2. Chronik 13:2

We have here a much fuller account of the reign of Abijah, the son of Rehoboam, than we had in the Kings. There we found that his character was no better than his father's - he "walked in the sins of his father, and his heart was not right with God," Kg1 15:2, Kg1 15:3. But here we find him more brave and successful in war than his father was. He reigned but three years, and was chiefly famous for a glorious victory he obtained over the forces of Jeroboam. Here we have, I. The armies brought into the field on both sides (Ch2 13:3). The remonstrance which Abijah made before the battle, setting forth the justice of his cause (Ch2 13:4-12). III. The distress which Judah was brought into by the policy of Jeroboam (Ch2 13:13, Ch2 13:14). IV. The victory they obtained notwithstanding, by the power of God (Ch2 13:15-20). V. The conclusion of Abijah's reign (Ch2 13:21, Ch2 13:22).

13:2-3 The ongoing conflict between Rehoboam and Jeroboam (see 12:15) carried into the reign of Abijah. Abijah might have been attempting to reunite north and south, as is suggested by his speech (13:5-12). The large numbers of soldiers on each side correspond approximately to David’s census (2 Sam 24:9); Israel’s double number of soldiers magnifies God’s intervention on behalf of Judah (2 Chr 13:14-19).