Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Judah turned and saw that they were being attacked at both front and rear. Then they cried out to the LORD. The priests blew their trumpets New Living Translation When Judah realized that they were being attacked from the front and the rear, they cried out to the LORD for help. Then the priests blew the trumpets, English Standard Version And when Judah looked, behold, the battle was in front of and behind them. And they cried to the LORD, and the priests blew the trumpets. Berean Standard Bible When Judah turned and discovered that the battle was both before and behind them, they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, King James Bible And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. New King James Version And when Judah looked around, to their surprise the battle line was at both front and rear; and they cried out to the LORD, and the priests sounded the trumpets. New American Standard Bible When Judah turned around, behold, they were attacked both from front and rear; so they cried out to the LORD, and the priests blew the trumpets. NASB 1995 When Judah turned around, behold, they were attacked both front and rear; so they cried to the LORD, and the priests blew the trumpets. NASB 1977 When Judah turned around, behold, they were attacked both front and rear; so they cried to the LORD, and the priests blew the trumpets. Legacy Standard Bible So Judah turned around, and behold, they were attacked both front and rear; so they cried to Yahweh, and the priests blew the trumpets. Amplified Bible When [the men of] Judah turned around, they were attacked from both front and rear; so they cried out to the LORD [for help], and the priests blew the trumpets. Christian Standard Bible Judah turned and discovered that the battle was in front of them and behind them, so they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, Holman Christian Standard Bible Judah turned and discovered that the battle was in front of them and behind them, so they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, American Standard Version And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind them; and they cried unto Jehovah, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. Contemporary English Version Judah's army realized they were trapped, and so they prayed to the LORD. The priests blew the signal on the trumpet, English Revised Version And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind them: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. GOD'S WORD® Translation When Judah's soldiers looked around, the battle was in front of them and behind them. They cried out to the LORD, the priests blew the trumpets, Good News Translation The Judeans looked around and saw that they were surrounded. They cried to the LORD for help, and the priests blew the trumpets. International Standard Version When the army of Judah turned around to look, they were being attacked from both front and rear, so they cried out to the LORD while the priests sounded their trumpets. NET Bible The men of Judah turned around and realized they were being attacked from the front and the rear. So they cried out for help to the LORD. The priests blew their trumpets, New Heart English Bible When Judah looked back, look, the battle was before and behind them; and they cried to the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. Webster's Bible Translation And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried to the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen Judah turned and discovered that the battle was both before and behind them, they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, World English Bible When Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind them; and they cried to Yahweh, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Judah turns, and behold, the battle [is] against them, before and behind, and they cry to YHWH, and the priests are blowing with trumpets, Young's Literal Translation And Judah turneth, and lo, against them is the battle, before and behind, and they cry to Jehovah, and the priests are blowing with trumpets, Smith's Literal Translation And Judah will turn, and behold, to them the war before and behind: and they will cry out to Jehovah and the priests trumpeting with the trumpets. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when Juda looked back, they saw the battle coming upon them both before and behind, and they cried to the Lord: and the priests began to sound with the trumpets. Catholic Public Domain Version And looking back, Judah saw the war threatening in front and behind, and they cried out to the Lord. And the priests began to sound the trumpets. New American Bible When Judah turned and saw that they had to battle on both fronts, they cried out to the LORD and the priests sounded the trumpets. New Revised Standard Version When Judah turned, the battle was in front of them and behind them. They cried out to the LORD, and the priests blew the trumpets. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind; and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind them; and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Juda looked back, and, behold, the battle was against them before and behind: and they cried to the Lord, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Civil War Against Jeroboam…13Now Jeroboam had sent troops around to ambush from the rear, so that while he was in front of Judah, the ambush was behind them. 14When Judah turned and discovered that the battle was both before and behind them, they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, 15and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. And when they raised the cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.… Cross References Exodus 14:10 As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up and saw the Egyptians marching after them, and they were terrified and cried out to the LORD. Judges 20:42 So they fled before the men of Israel toward the wilderness, but the battle overtook them, and the men coming out of the cities struck them down there. 1 Samuel 7:10 As the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel, Samuel was offering up the burnt offering. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel. 1 Samuel 14:20 Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. 2 Kings 6:15-17 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears. Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 91:15 When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him. Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD where the sun sets, and His glory where it rises. For He will come like a raging flood, driven by the breath of the LORD. Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Matthew 8:25 The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” Matthew 14:30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 4:38 But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?” Treasury of Scripture And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried to the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets. looked back Exodus 14:10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD. Joshua 8:20 And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people that fled to the wilderness turned back upon the pursuers. Judges 20:33-43 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put themselves in array at Baaltamar: and the liers in wait of Israel came forth out of their places, even out of the meadows of Gibeah… cried 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 18:31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him. Psalm 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. the priests 2 Chronicles 13:12 And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper. Jump to Previous Attacked Battle Blew Cried Cry Faces Front Help Judah Priests Rear Sounded Sounding Trumpets Turned Turneth TurningJump to Next Attacked Battle Blew Cried Cry Faces Front Help Judah Priests Rear Sounded Sounding Trumpets Turned Turneth Turning2 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 When Judah turned and discovered that the battle was both before and behind them This phrase highlights a moment of crisis for the kingdom of Judah. The context is a battle between the forces of King Abijah of Judah and King Jeroboam of Israel. Judah finds itself surrounded, a tactical disadvantage indicating a dire situation. Historically, this reflects the divided kingdom period after Solomon's reign, where internal strife and external threats were common. The geographical setting is the hill country of Ephraim, a strategic location in ancient Israel. This moment of realization for Judah can be compared to other biblical instances where God's people faced overwhelming odds, such as the Israelites at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10) or Gideon's battle against the Midianites (Judges 7:21). they cried out to the LORD Then the priests blew the trumpets Persons / Places / Events 1. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. In this context, they are led by King Abijah. 2. King Abijah The king of Judah during this battle. He is known for his speech against Jeroboam and his reliance on God during the conflict. 3. Jeroboam The king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who led the opposing forces against Judah. 4. The Priests The Levitical priests who played a crucial role in the battle by blowing the trumpets, signifying a call to God for help. 5. The Battle A significant conflict between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel, highlighting the spiritual and physical struggles of the divided nation. Teaching Points Reliance on God in CrisisWhen faced with overwhelming odds, Judah's immediate response was to cry out to the LORD. This teaches us the importance of turning to God first in times of trouble. The Role of Spiritual Leaders The priests blowing the trumpets signifies the role of spiritual leaders in guiding and interceding for the people. It reminds us of the importance of spiritual leadership in our communities. God's Faithfulness Despite being surrounded, Judah's cry to God and the subsequent divine intervention demonstrate God's faithfulness to those who call upon Him. The Power of Prayer The act of crying out to God highlights the power and necessity of prayer in spiritual warfare and daily life. Unity in Adversity Judah's collective cry to God shows the strength found in unity and communal faith during challenging times. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 13:14?2. How does 2 Chronicles 13:14 demonstrate God's power in unexpected situations? 3. What can we learn from Judah's response to being "surrounded" by enemies? 4. How does this verse connect to God's faithfulness in Exodus 14:14? 5. How can we apply Judah's reliance on God in our daily battles? 6. What role does prayer play when facing overwhelming circumstances, as seen in this verse? 7. How does 2 Chronicles 13:14 demonstrate God's intervention in battles? 8. What historical evidence supports the battle described in 2 Chronicles 13:14? 9. How does 2 Chronicles 13:14 reflect God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 13? 11. Who was Josiah in the Bible? 12. Who was King Abijah in the Bible? 13. Why does 2 Chronicles 11:13-17 claim a Levite migration to Judah when there is minimal historical or archaeological support for such a major priestly exodus? 