2 Chronicles 13:2

He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also [was] Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

He reigned {H4427} three {H7969} years {H8141} in Jerusalem {H3389}. His mother's {H517} name {H8034} also was Michaiah {H4322} the daughter {H1323} of Uriel {H222} of Gibeah {H1390}. And there was war {H4421} between Abijah {H29} and Jeroboam {H3379}.

He ruled three years in Yerushalayim; his mother's name was Mikhayahu the daughter of Uri'el from Giv'ah. There was war between Aviyah and Yarov'am.

and he reigned in Jerusalem three years. His mother’s name was Micaiah daughter of Uriel; she was from Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

Three years reigned he in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 13:2 provides key biographical details for Abijah, the king of Judah, and sets the stage for a significant conflict with the northern kingdom of Israel.

Context

This verse immediately follows the introduction of Abijah as king in 2 Chronicles 13:1, detailing his reign and lineage. Abijah was the son of Rehoboam, who was the first king of the southern kingdom of Judah after the division of the united monarchy following the death of King Solomon. His contemporary in the northern kingdom of Israel was Jeroboam, who had led the ten tribes in rebellion against Rehoboam, establishing a separate kingdom and alternative worship practices.

Key Themes and Details

  • A Short Reign: Abijah's reign of "three years in Jerusalem" was relatively brief, yet significant for the major war that occurred during this period. Short reigns often highlight periods of instability or intense activity.
  • Genealogical Note: The mention of his mother, Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah, provides specific familial context. It's worth noting that 1 Kings 15:2 identifies Abijah's mother as Maachah the daughter of Abishalom. Scholars often reconcile this by suggesting "Michaiah" and "Maachah" could be variant names for the same person, or that "daughter" might refer to a granddaughter or descendant in a broader sense, a common practice in biblical genealogies. Both names point to her prominent lineage.
  • Ongoing Conflict: The declaration, "And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam," immediately signals the central event of Abijah's reign described in the remainder of this chapter. This was not merely a border skirmish but a major confrontation between the two divided kingdoms, reflecting the deep political and spiritual rift that had formed after the schism of the kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The name Michaiah (מִיכָיָהוּ, Mîḵāyāhû) means "Who is like Yahweh?". This name, though associated with a queen mother who later had a significant (and sometimes negative) influence, carries a theological weight. The variant Maachah (מַעֲכָה, Ma‘ăḵāh) is also found in the Old Testament and has various possible meanings, including "oppression" or "pressing," but its exact etymology in this context is less certain.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that even short periods of leadership can be pivotal. Abijah's brief reign was marked by a defining conflict that had lasting implications for Judah and Israel. It underscores the reality of conflict in a fallen world and how leaders, even in difficult circumstances, are called to navigate challenges. The details provided, though seemingly minor, emphasize the historical reality and the importance of lineage and relationships in ancient societies. The war itself, elaborated in the following verses, becomes a testament to God's involvement in the affairs of nations, even when human choices lead to division and strife, as seen in the outcome of the battle described later in this chapter.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 11:20 (4 votes)

    And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.

  • 1 Kings 15:6 (3 votes)

    And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.

  • 1 Kings 15:7 (3 votes)

    Now the rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.

  • 1 Samuel 10:26 (2 votes)

    And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched.

  • Judges 19:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which [was] also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place [were] Benjamites.

  • 1 Kings 15:2 (2 votes)

    Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name [was] Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom.

  • Judges 19:14 (2 votes)

    And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them [when they were] by Gibeah, which [belongeth] to Benjamin.