2 Chronicles 13:8

KJV

And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye [be] a great multitude, and [there are] with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods.

KJV (with Strong's)

And now ye think {H559} to withstand {H2388} the kingdom {H6440}{H4467} of the LORD {H3068} in the hand {H3027} of the sons {H1121} of David {H1732}; and ye be a great {H7227} multitude {H1995}, and there are with you golden {H2091} calves {H5695}, which Jeroboam {H3379} made {H6213} you for gods {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now you expect to withstand the kingdom of ADONAI in the hands of the descendants of David. Yes, there are a great number of you, and you have with you the gold calves that Yarov'am made as gods for you.

Berean Standard Bible

And now you think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hands of David’s descendants. You are indeed a vast army, and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods.

American Standard Version

And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of Jehovah in the hand of the sons of David; and ye are a great multitude, and there are with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
King Abijah of Judah delivers a potent accusation to Jeroboam and the northern kingdom of Israel on the eve of a major battle. He confronts their rebellion against the divinely established Davidic monarchy and their egregious idolatry, asserting that their numerical superiority and reliance on false gods are futile against the "kingdom of the LORD" entrusted to David's descendants. This verse encapsulates the core spiritual and political conflict between Judah, representing the covenant line, and Israel, which had apostatized through Jeroboam's religious innovations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within Abijah's impassioned speech to the northern Israelite forces, recorded in [2 Chronicles 13:4-12](/2_chronicles/13-4 "2 Chronicles 13:4-12 - Abijah's Speech to Jeroboam"). The speech serves as a theological justification for the impending conflict, framing it not merely as a political skirmish between two rival kingdoms but as a divine judgment against Israel's apostasy. Abijah systematically contrasts Judah's faithfulness to the Lord and the Davidic covenant with Israel's rebellion and idolatry. Immediately following this verse, Abijah continues to highlight Judah's adherence to proper worship and the presence of God among them, leading to the climactic battle described in [2 Chronicles 13:13-18](/2_chronicles/13-13 "2 Chronicles 13:13-18 - The Battle Against Jeroboam"). The speech sets the stage for God's intervention on behalf of Judah, demonstrating His sovereignty over human armies and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the divided monarchy following the death of King Solomon. Ten northern tribes seceded from the Davidic dynasty under Jeroboam I, forming the kingdom of Israel, while Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to Rehoboam, Abijah's father. Jeroboam, fearing that annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem for worship would cause his people to return to Rehoboam, established new cult centers at Bethel and Dan, installing golden calves as objects of worship ([1 Kings 12:26-30](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This act was a direct violation of the Mosaic Law and the covenant with Yahweh, mirroring the sin of Israel at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 32:1-6](/exodus/32-1 "Exodus 32:1-6 - The Golden Calf at Sinai")). Abijah's speech, delivered to a vast Israelite army, reflects the deep theological and political schism, with Judah asserting its legitimacy based on the eternal Davidic covenant and Israel condemned for its syncretistic worship and rebellion against God's chosen king.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in the Books of Chronicles. Firstly, the **Legitimacy of the Davidic Kingdom** is paramount, with Abijah declaring Judah's rule as "the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David," directly referencing God's eternal covenant with David ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Covenant with David")). This underscores the Chronicler's emphasis on the divine election of David's line as the rightful rulers of God's people. Secondly, **Idolatry and Apostasy** are sharply condemned through the mention of the "golden calves." This highlights the destructive consequences of forsaking true worship for man-made gods, a recurring motif throughout Israel's history ([Deuteronomy 4:28](/deuteronomy/4-28 "Deuteronomy 4:28 - Warning Against Idolatry")). Thirdly, the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Human Might** is evident as Abijah dismisses Israel's "great multitude" as irrelevant in the face of God's power. This echoes the biblical principle that victory comes from the Lord, not from military strength or numerical superiority ([Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not in Chariots")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Withstand (Hebrew, _hithchazzēq'_):** This verb, derived from the root חזק (chazaq), means "to be strong," "to strengthen oneself," or "to prevail." In the Hithpael stem, as used here, it carries a reflexive or intensive meaning, implying a deliberate and aggressive act of strengthening oneself *against* someone or something. Abijah's use of this word suggests that Jeroboam and Israel are not merely disagreeing or separating, but actively and intentionally setting themselves in opposition to God's established order and power. It conveys a sense of defiance and an attempt to overpower.

