Abijah's Victory over Israel and His Death
2 Chronicles 13:1-14:1
2 C.13.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בשנת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- שמונה: NUM,card,f
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- על: PREP
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:1-2 (quotation): Direct parallel: states that Abijah (Abijam) became king in the eighteenth year of Jeroboam, and gives immediate details about his reign and mother (Maachah).
- 1 Kings 15:7-8 (structural): Continues the Kings account of Abijam/Abijah’s short reign, military actions, death and succession by Asa — corresponding material to the Chronicles narrative that follows from his accession.
- 1 Chronicles 3:10 (structural): Genealogical parallel: lists Abijah (Abijam) as son of Rehoboam in the Davidic genealogy, confirming his identity and place in the royal line.
- 2 Chronicles 11:21 (allusion): Identifies Maachah as a principal wife of Rehoboam (daughter of Absalom), providing the maternal background echoed in the accession notices for Abijah/Abijam.
Alternative generated candidates
- In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah became king over Judah.
- In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah became king over Judah.
2 C.13.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שלוש: NUM,f,sg,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- מיכיהו: NOUN,prop,sg,m,abs
- בת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- אוריאל: NOUN,prop,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- גבעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ומלחמה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- בין: PREP
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- ובין: CONJ+PREP
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:1-2 (verbal): Gives the same basic data that Abijam/Abijah reigned three years in Jerusalem and names his mother, but with a different maternal tradition (Kings: Maachah daughter of Abishalom; Chronicles: Michaiah daughter of Uriel).
- 2 Chronicles 11:20-22 (allusion): Earlier Chronicles passage that discusses Rehoboam’s wives and identifies Maachah as a royal wife and mother of Abijah, reflecting an alternate maternal genealogy within the Chronicler’s material.
- 1 Kings 15:7 (thematic): Speaks of ongoing conflict between the house of David and Jeroboam; thematically parallels Chronicles’ note that there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
- 2 Chronicles 13:3 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation in the same chapter that describes Abijah’s conduct and the actual military confrontation with Jeroboam referenced in v.2.
Alternative generated candidates
- He reigned three years in Jerusalem; and the name of his mother was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. Now there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
- He reigned three years in Jerusalem; the name of his mother was Mikhayahu daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
2 C.13.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאסר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- את: PRT,acc
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- בחיל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבורי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירבעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ערך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בשמונה: PREP+NUM,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גבור: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:1-7 (structural): Direct parallel account of Abijam/Abijah's reign and his war with Jeroboam; Chronicles 13 retells the same episode (including the military confrontation) recorded in Kings.
- 2 Chronicles 13:14-20 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same Chronicles narrative: these verses describe Abijah's speech, the battle's outcome and casualties that follow the muster described in 13:3.
- 1 Chronicles 12:1-40 (verbal): Lists and descriptions of 'gibborim' (mighty/valiant men) and the mustering of warriors echo the military terminology and social role of elite troops found in 2 Chr 13:3.
- Numbers 1:2-3 (thematic): Early Israelite practice of mustering fighting men ('able to go forth to war') provides a legal/administrative background for later royal musterings such as the levies in 2 Chr 13:3.
- 2 Samuel 23:8 (verbal): Use of the phrase for heroic warriors and the tradition of enumerating 'mighty men' (gibborim) parallels the descriptive language applied to Abijah's and Jeroboam's troops in 2 Chr 13:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- Abijah mustered for battle 400,000 valiant men of war; and Jeroboam arrayed against him 800,000 valiant men of war.
- Abijah mustered for battle 400,000 valiant warriors, and Jeroboam arrayed against him 800,000 chosen men of war.
2 C.13.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- מעל: PREP
- להר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צמרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בהר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אפרים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שמעוני: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg,obj:1,sg
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:1-8 (structural): Parallel (shorter) account of Abijah/Abijam and his conflict with Jeroboam; Kings gives the same historical episode that Chronicles expands into a speech.
- 1 Kings 12:25-33 (thematic): Background to the confrontation: Jeroboam’s establishment of rival sanctuaries and golden calves in Israel, which explains Abijah’s challenge to Jeroboam’s leadership and worship.
- 2 Samuel 7:12-16 (thematic): The Davidic covenant invoked by Abijah later in his speech; Chronicles appeals to God’s promise to David as the basis for Judah’s legitimacy and opposition to Jeroboam.
