Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “As for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him. The priests who serve the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites assist them. New Living Translation “But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not abandoned him. Only the descendants of Aaron serve the LORD as priests, and the Levites alone may help them in their work. English Standard Version But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests ministering to the LORD who are sons of Aaron, and Levites for their service. Berean Standard Bible But as for us, the LORD is our God. We have not forsaken Him; the priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. Berean Literal Bible And as for us, YHWH is our God, and we have not forsaken Him and the priests who minister to YHWH, the sons of Aaron and the Levites, in the work. King James Bible But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business: New King James Version But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the priests who minister to the LORD are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. New American Standard Bible But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not abandoned Him; and the sons of Aaron are ministering to the LORD as priests, and the Levites attend to their work. NASB 1995 “But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the sons of Aaron are ministering to the LORD as priests, and the Levites attend to their work. NASB 1977 “But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the sons of Aaron are ministering to the LORD as priests, and the Levites attend to their work. Legacy Standard Bible But as for us, Yahweh is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and the sons of Aaron are ministering to Yahweh as priests, and the Levites are in their work. Amplified Bible But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not abandoned (turned away from) Him. The sons of Aaron are ministering to the LORD as priests, and the Levites attend to their service. Berean Annotated Bible But as for us, the LORD {YHWH} is our God {Elohenu}. We have not forsaken Him; the priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron (light bringer), and the Levites attend to their duties. Christian Standard Bible “But as for us, the LORD is our God. We have not abandoned him; the priests ministering to the LORD are descendants of Aaron, and the Levites serve at their tasks. Holman Christian Standard Bible “But as for us, Yahweh is our God. We have not abandoned Him; the priests ministering to the LORD are descendants of Aaron, and the Levites serve at their tasks. American Standard Version But as for us, Jehovah is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and we have priests ministering unto Jehovah, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in their work: Contemporary English Version But we have not turned our backs on the LORD God! Aaron's own descendants serve as our priests, and the Levites are their assistants. English Revised Version But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and we have priests ministering unto the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in their work: GOD'S WORD® Translation "However, the LORD is our God. We haven't abandoned him. The priests who serve the LORD are Aaron's descendants, and the Levites assist them. Good News Translation "But we still serve the LORD our God and have not abandoned him. Priests descended from Aaron perform their duties, and Levites assist them. International Standard Version "Now as far as we're concerned, the LORD is our God, and we haven't abandoned him. The descendants of Aaron are ministering to the LORD as priests, and the descendants of Levi continue their work. NET Bible But as for us, the LORD is our God and we have not rejected him. Aaron's descendants serve as the LORD's priests and the Levites assist them with the work. New Heart English Bible "But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and we have priests ministering to the LORD, the descendants of Aaron, and the Levites in their work: Webster's Bible Translation But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, who minister to the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut as for us, the LORD is our God. We have not forsaken Him; the priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. World English Bible “But as for us, Yahweh is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests serving Yahweh, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in their work. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAs for us, YHWH [is] our God, and we have not forsaken Him, and priests are ministering to YHWH, sons of Aaron and the Levites, in the work, Berean Literal Bible And as for us, YHWH is our God, and we have not forsaken Him and the priests who minister to YHWH, the sons of Aaron and the Levites, in the work. Young's Literal Translation As for us, Jehovah is our God, and we have not forsaken Him, and priests are ministering to Jehovah, sons of Aaron and the Levites, in the work, Smith's Literal Translation And we, Jehovah is our God, and we forsook him not; and the priests serving to Jehovah, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in the work: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut the Lord is our God, whom we forsake not, and the priests who minister to the Lord are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites are in their order. Catholic Public Domain Version But the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. And the priests who minister to the Lord are from the sons of Aaron. And the Levites are in their proper order. New American Bible But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not abandoned him. The priests ministering to the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites also have their offices. New Revised Standard Version But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not abandoned him. We have priests ministering to the LORD who are descendants of Aaron, and Levites for their service. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut as for us, we have not forsaken the LORD our God, and the priests, who minister to the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites serve as they should; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And we have not left LORD JEHOVAH our God, and the Priests who serve LORD JEHOVAH are the sons of Aaron and the Levites in their ministries. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him; and we have priests ministering unto the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites in their work; Brenton Septuagint Translation But we have not forsaken the Lord our God, and his priests, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, minister to the Lord; and in their daily courses Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Civil War Against Jeroboam…9But did you not drive out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites? And did you not make priests for yourselves as do the peoples of other lands? Now whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams can become a priest of things that are not gods. 10But as for us, the LORD is our God. We have not forsaken Him; the priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. 