Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of armies marching in ranks is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating the order, discipline, and strategic prowess of ancient military forces. One notable instance of military strategy involving an ambush is found in the account of the battle at Zemaraim, a significant event in the history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
Historical ContextThe battle at Zemaraim is recorded in
2 Chronicles 13, during the reign of King Abijah of Judah. This confrontation occurred in the context of the ongoing conflict between the northern kingdom of Israel, led by King Jeroboam, and the southern kingdom of Judah. The division of the united monarchy under Solomon's son, Rehoboam, had led to a period of hostility and warfare between the two kingdoms.
The Battle at ZemaraimThe battle took place in the hill country of Ephraim, near the city of Zemaraim. Abijah, the king of Judah, assembled an army of 400,000 valiant warriors, while Jeroboam countered with a formidable force of 800,000 chosen men. Despite being outnumbered, Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim and addressed Jeroboam and the Israelites, appealing to their shared heritage and the covenant with the LORD.
In
2 Chronicles 13:13-14 , the narrative describes the tactical maneuver employed by Jeroboam: "Now Jeroboam had sent an ambush around to come upon them from behind. So his troops were in front of Judah, and the ambush was behind them. When Judah turned and saw that the battle was both in front and behind them, they cried out to the LORD, and the priests blew the trumpets."
Divine Intervention and VictoryDespite the strategic disadvantage, the people of Judah relied on their faith in God. The priests' blowing of the trumpets and the people's cry to the LORD signified their dependence on divine intervention. The biblical account emphasizes that God fought for Judah, leading to a decisive victory over the larger forces of Israel. As recorded in
2 Chronicles 13:15-16 , "Then the men of Judah raised the battle cry, and as they shouted, God struck down Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. So the Israelites fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hands."
SignificanceThe ambush at Zemaraim serves as a powerful example of the importance of faith and reliance on God in the face of overwhelming odds. The disciplined ranks of Judah's army, combined with their spiritual commitment, underscore the biblical principle that victory is not solely determined by numbers or military strategy but by the favor and intervention of the LORD. This event also highlights the recurring theme of divine justice and the protection of God's covenant people throughout the biblical narrative.
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2 Chronicles 13:13But Jeroboam caused an ambush to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambush was behind them.
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Resources
What does the Bible mean when it calls God the “LORD of hosts”? | GotQuestions.orgWho was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSurviving the end times - what do I need to know? | GotQuestions.orgArmies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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