- 2 Chronicles 13:6 (verbal): Immediate continuation of Abijah’s address—verse 4 opens the speech to Jeroboam and all Israel, and verse 6 contains the claim to the Davidic covenant and justification for his words.
Alternative generated candidates
- Abijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, “Hear me, Jeroboam and all Israel!
- Abijah stood upon Mount Zemaraim, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, "Hear me, Jeroboam and all Israel!"
2 C.13.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הלא: PART
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- לדעת: VERB,qal,inf,-,-,-
- כי: CONJ
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ממלכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לדויד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ולבניו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,constr,3ms
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 7:16 (verbal): God's promise that David's house and throne will be established forever—direct expression of the everlasting Davidic kingship cited in 2 Chr 13:5.
- 1 Chronicles 17:14 (verbal): Parallel chronicle account of the divine covenant with David, promising an enduring kingdom and throne for David and his descendants.
- Psalm 89:3-4 (quotation): Psalmic recounting of God's sworn covenant with David—'I have made a covenant with my chosen... I will establish your seed forever'—echoes the assurance in 2 Chr 13:5.
- 1 Kings 2:4 (thematic): Solomon instructed to keep God's commandments so that the promise about David's throne and kingdom being established forever will be fulfilled—reiterates the Davidic covenant theme.
- Isaiah 55:3 (allusion): Call to 'incline your ear... and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, the sure mercies of David'—an ideological reference to the enduring Davidic covenant behind 2 Chr 13:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do you not know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom to David over Israel forever, to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?
- "Is it not for you to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom to David over Israel forever, to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?
2 C.13.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקם: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימרד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- אדניו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+POSS,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 11:26 (quotation): Same brief statement: 'Jeroboam son of Nebat, a servant/official of Solomon, rebelled against his lord'—Chronicles echoes Kings' wording.
- 1 Kings 11:31 (allusion): Ahijah the prophet promises Jeroboam rule over ten tribes—provides prophetic motive/background for his revolt against Solomon.
- 1 Kings 11:40 (verbal): Narrates the immediate aftermath of the rebellion: Jeroboam fled to Egypt and remained there until Solomon's death, part of the same narrative cycle.
- 1 Kings 12:20 (thematic): Describes the broader outcome of Jeroboam's action—the northern tribes' rebellion against the house of David, culminating in the split of the kingdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, a servant of Solomon the son of David, rose up and rebelled against his lord.
- Jeroboam son of Nebat rose up against his lord—he was a servant of Solomon son of David—and rebelled.
2 C.13.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויקבצו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- רקים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- בליעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתאמצו: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ורחבעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נער: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ורך: CONJ
- לבב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- התחזק: VERB,hitpael,impv,2,m,sg
- לפניהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:6-11 (structural): Parallel narrative of Rehoboam consulting elders and then the young men; shows the bad counsel and the king's failure to adopt wise leadership, leading to conflict with the people.
- 1 Kings 12:14-16 (structural): Continues the same episode in Kings: Rehoboam follows the advice of his peers, cannot retain the northern tribes, and Israel rebels — echoing the Chronicler’s remark about his weakness and its consequences.
- 2 Chronicles 10:8-11 (verbal): The Chronicler’s earlier account of Rehoboam’s consultation with elders and young men; closely parallels language and theme about Rehoboam’s youth, poor judgment, and loss of support.
- Judges 19:22 (verbal): Uses the same Hebrew phrase בני בליעל ('sons/hard men of Belial') to describe lawless, violent men gathered to do harm, providing a lexical parallel to the characterization of the men who opposed Rehoboam.
Alternative generated candidates
- And certain worthless men gathered to him, men of Belial, and strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon; now Rehoboam was young and tender-hearted, and could not withstand them.
- And men of Belial gathered to him and strengthened themselves against Rehoboam son of Solomon. Rehoboam was young and tender-hearted and could not withstand them.
2 C.13.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- אמרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- להתחזק: VERB,hitp,inf
- לפני: PREP
- ממלכת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואתם: CONJ+PRON,2,pl
- המון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רב: ADJ,m,sg
- ועמכם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,prs:2,m,pl
- עגלי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאלהים: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:26-30 (verbal): Direct narrative parallel: Jeroboam makes two golden calves and sets them up as gods for Israel—same detail and language that Abijah condemns in 2 Chr 13:8.
- Exodus 32:1-6 (thematic): The original golden-calf episode at Sinai provides the primary biblical precedent for calf-idolatry and the formulaic charge ‘your gods’ that is echoed in the Jeroboam episode.