11Every morning and every evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD. They set out the rows of showbread on the ceremonially clean table, and every evening they light the lamps of the gold lampstand. We are carrying out the requirements of the LORD our God, while you have forsaken Him.… Cross References But as for us, the LORD is our God. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. / And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Joshua 24:15 But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” 1 Kings 18:21 Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him. But if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people did not answer a word. We have not forsaken Him; Joshua 24:16 The people replied, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! 2 Chronicles 15:2 So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. 1 Samuel 12:20-21 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. / Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty. the priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron, Exodus 28:1 “Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests. Deuteronomy 18:5 For the LORD your God has chosen Levi and his sons out of all your tribes to stand and minister in His name for all time. Numbers 18:1-7 So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. … and the Levites attend to their duties. 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, / as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. / They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. … Numbers 3:6-8 “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. Deuteronomy 10:8 At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to serve Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name, as they do to this day. 1 Kings 12:26-33 Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. / If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” / After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” … 1 Kings 13:1-5 Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD. / And he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, “O altar, O altar, this is what the LORD says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David, and upon you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense upon you, and human bones will be burned upon you.’” / That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, “The LORD has spoken this sign: ‘Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.’” … 1 Kings 14:21-24 Meanwhile, Rehoboam son of Solomon reigned in Judah. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen from all the tribes of Israel in which to put His Name. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite. / And Judah did evil in the sight of the LORD, and by the sins they committed they provoked Him to jealous anger more than all their fathers had done. / They also built for themselves high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every green tree. … 2 Chronicles 11:13-17 Moreover, the priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel stood with Rehoboam. / For the Levites left their pasturelands and their possessions and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the LORD. / And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made. … Treasury of Scripture But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister to the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait on their business: 2 Chronicles 11:16,17 And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers… Exodus 19:5,6 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: … Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. the priests Exodus 29:1 And this is the thing that thou shalt do unto them to hallow them, to minister unto me in the priest's office: Take one young bullock, and two rams without blemish, Numbers 16:40 To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses. Numbers 18:1-7 And the LORD said unto Aaron, Thou and thy sons and thy father's house with thee shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary: and thou and thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood… Jump to Previous Aaron Assist Attend Business Forsaken Levites Minister Ministering Places Priests Serve Service Turned Wait WorkJump to Next Aaron Assist Attend Business Forsaken Levites Minister Ministering Places Priests Serve Service Turned Wait Work2 Chronicles 13 1. Abijah succeeding makes war against Jeroboam4. he declares the right of his cause 13. Trusting in God, he overcomes Jeroboam 21. The wives and children of Abijah But as for us, the LORD is our God. This phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between the people of Judah and Yahweh, distinguishing them from the northern kingdom of Israel, which had turned to idolatry. The declaration "the LORD is our God" reaffirms the monotheistic faith central to Israel's identity, as seen in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4). This statement also reflects the faithfulness of King Abijah of Judah, who contrasts his kingdom's adherence to God with the apostasy of Jeroboam's Israel. We have not forsaken Him; the priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbijahThe king of Judah who is speaking in this verse. He is addressing the people of Israel, contrasting Judah's faithfulness to God with Israel's idolatry. 2. Judah The southern kingdom, which Abijah rules. It is portrayed as remaining faithful to the worship of the LORD. 3. Israel The northern kingdom, which has turned away from the LORD under the leadership of Jeroboam. 4. Priests and Levites The religious leaders who are serving in the temple, maintaining the worship practices as prescribed by the Law of Moses. 5. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, whom Judah continues to worship according to the established priestly order. Teaching Points Faithfulness to GodAbijah's declaration highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God, even when others around us turn away. This calls us to examine our own faithfulness in worship and obedience. Role of Spiritual Leaders The mention of priests and Levites underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding worship and maintaining doctrinal purity. We should support and pray for our spiritual leaders today. Contrast with Idolatry The verse contrasts Judah's faithfulness with Israel's idolatry, reminding us of the dangers of turning to false gods or modern-day idols. We must guard our hearts against anything that takes precedence over God. Covenant Relationship The emphasis on "the LORD is our God" reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people. We are called to live in a way that honors this relationship, trusting in His promises. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 13:10?2. How does 2 Chronicles 13:10 emphasize the importance of remaining faithful to God? 3. What can we learn from Abijah's reliance on God's covenant in our lives? 4. How does this verse connect to God's faithfulness throughout the Old Testament? 5. In what ways can we prioritize God's commands in our daily decisions? 6. How does trusting God as Abijah did strengthen our spiritual walk today? 7. What does 2 Chronicles 13:10 reveal about the faithfulness of Judah's leadership? 