14. In 2 Chronicles 18:14-17, why does Micaiah offer a prophecy so different from the other prophets--could this indicate conflicting traditions? What Does 2 Chronicles 13:14 Mean When Judah turned and discovered that the battle was both before and behind themJudah’s army under King Abijah suddenly realizes Jeroboam’s ambush has encircled them (2 Chronicles 13:13). From a purely human perspective they are trapped—enemies ahead and behind. Yet Scripture consistently shows that apparent hopelessness is often God’s stage for displaying His power. Think of Israel hemmed in at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10–14) or Elisha’s servant surrounded at Dothan until the LORD opened his eyes to the heavenly army (2 Kings 6:15–17). The chronicler is inviting us to see this moment literally: Judah has no escape route. Theologically, it underscores that safety is never in superior tactics but in the LORD who “encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them” (Psalm 34:7). Key observations: • Their predicament is real, not symbolic—Scripture presents it as historical fact. • The encirclement magnifies any deliverance that follows; God receives unmistakable glory. • Believers today may feel similarly surrounded—family crises in front, financial pressure behind; the principle still stands that “the battle is the LORD’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). They cried out to the LORD Judah’s first response isn’t retreat or negotiation; it is a corporate cry to the covenant-keeping God. This fits the repeated biblical pattern: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you” (Psalm 50:15). Earlier generations had done the same—Israel under Samuel (1 Samuel 7:8–10) and the tribes east of the Jordan when attacked (1 Chronicles 5:20). Abijah’s men voice dependency, fulfilling God’s promise that “the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you against your enemies” (Deuteronomy 20:4). Points to note: • The cry is immediate—no delay in turning to prayer, showing genuine faith. • It is collective—the entire army joins, echoing future scenes like Jehoshaphat’s assembly (2 Chronicles 20:3–12). • God hears; the next verses confirm He routes Israel (2 Chronicles 13:15-18). Literal history affirms the reliability of calling on Him today (Hebrews 13:8). Then the priests blew the trumpets The priests act in obedience to Numbers 10:9: “When you enter into battle… sound a blast on the trumpets; then you will be remembered by the LORD your God and be saved from your enemies.” Abijah had already highlighted this ordinance (2 Chronicles 13:12), so the trumpet blast signals confidence in God’s prescribed means. Trumpets announced divine intervention at Jericho (Joshua 6:4-5) and will again herald the LORD’s future acts (Joel 2:1; 1 Corinthians 15:52). Here they rally Judah, remind the troops of God’s presence, and declare war under His banner. Takeaways: • Obedience to God’s revealed instructions precedes victory—faith is expressed through action. • The priests’ role illustrates that worship and warfare intertwine; spiritual leaders point people to dependence on God, not merely strategy. • The literal trumpet blast in history foreshadows the ultimate triumph where God’s people will again hear celestial trumpets announcing final deliverance. summary 2 Chronicles 13:14 records a literal moment when Judah, surrounded by foes, relies wholly on the LORD. Realizing their vulnerability, they cry out, and the priests obey Scripture by sounding the battle trumpets. God responds with decisive deliverance, proving that when His people trust and act on His Word, He fights for them. The verse assures believers in every age that no encirclement is too tight for the LORD to break, and that faith expressed in prayerful obedience invites His saving power. (14) And when Judah looked back, behold the battle was before and behind.--Comp. the account of the ambuscade by which Ai was taken (Joshua , 8); and Gibeah (Judges 20),Judah looked back.--Not prepared (Bertheau) (See Joshua 8:20). Sounded.--Were sounding. Literally, trumpeting. Hebrew When Judahיְהוּדָ֗ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites turned וַיִּפְנ֣וּ (way·yip̄·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6437: To turn, to face, appear, look and discovered וְהִנֵּ֨ה (wə·hin·nêh) Conjunctive waw | Interjection Strong's 2009: Lo! behold! that the battle הַמִּלְחָמָה֙ (ham·mil·ḥā·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4421: A battle, war [was] before פָּנִ֣ים (pā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face and behind them, וְאָח֔וֹר (wə·’ā·ḥō·wr) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 268: The hinder part, behind, backward, the West they cried out וַֽיִּצְעֲק֖וּ (way·yiṣ·‘ă·qū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 6817: To shriek, to proclaim to the LORD. לַיהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel Then the priests וְהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים (wə·hak·kō·hă·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3548: Priest blew מַחְצְרִ֖ים (maḥ·ṣə·rîm) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 2690: To trumpet, blow on that instrument the trumpets, בַּחֲצֹצְרֽוֹת׃ (ba·ḥă·ṣō·ṣə·rō·wṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 2689: (an ancient) trumpet Links 2 Chronicles 13:14 NIV2 Chronicles 13:14 NLT 2 Chronicles 13:14 ESV 2 Chronicles 13:14 NASB 2 Chronicles 13:14 KJV 2 Chronicles 13:14 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 13:14 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 13:14 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 13:14 French Bible 2 Chronicles 13:14 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 13:14 When Judah looked back behold the battle (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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