- 2 Chronicles 11:15-17 (structural): Earlier Chronicler material describing Jeroboam’s establishment of priests and sanctuaries (Bethel and Dan) supplies the immediate background for Abijah’s criticism of Jeroboam’s religious innovations.
- 1 Kings 15:1-8 (structural): Parallel account of Abijah/Abijam’s reign and his war with Jeroboam; 1 Kings provides a shorter version of the conflict that Chronicles narrates and interprets more polemically.
Alternative generated candidates
- And now you say to strengthen yourselves against the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David—though you are a great multitude, and have with you the calves of gold which Jeroboam made you for gods.
- "Now you say to strengthen yourselves against the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hand of the sons of David; yet you are a great multitude, and you have the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods.
2 C.13.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הלא: PART
- הדחתם: VERB,hiphil,perf,2,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- כהני: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ותעשו: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- לכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- כהנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כעמי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
- הארצות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- כל: DET
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למלא: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בפר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בקר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואילם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שבעה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- כהן: NOUN,m,sg,const
- ללא: PREP
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:31-33 (verbal): Parallel account of Jeroboam appointing priests 'of the lowest of the people' and establishing shrines/high places with priests who were not Levites—direct narrative equivalent to the charge in 2 Chronicles 13:9.
- 2 Chronicles 11:13-14 (thematic): Reports that the Levites and priests left the territories under Jeroboam and went to Judah to serve there, corroborating the claim that legitimate priests/Levites were driven out.
- Exodus 28:1 (structural): Prescribes the Aaronic priesthood—Aaron and his sons as priests—forming the legal/ritual standard that Jeroboam violated by appointing non‑Aaronic priests.
- Numbers 18:1-7 (structural): Defines the distinct roles and consecration of Aaronic priests and the Levites' service, providing the cultic background for the criticism that non‑Levites were made priests 'like the nations.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Did you not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and make for yourselves priests like the peoples of the lands? Anyone who desired it, whoever was willing, could be made priest for those who are not God.
- Have you not driven out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made for yourselves priests like the peoples of the lands? Whoever comes and fills his hand with a young bull or with seven rams is made a priest for what is not God.
2 C.13.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואנחנו: CONJ+PRON,1,pl
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- עזבנהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl,OBJ=3,m,sg
- וכהנים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- משרתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אהרן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- במלאכת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cstr
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:31 (thematic): Jeroboam sets up non‑Levitical priests ('of the lowest of the people'), creating a contrast with Abijah’s claim that Judah has legitimate Aaronic priests ministering to the LORD.
- 2 Chronicles 11:13-14 (structural): Same chronicler’s account that priests and Levites left Israel for Judah and joined Jerusalem’s cultic service — background for Abijah’s assertion that priests and Levites serve the LORD.
- Deuteronomy 10:8 (allusion): God’s appointment of the Levites (and the setting apart of Aaron’s line) to stand before the LORD provides the theological basis for identifying the priests as 'sons of Aaron' who minister to YHWH.
- Numbers 3:6-10 (verbal): Legislative description of Aaron and his sons as priests and the Levites’ duties in service parallels the verse’s language about 'priests ministering to the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites for the work.'
Alternative generated candidates
- But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; the priests serve the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites their duties.
- But as for us, the LORD is our God; we have not forsaken him. The priests who minister to the LORD are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend their work.
2 C.13.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומקטרים: CONJ+VERB,piel,ptcp,3,m,pl
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- עלות: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- בבקר: PREP
- בבקר: PREP
- ובערב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בערב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וקטרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- סמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומערכת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- השלחן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הטהור: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ומנורת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- הזהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ונרתיה: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לבער: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- בערב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בערב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שמרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אנחנו: PRON,1,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- משמרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- ואתם: CONJ+PRON,2,pl
- עזבתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
Parallels
- Exodus 30:7-8 (verbal): Commands the priest to burn fragrant incense every morning and when trimming the lamps at twilight — directly parallels the morning/evening incense and lamp-trimming language.
- Leviticus 24:5-9 (verbal): Prescribes the baking and arrangement of the twelve loaves of showbread on the pure table before the LORD — matches 'מערכת לחם על־ השלחן הטהור' (arranging bread on the pure table).
- Exodus 25:31-37 (verbal): Gives detailed instructions for the golden lampstand and its lamps for continual lighting — corresponds to 'מנורת הזהב ונרתיה לבער' (the golden lampstand and its lamps to burn).
- 1 Chronicles 23:30 (thematic): Describes Levites' duty to stand morning and evening to give thanks and praise and to keep the service of the LORD — thematically parallels the claim that 'we keep the charge of the LORD' by morning/evening worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- We offer to the LORD burnt offerings morning by morning and evening by evening, and incense and the setting of the bread on the clean table, and the golden lamp with its lamps to burn in the evening; for we keep the charge of the LORD our God, but you have forsaken him.
- We offer to the LORD burnt offerings morning by morning and evening by evening, the fragrant incense and the arrangement of bread on the pure table, and the golden lampstand with its lamps burning every evening; for we keep the charge of the LORD our God, but you have forsaken him.
2 C.13.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנה: ADV
- עמנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- בראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וכהניו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3ms
- וחצצרות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- התרועה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- להריע: VERB,qal,inf
- עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תלחמו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבתיכם: NOUN,m,pl,cons+PRON,2,pl
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- תצליחו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chr 20:15 (thematic): God tells Jehoshaphat that the battle belongs to the LORD and the people should not fear or fight—same theological claim that victory comes because God is with his people.
- Deut 20:4 (verbal): Declares that the LORD goes with Israel to fight their enemies and save them, echoing Abijah’s admonition not to fight against the LORD because he is with them.
- Josh 6:4-5 (structural): Priests carrying trumpets and a ritualized blast accompany a divine act of victory at Jericho; parallels the use of priests and trumpets in Abijah’s assembly as a sign of God’s presence and judgment.
- Num 10:2 (allusion): God’s instruction about silver trumpets for summoning the congregation and directing movement resonates with the motif of priests blowing trumpets to signal God’s action in battle.
Alternative generated candidates
- Behold, with us is the army of the LORD and the priests his ministers, with the alarm-trumpets to sound the warning against you, O children of Israel—do not fight against the LORD God of your fathers, for you will not prosper.”
- Behold, with us is the LORD our God and his priests with trumpets for alarm to sound the call against you, O sons of Israel—do not fight against the LORD God of your fathers, for you will not succeed."
2 C.13.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירבעם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הסב: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המארב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- מאחריהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- והמארב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאחריהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:16-20 (verbal): Direct parallel narrative in Kings describing the same encounter between Abijah (Abijam) and Jeroboam, including Jeroboam’s deployment of ambushes against Judah (verbal and event-level correspondence).
- Joshua 8:2-12 (verbal): Joshua sends men to lie in ambush behind the city of Ai and attacks from the rear—very similar tactical language and the motif of a rear ambush during a pitched engagement.
- Judges 7:19-22 (thematic): Gideon surrounds and surprises the Midianite camp at night, using encirclement and sudden attack to rout a larger force; thematically comparable use of surprise/ambush to decide battle.
- 2 Chronicles 13:14-15 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same chapt er’s battle narrative showing the positions, cries, and outcome after the ambush is set—provides context and result for v.13’s ambush detail.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Jeroboam conspired to ambush them from behind; so the battle was before Judah and the ambush behind them.
- Jeroboam set an ambush to come upon them from behind; they were before Judah, and the ambush was behind them.
2 C.13.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפנו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- והנה: ADV
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- פנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואחור: CONJ+ADV
- ויצעקו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- מחצרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בחצצרות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Numbers 10:9 (verbal): Explicit law to blow the silver trumpets when you go to war — parallels the priests sounding trumpets in 2 Chr 13:14 as a signal/ritual in battle.
- Joshua 6:4-5 (structural): Priests carrying trumpets lead the army and the sounding of trumpets is central to the military-ritual action at Jericho, echoing priests blowing horns in 2 Chr 13:14.
- Judges 7:20-22 (verbal): Gideon's men blow trumpets and cry aloud, causing the enemy to panic and be routed — similar combination of trumpet blasts and cries to the LORD during battle in 2 Chr 13:14.
- 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (thematic): Jehoshaphat's forces praise and cry to the LORD and the Lord fights for them (priests/Levites leading worship), paralleling the theme of crying to Yahweh and priestly trumpet-sounding in the midst of battle.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Judah turned, behold, the battle was before and behind; and they cried to the LORD, and the priests blew the trumpets.
- Then Judah turned and, behold, the battle was before them and behind them; they cried to the LORD, and the priests blew the trumpets.
2 C.13.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויריעו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בהריע: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- והאלהים: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- נגף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- ויהודה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:2-8 (structural): Parallel narrative of Abijah (Abijam) and his conflict with Jeroboam—Chronicles' account corresponds closely to the Kings account describing Judah's victory over Israel through divine intervention.
- Joshua 6:20 (thematic): Israelite trumpet-blast triggers a divinely wrought victory (the fall of Jericho); echoes the motif of communal shouting/ram's-horn or trumpet sound accompanying God's deliverance.
- Judges 7:18-22 (thematic): Gideon's use of trumpets, jars, and a shout to create confusion and rout Midian—another example of small Israelite force achieving victory by God after trumpet/shout.
- Psalm 47:5 (verbal): Speaks of God advancing 'with a shout' and 'the sound of the trumpet'—a cultic/poetic reflection of the association between trumpet-sound, divine presence, and victory found in Chronicles 13:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the men of Judah gave a great shout; and as they shouted, God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
- And the men of Judah gave a shout, and as they gave the shout, God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
2 C.13.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וינוסו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מפני: PREP
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ויתנם: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,obj:3mp
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בידם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 20:4 (verbal): The explicit promise that the LORD goes with Israel to fight and will deliver enemies into your hand echoes the claim that God gave Israel’s foes into Judah’s hand.
- Judges 7:22 (thematic): Gideon’s victory where the LORD causes the enemy to turn on itself and flee parallels the motif of the Israelites fleeing and being delivered into the victors’ hand.
- 1 Samuel 17:50–51 (thematic): After David defeats Goliath the Philistines flee and Israel pursues and routs them—another instance of enemies fleeing and being delivered into Israelite hands by God.
- 2 Chronicles 14:12–14 (structural): In Asa’s contemporaneous victory the narrator similarly emphasizes that the LORD smote the invaders and they fled, and that God gave the enemy into Judah’s hand—same chronicler theme of divine deliverance in battle.
Alternative generated candidates
- The children of Israel fled from before Judah, and God gave them into their hand.
- The sons of Israel fled before Judah; and God delivered them into their hand.
2 C.13.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- ועמו: PREP+3,m,sg
- מכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רבה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ויפלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- חללים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מישראל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- חמש: NUM,card,f,sg
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:1-8 (structural): Parallel account of the reign of Abijam/Abijah (same king). Chronicles expands the narrative with a detailed battle report not found in Kings.
- 2 Chronicles 13:18-20 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: the aftermath in which Judah prevails, Jeroboam is subdued, and the political results of the victory are described.
- 2 Chronicles 14:8-12 (thematic): Another account of Judah under a Davidic king (Asa) defeating a vastly larger enemy host; parallels in theme of decisive divine-aided military victory and large numbers in the enemy host.
- Judges 20:35-48 (thematic): Narrative of internecine warfare among Israel's tribes with very large casualties; thematically similar in showing mass slaughter among Israelites in a tribal/royal conflict.
Alternative generated candidates
- Abijah and his people struck them with a great slaughter; and five hundred thousand chosen men of Israel fell slain.
- Abijah and his company struck them with a great slaughter; five hundred thousand chosen men of Israel fell slain.
2 C.13.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכנעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ההיא: DEM,f,sg
- ויאמצו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- כי: CONJ
- נשענו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבותיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:1-8 (structural): Parallel account of Abijah (Abijam) and his war with Jeroboam — Chronicles' narrative corresponds to the Kings' chronicle of the same conflict and Judah's success.
- Psalm 20:7-8 (thematic): Contrasts human reliance (chariots/horses) with trust in the LORD; those who trust God are upheld while others fall, echoing Judah's victory because they relied on God.
- Isaiah 31:1-3 (thematic): Condemns reliance on horses/Egypt for deliverance and urges trust in the LORD — similar theological rationale for victory when Judah relied on their God.
- 2 Chronicles 20:20-22 (structural): A later episode where Judah's reliance on the LORD, expressed in faith and praise, results in divine intervention and victory — parallels the pattern in 2 Chronicles 13:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus the children of Israel were humbled at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD, the God of their fathers.
- Thus the sons of Israel were subdued at that time; the men of Judah grew strong, because they relied upon the LORD, the God of their fathers.
