II Chronicles 13:8
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And now you think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hands of David’s descendants. You are indeed a vast army, and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
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).
Open source ↗13:8-9 Abijah’s speech made two key points about the rebellion of the north: The north rejected the only legitimate king, and they rejected the only legitimate place of worship. The revolt of the northerners, who chased away the proper priestly order, is sharply contrasted with “us” (13:10). Most objectionable was the worship of the calves and the role of the unauthorized priests.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.”
And Jeroboam appointed his own priests for the high places and for the goat demons and calf idols he had made.
Blessed be the LORD your God, who has delighted in you to set you on His throne to be king for the LORD your God. Because your God loved Israel enough to establish them forever, He has made you king over them to carry out justice and righteousness.”
Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’
And these enemies of mine who were unwilling for me to rule over them, bring them here and slay them in front of me.’”
You have done more evil than all who came before you. You have proceeded to make for yourself other gods and molten images to provoke Me, and you have flung Me behind your back.
No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength.
and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You.