Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: Abijah, for Victory Over Jeroboam

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In the biblical narrative, the account of Abijah's prayer and subsequent victory over Jeroboam is a significant event that underscores the power of faith and divine intervention. This episode is recorded in 2 Chronicles 13, where Abijah, the king of Judah, faces a formidable challenge from Jeroboam, the king of Israel.

Context and Background

Abijah, the son of Rehoboam and grandson of Solomon, reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah. His reign was marked by a significant conflict with Jeroboam, who ruled over the northern kingdom of Israel. The division of the united monarchy into two separate kingdoms had led to ongoing hostilities, and this particular confrontation was a pivotal moment in the history of the divided kingdoms.

The Confrontation

The armies of Judah and Israel met in battle at Mount Zemaraim in the hill country of Ephraim. Abijah's forces were significantly outnumbered, with Jeroboam commanding an army of 800,000 warriors compared to Abijah's 400,000. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Abijah stood firm in his faith and addressed the men of Israel, reminding them of the covenantal promises made to David and the legitimacy of his own rule over Judah.

Abijah's Appeal to God

In his speech, Abijah emphasized the faithfulness of Judah to the worship of the LORD, contrasting it with the idolatry that had taken hold in Israel under Jeroboam's leadership. He declared, "But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him. The priests who minister to the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties" (2 Chronicles 13:10). Abijah's reliance on God was evident as he called upon the LORD to deliver Judah from the hands of their adversaries.

Divine Intervention and Victory

As the battle commenced, Jeroboam attempted to ambush Abijah's forces. However, Abijah and his men cried out to the LORD, and the priests sounded the trumpets. The biblical account records that "God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah" (2 Chronicles 13:15). The intervention of God was decisive, leading to a great victory for Abijah. The forces of Israel were defeated, and Jeroboam's power was significantly diminished.

Significance

The victory of Abijah over Jeroboam serves as a testament to the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God to those who remain true to His covenant. It highlights the importance of relying on divine strength rather than human might, and it reinforces the biblical theme that God honors those who honor Him. This event also underscores the legitimacy of the Davidic line and the centrality of proper worship in the life of the nation of Judah.

The account of Abijah's answered prayer for victory is a powerful reminder of the efficacy of prayer and the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and individuals.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 13:14-18
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.
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Library

Appendices
... Rehoboam (17 years) cir.932 Abijah 915 Asa 912 Jehoshapbat 871 ... Prayer does not avail
thee; even when thy mouth says ... [Then] the god Mummu answered [his] father ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... indeed, continued to offer sacrifices and prayer there,** but ... prophet Iddo in the
time of Abijah (2 Ghron ... the Asiatic powers: one more victory over Nineveh, and ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of the faithful after the sacrifice was over by means ... fought so boldly that they
once more gained a victory. ... And he that brought the tidings answered and said ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm