1 Chronicles 13
2 Chronicles 13 is centered on a record of the war between King Abijah of the southern kingdom of Judah and King Jeroboam of the northern kingdom of Israel. Abijah highlights the legitimacy of the line of David and asserts their faithfulness to God, while Jeroboam and Israel are portrayed as being criticized for idolatry and the corruption of the priestly system. Although Judah is outnumbered in the war, the passage shows how they prevail by crying out to God and relying on Him.
1verseDavid consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader.
2verseDavid said to all the assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of the LORD our God, let’s send word everywhere to our brothers who are left in all the land of Israel, with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have pasture lands, that they may gather themselves to us.
3verseAlso, let’s bring the ark of our God back to us again, for we didn’t seek it in the days of Saul.”
4verseAll the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.
5verseSo David assembled all Israel together, from the Shihor River of Egypt even to the entrance of Hamath, to bring God’s ark from Kiriath Jearim.
6verseDavid went up with all Israel to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there God the LORD’s ark that sits above the cherubim, that is called by the Name.
7verseThey carried God’s ark on a new cart, and brought it out of Abinadab’s house; and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.
8verseDavid and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, with harps, with stringed instruments, with tambourines, with cymbals, and with trumpets.
9verseWhen they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled.
10verseThe LORD’s anger burned against Uzza, and he struck him because he put his hand on the ark; and he died there before God.
11verseDavid was displeased, because the LORD had broken out against Uzza. He called that place Perez Uzza, to this day.
12verseDavid was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring God’s ark home to me?”
13verseSo David didn’t move the ark with him into David’s city, but carried it aside into Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house.
14verseGod’s ark remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house three months; and the LORD blessed Obed-Edom’s house and all that he had.
Main Flow and Structure
- The beginning of Abijah’s reign (verses 1-2): Abijah becomes king of Judah and begins to rule.
- The cause of the war (verses 3-4): Scenes depict Judah and Israel taking their positions for battle and facing each other.
- Abijah’s speech (verses 4-12): Abijah persuades Jeroboam and the people of Israel by emphasizing their own faithful religious orthodoxy and God’s help.
- Battle and victory (verses 13-20): Despite Judah’s numerical disadvantage, Judah cries out to God, receives deliverance, and wins. In the process, Israel suffers great losses.
- The later years of Abijah (verses 21-22): Mentions continue regarding Abijah’s family and reign, as well as the deeds he left behind.
Overall Meaning and Reflection
This chapter is not just a record of history, but emphasizes that loyalty and faithfulness to God are important themes. The reason Judah could win is not due to military power or strategy, but because, in the midst of crisis, they relied on God. You can also see that the experience of crying out to God and receiving His help—not only talking about it but living it—became a great legacy for the faith community.
Points to Reflect On
- When the faith community faces a crisis, I can take a moment to consider what it is that I rely on.
- Reflect on the difference between formal religious acts and a sincere reliance on God, and on the essence of true faith.
- At each decisive moment in history, remember God’s hand and guidance, and make a commitment to the faith that entrusts even today’s steps to Him.
Try Applying It to Me
- When I face big or small crises in daily life, I think about whether there is a specific pattern of prayer in which I rely on God.
- I check my heart to see what it is that I truly place my trust and reliance in, and I set aside time to turn my heart back toward God.
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