8. How does 2 Chronicles 13:10 emphasize the importance of worship practices? 9. What historical context is crucial for understanding 2 Chronicles 13:10? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 13? 11. What does the Bible say about using incense? 12. 2 Chronicles 13 compared with 1 Kings 15:3 – Why does Abijah appear more faithful in Chronicles than in Kings, and what might explain this seeming discrepancy? 13. How did Judah's kings follow or stray from God? 14. 2 Chronicles 13:4–12 – How can the divine intervention claimed here be reconciled with naturalistic or historical explanations of warfare? What Does 2 Chronicles 13:10 Mean But as for usAbijah is drawing a clear line between his kingdom, Judah, and the northern kingdom under Jeroboam. • Like Joshua before him—“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15)—he stakes out a public commitment. • Elijah used the same contrast on Mount Carmel: “How long will you waver between two opinions?” (1 Kings 18:21). • The invitation echoes Psalm 20:7, where some trust in chariots, but “we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Abijah’s “us” invites every hearer to identify with the faithful remnant rather than the compromising majority. the LORD is our God Judah’s confidence rests on the covenant name of God—YHWH—declaring exclusive allegiance. • “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One” (Deuteronomy 6:4). • Solomon prayed the temple would prove so “that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other” (1 Kings 8:60). • In crisis, Asa (Abijah’s son) prayed the very same reality: “O LORD, You are our God” (2 Chronicles 14:11). By owning God personally, Judah stands on the unshakable foundation of His character and promises. We have not forsaken Him Abijah claims covenant faithfulness—imperfect but genuine—in contrast to Israel’s golden calves and idolatrous priests (2 Chronicles 13:8–9). • Samuel reassured Israel, “The LORD will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake” (1 Samuel 12:22). Judah now mirrors that loyalty back to God. • Azariah later tells Asa, “If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:2). • Hosea laments the northern kingdom’s opposite trajectory: “There is no faithfulness or steadfast love” (Hosea 4:1). Abijah’s words remind believers that obedience flows from relationship, not mere ritual. the priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron Proper worship requires the priesthood God ordained. Judah still honors that line. • “Have your brother Aaron with his sons come to you from the Israelites to serve Me as priests” (Exodus 28:1). • “Appoint Aaron and his sons to carry out the duties of the priesthood” (Numbers 3:10). • David later organized those sons into divisions (1 Chronicles 24), showing ongoing continuity. Authentic ministry must align with God’s revealed pattern, not human innovation. and the Levites attend to their duties Behind the priests stand the Levites, faithfully handling all support roles—music, gates, sacrifices, teaching. • “Bring the tribe of Levi… They are to perform the duties for him and for the whole community” (Numbers 3:5-9). • Hezekiah will echo Abijah’s confidence: “My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him” (2 Chronicles 29:11). • The chronicler summarizes their tasks in 1 Chronicles 23:24-32, from morning praise to evening offerings. When each servant embraces the role God assigns, worship remains ordered and God-honoring. summary 2 Chronicles 13:10 is Abijah’s battle cry of covenant fidelity. He contrasts Judah’s wholehearted allegiance to the LORD with Israel’s compromise. By reaffirming God’s identity, their own faithfulness, and the ordained priestly structure, Abijah insists that victory and blessing belong to those who cling to God’s revealed way. The verse challenges us to draw a similar line: declare the LORD as our God, refuse to forsake Him, and serve according to His Word. (10) We have not forsaken him.--Comp. 1Kings 15:3. "he walked in all the sins of his father," "his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God." But that passage is by no means incompatible with the present as some have asserted. What Abijah here states is surely true--viz.,that Judah had maintained the Levitical priesthood, and its associated worship. And the following words prove this to be his meaning: "and the priests which minister unto the Lord are the sons of Aaron; and the Levites wait upon their business," (literally, are in the work). The work of the service of Jehovah could be duly performed by none but Levites.Verses 10, 11. - The professions summarized in these two verses were confessedly formally true of the king and priests and nation, although Abijah and kingdom certainly did not carry a clean conscience in them (Matthew 15:8; Mark 12:33; 1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:11, 16, 19). They were, moreover, beyond a doubt really true of multitudes of individuals in the kingdom of Judah and Benjamin. And these were "the salt of the" kingdom (Matthew 5:13). They burnt... sweet incense (so our 2 Chronicles 2:4; Exodus 30:7; Revelation 8:3, 4). The pure table... the candlestick. Although ten of each of these were made, only one was used, or only one at the time (see our note on 2 Chronicles 4:8, compared with 2 Chronicles 29:18; 1 Kings 7:48). We have not forsaken him... ye have forsaken him. If all the difference that these words have it in them to express could have been put to the credit of Abijsh, what tremendous strength would have now belonged to his position and to his heart!Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But as for us,וַאֲנַ֛חְנוּ (wa·’ă·naḥ·nū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common plural Strong's 587: We the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel is our God. אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative We have not וְלֹ֣א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no forsaken Him; עֲזַבְנֻ֑הוּ (‘ă·zaḇ·nu·hū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural | third person masculine singular Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit the priests וְכֹ֨הֲנִ֜ים (wə·ḵō·hă·nîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest ministering מְשָׁרְתִ֤ים (mə·šā·rə·ṯîm) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 8334: To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to to the LORD לַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel are descendants בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son of Aaron, אַהֲרֹ֔ן (’a·hă·rōn) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses and the Levites וְהַלְוִיִּ֖ם (wə·hal·wî·yim) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi [attend] to [their] duties. בַּמְלָֽאכֶת׃ (bam·lā·ḵeṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property Links 2 Chronicles 13:10 NIV2 Chronicles 13:10 NLT 2 Chronicles 13:10 ESV 2 Chronicles 13:10 NASB 2 Chronicles 13:10 KJV 2 Chronicles 13:10 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 13:10 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 13:10 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 13:10 French Bible 2 Chronicles 13:10 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 13:10 But as for us Yahweh is our (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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