2 Chronicles 13:13

¶ But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambushment [was] behind them.

But Jeroboam {H3379} caused an ambushment {H3993} to come {H935} about {H5437} behind {H310} them: so they were before {H6440} Judah {H3063}, and the ambushment {H3993} was behind {H310} them.

But Yarov'am prepared to ambush them from behind, so that the main body was ahead of Y'hudah, while the ambush was behind them.

Now Jeroboam had sent troops around to ambush from the rear, so that while he was in front of Judah, the ambush was behind them.

But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambushment was behind them.

Commentary

This verse from 2 Chronicles 13 describes a critical moment in the battle between King Abijah of Judah and King Jeroboam I of Israel. It reveals Jeroboam’s cunning military strategy, setting the stage for a dramatic turning point in the conflict.

Context

The book of 2 Chronicles focuses on the history of the Southern Kingdom, Judah, from the reign of Solomon to the Babylonian exile. Chapter 13 details a significant war between Abijah, Solomon's grandson and king of Judah, and Jeroboam, the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This conflict arose after the division of the kingdom following Solomon's death, a schism largely due to Rehoboam's harsh policies and Jeroboam's establishment of idolatrous worship in Israel (1 Kings 12:19, 2 Chronicles 10:19).

Before this verse, Abijah delivers a powerful speech, calling on Israel to return to the Lord and emphasizing Judah's reliance on God and the Aaronic priesthood (2 Chronicles 13:10-12). Despite Judah being significantly outnumbered (400,000 against 800,000 as per 2 Chronicles 13:3), Jeroboam employs a deceptive maneuver. Verse 13 specifically highlights this tactical move: "Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them." This meant Judah's army was caught between Jeroboam's main force in front and a hidden detachment behind them, creating a perilous pincer movement.

Key Themes

  • Military Strategy and Deception: Jeroboam's use of an "ambushment" (Hebrew: ma'arav, meaning a lying in wait or hidden force) demonstrates a reliance on human cunning and surprise tactics. This highlights the dangers of underestimating an adversary, even when appealing to divine favor.
  • Dire Circumstances: The verse paints a picture of extreme peril for Judah. Being surrounded on both sides by a numerically superior enemy force presented a seemingly insurmountable military disadvantage.
  • Setting the Stage for Divine Intervention: While this verse describes the human strategizing and the immediate threat, it serves as a crucial setup for the dramatic turn of events that follow. The desperate situation it creates allows for a powerful display of God's power when Judah cries out to Him (2 Chronicles 13:14).

Strategic Insights

The phrase "ambushment to come about behind them" vividly portrays Jeroboam's intent to completely encircle and overwhelm Abijah's forces. This was a classic military tactic designed to induce panic and prevent retreat, ensuring a decisive victory. For Judah, it meant facing an attack from an unexpected direction, compounding their already significant numerical disadvantage. The success of such a maneuver relies on secrecy and surprise, which Jeroboam achieved.

Reflection and Application

Spiritually, this verse reminds us that in life, we may face situations where we feel "ambushed" or surrounded by overwhelming challenges. These can be unexpected problems, hidden obstacles, or pressures from multiple directions that seem to cut off all escape. Jeroboam's strategy was designed to leave Judah without hope, relying purely on human strength and cunning.

However, the narrative immediately following this verse (which describes Judah's cry to the Lord and God's intervention) teaches a profound lesson: even when human strategies fail or when we are caught in impossible circumstances, God remains our ultimate deliverer. This verse, therefore, acts as a powerful reminder that our hope and strength are not to be found in our own abilities or military might, but in the Lord, who can turn the tide even against the most cunning human plans. When we are surrounded, like Judah, it is an opportunity to turn to God and witness His miraculous intervention, demonstrating that He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

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Cross-References

  • Joshua 8:9 (3 votes)

    Joshua therefore sent them forth: and they went to lie in ambush, and abode between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.

  • Joshua 8:4 (3 votes)

    And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, [even] behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

  • Jeremiah 4:22 (2 votes)

    For my people [is] foolish, they have not known me; they [are] sottish children, and they have none understanding: they [are] wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:22 (2 votes)

    And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

  • Proverbs 21:30 (2 votes)

    ¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.