* **Kingdom of the LORD (Hebrew, _mamlĕḵeṯ YHWH'_):** This phrase is crucial for understanding the Chronicler's theology. It elevates the Davidic kingdom beyond a mere political entity, identifying it as God's own reign on earth, administered through His chosen dynasty. The "sons of David" are merely the instruments or regents through whom God's kingdom is manifested. To "withstand" this kingdom is therefore not just to oppose Judah, but to directly oppose Yahweh Himself and His sovereign will. This theological framing justifies Judah's cause and condemns Israel's rebellion as an act of cosmic defiance.

* **Golden Calves (Hebrew, _‘ăgālîm zaḥāḇ'_):** These are the infamous idols set up by Jeroboam in Bethel and Dan. The term "golden calves" immediately evokes the sin of Aaron and Israel at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 32:4](/exodus/32-4 "Exodus 32:4 - The Golden Calf at Sinai")), signaling a deep-seated apostasy and a rejection of Yahweh's unique identity as the one true God who cannot be represented by images. The calves were intended to be alternative objects of worship, a counterfeit to the true presence of God in the Jerusalem Temple, and their presence among the Israelite army signifies their spiritual blindness and misplaced trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David;":** Abijah directly challenges the northern kingdom's presumption. He asserts that their opposition is not merely against a human king or a political entity, but against God's own kingdom, which He has entrusted to the Davidic line. The phrase "in the hand of the sons of David" emphasizes that the Davidic kings are God's chosen instruments, making resistance to them resistance to God Himself. This highlights the divine legitimacy of Judah's claim and the spiritual gravity of Israel's rebellion.

* **"and ye [be] a great multitude,":** This clause acknowledges Israel's numerical superiority, which was indeed significant (400,000 men for Judah vs. 800,000 for Israel, according to [2 Chronicles 13:3](/2_chronicles/13-3 "2 Chronicles 13:3 - Armies of Judah and Israel")). Abijah states this as a factual observation but immediately undercuts its significance. He implies that their reliance on sheer numbers is a misplaced confidence, especially when their cause is unjust and their worship is corrupt. This sets up a contrast between human strength and divine power.

* **"and [there are] with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods.":** This is the damning indictment of Israel's spiritual state. The "golden calves" represent their fundamental apostasy and idolatry. Abijah points out that these idols, crafted by Jeroboam, are their "gods," exposing the futility and offense of their worship. This clause directly links their rebellion against the Davidic kingdom to their spiritual rebellion against Yahweh, providing the ultimate reason for their impending defeat. Their trust is in false gods, not the true God of Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Abijah's speech, particularly this verse, employs several potent literary devices. **Rhetorical Question** is implicitly used, as Abijah's statement "ye think to withstand" carries an incredulous tone, challenging the very premise of their opposition. He presents their actions as illogical and doomed. **Contrast** is a dominant feature, juxtaposing Israel's "great multitude" and "golden calves" with Judah's reliance on the "kingdom of the LORD." This highlights the ultimate futility of human strength and false gods against divine power. The verse also functions as a powerful **Accusation**, directly indicting Jeroboam and the northern kingdom for their rebellion and idolatry. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in Israel's confidence in their numbers and idols, which Abijah reveals to be their ultimate weakness and the very reason for their downfall.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the Chronicler's theological perspective, emphasizing the inviolable nature of God's covenant with David and the catastrophic consequences of idolatry. It portrays the Davidic kingdom as God's chosen instrument for His rule on earth, making any opposition to it an act of rebellion against God Himself. The presence of the "golden calves" underscores the deep spiritual chasm between Judah and Israel, highlighting the Chronicler's consistent message that faithfulness to Yahweh and His appointed worship is the key to national blessing, while apostasy leads to divine judgment. The battle is thus framed as a spiritual contest, where God's honor and the legitimacy of His covenant are at stake, rather than merely a political struggle.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalm/89-3 "Psalm 89:3-4 - God's Covenant with David Confirmed")
* [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Sin of the Golden Calves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Abijah's declaration in 2 Chronicles 13:8 serves as a timeless warning against misplaced confidence and spiritual rebellion. It challenges us to examine where we place our trust and whether our lives are aligned with God's revealed will and His established order. Just as Israel relied on their numerical superiority and false gods, we too can be tempted to trust in our own strength, worldly resources, popular opinion, or even subtle forms of idolatry (anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts). This verse reminds us that any attempt to "withstand the kingdom of the LORD" – whether through open defiance, spiritual compromise, or a reliance on anything other than God – is ultimately futile and self-defeating. True security, peace, and victory are found only in faithful allegiance to the one true God and His sovereign rule. It calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, ensuring that our worship is pure, our trust is solely in Him, and our lives are submitted to His divine authority.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be tempted to "withstand the kingdom of the LORD" by relying on my own strength or worldly resources instead of God?**
* **What "golden calves" – modern idols or misplaced trusts – might I be holding onto that distract me from pure devotion to God?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign rule over all things change my perspective on challenges or opposition I face?**
* **In what ways can I more fully submit to God's "kingdom" in my daily decisions and priorities?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Abijah calling Judah the "kingdom of the LORD"?**