2 C.13.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וירדף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- אחרי: PREP
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילכד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ואת: CONJ
- בנותיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs,pr:3fs
- ואת: CONJ
- ישנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ואת: CONJ
- בנותיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs,pr:3fs
- ואת: CONJ
- עפרין: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- ובנתיה: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,poss3ms
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:20 (quotation): Direct parallel account of Abijah chasing Jeroboam and capturing Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephron — virtually identical wording in the Deuteronomistic history.
- 1 Kings 15:17-18 (thematic): The surrounding 1 Kings passage recounts the military defeat of Jeroboam by Abijah and that Jeroboam was not able to recover his power — provides the outcome context for the towns taken in 2 Chr 13:19.
- 2 Chronicles 13:17-18 (structural): Immediate context in the Chronicler's narrative: verses before and after 13:19 describe the battle, the slaughter of Israel and Jeroboam's failure to regain strength, framing the seizure of cities as the aftermath.
- 1 Kings 12:29-33 (thematic): Describes Jeroboam's establishment of Bethel as a northern worship center; capturing Bethel in 2 Chr 13:19 has religious and political significance because Bethel was a focal point of Jeroboam's cult.
Alternative generated candidates
- Abijah pursued Jeroboam and took from him Bethel with its towns, and Jeshanah with its towns, and Ephron with its towns.
- Abijah pursued Jeroboam and took from him cities: Bethel and its villages, Jeshanah and its villages, and Ephron with its villages.
2 C.13.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- עצר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עוד: ADV
- בימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אביהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- ויגפהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 14:20 (verbal): Direct parallel historical notice: Jeroboam’s death is recorded similarly in Kings (the power of Jeroboam fails and he dies).
- 1 Kings 14:17-18 (allusion): Prophetic pronouncement that God will punish Jeroboam’s house and strike him—background motif for the LORD smiting and Jeroboam’s end.
- 1 Kings 14:10-11 (thematic): The man of God’s oracle that Jeroboam’s line will be cut off and that judgment will come upon him echoes Chronicles’ statement that Yahweh struck and he died.
- 1 Kings 15:1-8 (structural): Account of Abijam/Abijah’s reign and his conflict with Jeroboam in Kings parallels Chronicles 13’s narrative of Abijah’s victory and the weakening of Jeroboam’s power.
Alternative generated candidates
- The power of Jeroboam was not able to withstand Abijah; and the LORD struck him, and he died.
- The power of Jeroboam was not able to withstand Abijah; and the LORD afflicted him, and he died.
2 C.13.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתחזק: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,sg
- אביהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- וישא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- נשים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ארבע: NUM,card,f
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- ויולד: VERB,niphal,impf,3,m,sg
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- ושנים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl,abs
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושש: CONJ+NUM,card,m,sg
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
- בנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:2–3 (structural): The Kings account parallels Chronicles’ narrative about Abijah/Abijam (same king), giving a shorter structural summary of his reign; Chronicles here adds family details that Kings omits or treats differently.
- 2 Chronicles 11:21 (verbal): Another Judahite royal notice in Chronicles that records number of wives and offspring (Rehoboam’s eighteen wives and many sons and daughters); parallels the formulaic Chronicle reporting of a king taking many wives and siring numerous children.
- 1 Kings 11:3 (thematic): Solomon’s large number of wives and concubines (700/300) provides a thematic parallel of Israelite/Judahite kings practicing polygamy and producing many offspring, a recurring royal motif.
- 2 Samuel 5:13 (thematic): David’s taking of additional wives/concubines in Jerusalem and the subsequent birth of more sons and daughters parallels the pattern of kings expanding their households and progeny after accession, echoing the wording and theme in 2 Chr 13:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- Abijah became strong; he took fourteen wives, and bore twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters.
- Abijah became mighty; he took for himself fourteen wives, and he fathered twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters.
2 C.13.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתר: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- ודרכיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ודבריו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,poss3ms
- כתובים: VERB,pual,ptcp,m,pl
- במדרש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנביא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- עדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:7 (verbal): Same formula about Abijam/Abijah: 'the rest of the acts... are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah' — nearly identical wording and purpose (pointing to an external record).
- 1 Kings 11:41 (structural): Solomon: 'the rest of the acts of Solomon... are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon' — parallel structural device citing another written source for fuller records of a king's deeds.
- 1 Kings 14:29 (verbal): Rehoboam: uses the same closing formula ('the rest of the acts... are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah'), showing the common historiographical formula across Kings and Chronicles.
