chronicles/13-5 "2 Chronicles 13:5 - Abijah's Declaration of the Davidic Covenant") points forward to Christ, the King of kings, whose reign is truly permanent, pure, and unbreakable, fulfilling every aspect of God's ancient promise to David.

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

Numbers 18:19

All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer unto the LORD, have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughters with thee, by a statute for ever: it [is] a covenant of salt for ever before the LORD unto thee and to thy seed with thee.

Leviticus 2:13

And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.

Mark 9:49

For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

Mark 9:50

Salt [is] good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.

2 Samuel 7:12

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

2 Samuel 7:16

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

1 Kings 8:20

And the LORD hath performed his word that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the LORD promised, and have built an house for the name of the LORD God of Israel.