Answer: Abijah's declaration that Judah is the "kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David" is profoundly significant. It elevates the Davidic monarchy beyond a mere human institution, asserting its divine legitimacy. This phrase directly connects Judah's rule to God's eternal covenant with David, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - God's Eternal Covenant with David"), where God promises an enduring dynasty for David. By calling it the "kingdom of the LORD," Abijah implies that opposing Judah is not just a political act against a rival king, but an act of rebellion against Yahweh Himself, who established this kingdom as His earthly representation. This theological claim underscores the Chronicler's central message: God's faithfulness to His covenant and the unique, divinely appointed role of the Davidic line.

**Why are the "golden calves" so prominently mentioned as a point of condemnation?**

Answer: The "golden calves" are central to Abijah's condemnation because they represent Israel's fundamental apostasy and direct violation of the Mosaic Law. Jeroboam introduced these idols in Bethel and Dan ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")) to prevent his people from worshiping in Jerusalem, thereby securing his political power. This act was a blatant transgression of the Second Commandment, which forbids the worship of graven images ([Exodus 20:4](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment")). By highlighting the calves, Abijah exposes Israel's spiritual rebellion against Yahweh, their covenant God. Their reliance on these false gods demonstrates their misplaced trust and provides the theological justification for Judah's war against them, framing it as a righteous struggle against idolatry and unfaithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 13:8, with its emphasis on the "kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David" and the futility of opposing it with human might or false gods, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the true and eternal "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")), the promised King through whom God's kingdom is fully established. Unlike the temporary Davidic kings, Jesus reigns eternally, and His kingdom is not of this world, yet it transforms it ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Abijah's condemnation of the "golden calves" and misplaced trust in a "great multitude" foreshadows the spiritual battle against all forms of idolatry and self-reliance that Jesus came to dismantle. He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a genuine way to God, unlike the false worship of Jeroboam's calves. Any attempt to "withstand" Christ's kingdom, whether through open rebellion or subtle rejection of His Lordship, is ultimately futile, for He has all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His victory on the cross and resurrection demonstrate that true power belongs to God alone, and all who trust in Him, rather than in human strength or worldly idols, will find eternal life and true belonging in His unshakable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")).

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

1 Kings 12:28

Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves [of] gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

2 Chronicles 11:15

And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

2 Chronicles 14:9

¶ And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.

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.

2 Chronicles 20:6

And said, O LORD God of our fathers, [art] not thou God in heaven? and rulest [not] thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand [is there not] power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

Isaiah 7:6

Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, [even] the son of Tabeal: