2 Chronicles 13:20

Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the LORD struck him, and he died.

Neither did Jeroboam {H3379} recover {H6113} strength {H3581} again in the days {H3117} of Abijah {H29}: and the LORD {H3068} struck {H5062} him, and he died {H4191}.

Yarov'am did not recover his strength during the time of Aviyahu. Finally ADONAI struck him, and he died.

Jeroboam did not again recover his power during the days of Abijah, and the LORD struck him down and he died.

Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and Jehovah smote him, and he died.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 13:20 (KJV) records the tragic end of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, following a significant battle against Abijah, the king of Judah. This verse highlights the immediate and powerful consequences of defying God and His chosen people.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse concludes the narrative of a pivotal battle between the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah, detailed in 2 Chronicles chapter 13. Jeroboam, king of Israel, had led his people into idolatry by setting up golden calves in Dan and Bethel, drawing them away from true worship in Jerusalem (see 1 Kings 12:28-30). In contrast, King Abijah of Judah, before the battle, delivered a powerful sermon emphasizing Judah's reliance on the LORD and their adherence to the Mosaic Law. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Judah secured a decisive victory because they "relied upon the LORD God of their fathers" (2 Chronicles 13:18). Verse 20 serves as the divine postscript to this conflict, sealing Jeroboam's fate and ensuring he could not recover his strength.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment: The verse explicitly states that "the LORD struck him, and he died." This was not merely a natural death or a lingering illness, but a direct act of divine judgment against Jeroboam for his persistent idolatry and opposition to God's covenant people. It underscores God's active involvement in human affairs and His righteous retribution against sin.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Jeroboam's leadership was marked by profound disobedience, leading an entire nation astray from true worship. His failure to recover strength and his eventual death are presented as direct consequences of his rebellion against God, demonstrating that sin has serious, often fatal, repercussions.
  • God's Sovereignty in History: The LORD's intervention ensures that His will ultimately prevails. Despite Jeroboam's military might and strategic cunning, God's power was superior, bringing about his downfall and preventing him from regaining his former strength. This highlights God's ultimate control over the destinies of nations and rulers.
  • Victory Through Faith: The context of this verse emphasizes the contrast between Jeroboam's reliance on false gods and human strength, and Abijah's reliance on the LORD. The outcome of the battle and Jeroboam's subsequent demise serve as a powerful testament to the principle that trusting in God brings victory and blessing, while defying Him leads to ruin.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the LORD struck him" in Hebrew is vayyiggephehu Yahweh (וַיִּגְּפֵהוּ יְהוָה). The verb nagaph (נָגַף) often implies a sudden, forceful blow, often associated with a plague, defeat, or divine judgment. It signifies a direct and decisive act from God, not a passive or natural occurrence. This emphasizes the divine hand in Jeroboam's death, reinforcing the idea of God's direct intervention and judgment.

Practical Application

This historical account offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Beware of Idolatry: While we may not worship golden calves, modern forms of idolatry—such as placing trust in wealth, power, human intellect, or worldly success above God—can equally lead to spiritual and personal decline. We are called to worship God alone (Exodus 20:3).
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: This verse reminds us that God is ultimately in control. Even in the face of overwhelming odds or powerful adversaries, our ultimate strength and hope lie in His sovereign power and justice.
  • Consequences of Sin: The narrative serves as a sober reminder that sin, especially persistent rebellion against God's commands, carries serious consequences. It encourages a life of obedience and repentance, seeking God's mercy and forgiveness.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 14:20 (4 votes)

    And the days which Jeroboam reigned [were] two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.

  • 1 Samuel 25:38 (4 votes)

    And it came to pass about ten days [after], that the LORD smote Nabal, that he died.

  • Acts 12:23 (2 votes)

    And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

  • 1 Kings 15:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah.

  • Psalms 18:37 (2 votes)

    I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.

  • Psalms 18:38 (2 votes)

    I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.

  • Ezekiel 24:16 (2 votes)

    Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down.