- 2 Chronicles 26:22 (thematic): Uzziah: 'the rest of the acts of Uzziah... are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah?' — Chronicles repeats the practice of referring readers to prophetic/chronicle sources for additional material about a king.
Alternative generated candidates
- The rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways and his sayings, are written in the account of the seer Iddo.
- Now the rest of the acts of Abijah and his ways and his sayings are written in the story of the prophet Iddo.
2 C.13.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישכב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- עם: PREP
- אבתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3s
- ויקברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- בעיר: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אסא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- תחתיו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בימיו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- שקטה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:7 (verbal): Direct parallel in Kings: Abijah (Abijam) 'slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David; and Asa his son reigned in his stead'—the same succession and burial formula as Chronicles 13:23.
- 1 Kings 2:10 (verbal): Standard royal epitaph used elsewhere for Judean kings ('slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David'), showing the common formula echoed in 2 Chronicles 13:23.
- 2 Chronicles 14:1 (thematic): Begins the account of Asa’s reign and its reforms/victories that bring peace to Judah; thematically connects to 13:23’s statement that 'in his days the land had rest.'
- 1 Kings 15:2-8 (structural): Parallel summary of Abijah/Abijam’s short reign and the transition to Asa; Chronicles and Kings present closely related but sometimes differing chronologies and emphases.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David; and Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days the land had rest ten years.
- Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David. And Asa his son reigned in his place; in his days the land had rest for ten years.
2 C.14.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אסא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הטוב: ADJ,m,sg,def
- והישר: ADJ,m,sg,def
- בעיני: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 15:11 (quotation): Direct parallel/duplicate of the same narrative: Asa 'did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.'
- 2 Kings 18:3 (verbal): Uses the same formula ('did that which was right in the sight of the LORD') of royal approval to describe Hezekiah’s conduct.
- 2 Kings 22:2 (verbal): Josiah is likewise described with the formula 'did that which was right in the sight of the LORD,' showing the standard evaluative phrase for righteous kings.
- 2 Chronicles 29:2 (thematic): Hezekiah (in Chronicles) is characterized with the same assessment ('did that which was right in the sight of the LORD'), reflecting the Chronicler’s thematic emphasis on kings who follow God and reform worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.
- Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.
In the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah became king over Judah.
He reigned three years in Jerusalem; his mother's name was Micaiah daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.
Abijah mustered for war 400,000 chosen mighty men of valor, and Jeroboam arrayed against him 800,000 chosen men of valor—men of war.
Abijah stood on Mount Zemaraim, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, “Hear me, Jeroboam and all Israel.
Do you not know that the LORD, the God of Israel, gave the kingdom to David forever, to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?
Yet Jeroboam son of Nebat, a servant of Solomon son of David, rose up and rebelled against his lord.
Then there gathered to him worthless men, sons of Belial, who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam son of Solomon. Now Rehoboam was young and tender-hearted and could not withstand them. And now you say to strengthen yourselves against the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David—though you are a great multitude and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made to be your gods.
Have you not cast out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made yourselves priests like the peoples of the lands? Whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams becomes a priest—though not ordained by God. But we are the LORD's, the God of Israel, and have not forsaken him; the priests who minister to the LORD are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend their service.
They offer to the LORD burnt offerings morning and evening, and incense of sweet spices, and set out the bread on the clean table, and the pure gold lampstand with its lamps to burn every evening—for we keep the charge of the LORD our God, but you have forsaken him.
Behold, with us is the LORD our God, and his priests with the sounding trumpets to give you battle. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the LORD God of your fathers, for you will not succeed.”
Jeroboam turned the ambush to come upon them from behind, so that the battle was before Judah and the ambush behind them.
Then Judah turned and cried to the LORD, and the priests blew the trumpets.
As the men of Judah gave a shout, the LORD struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. And the sons of Israel fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hand.
Abijah and his people inflicted a great slaughter on them; 500,000 chosen men of Israel fell slain. Thus the sons of Israel were humbled at that time, and the sons of Judah became strong, because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers.
Abijah pursued Jeroboam, and took cities from him: Bethel with its towns, Jeshanah with its towns, and Ephron with its towns. And the power of Jeroboam was not restored during the days of Abijah; the LORD struck him, and he died.
Abijah took for himself fourteen wives, and he fathered twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters. Now the rest of the acts of Abijah, his ways and his sayings, are written in the record of the prophet Iddo.
Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David. Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days the land had rest ten years.
Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.