2 Crônicas 13
G. Campbell Morgan · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Crônicas 13
Morgan - This is really a most interesting chapter, and this account of the victory of Judah is a striking revelation of the readiness with which God ever responds to a genuine cry to Him for help, even on the part of those who are far from worthy....The whole story is another illustration of that truth, to which the Scriptures and human experience bear persistent testimony, of the unfailing grace of God, and of His willingness to forgive and deliver those who call upon Him in sincerity, notwithstanding all their unworthiness. Honestly to rely upon God is ever to prevail over opposing foes. And the priests blew the trumpets - And did the priests remember the promise in Nu 10:9+ "When you go to war in your land against the adversary who attacks you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, that you may be remembered before the LORD your God, and be saved from your enemies."? Perhaps. God is notably the active subject of the verbs in 2Ch 13:15, while Abijah and the army of Judah are depicted in a passive posture observing the rout. William
2 Crônicas 13
Morgan - This is really a most interesting chapter, and this account of the victory of Judah is a striking revelation of the readiness with which God ever responds to a genuine cry to Him for help, even on the part of those who are far from worthy. This king Abijah "walked in all the sins of his father" (1 Kings 15.3). Here, however, in his address, in which he attempted to persuade Israel to submission, he was speaking and acting for his nation. This address in itself was a strange mixture of misrepresentation and religion. The misrepresentation is found in his statement of the reason of the revolt of Israel, which culminated in the crowning of Jeroboam. He attributed the whole thing to the influence of evil men, whereas it arose out of the despotism of Rehoboam, and was misdirected by evil influences (ED: AND WAS SOVEREIGNLY ORCHESTRATED BY YAHWEH). His attempt to prevent conflict by this address was clever, but utterly futile. Deliverance and victory came to Judah, not through this action on the part of the king, but because, when Judah found themselves caught between two armies, "they cried unto Jehovah." It was a poor business, in that it was a last resort, but it was sincere; and the answer of God was immediate, and complete victory resulted. The whole story is another illustration of that truth, to which the Scriptures and human experience bear persistent testimony, of the unfailing grace of God, and of His willingness to forgive and deliver those who call upon Him in sincerity, notwithstanding all their unworthiness. Honestly to rely upon God is ever to prevail over opposing foes. Related Resource: What is the significance of Bethel in the Bible? - Gotquestions 2 Chronicles 13:20 Jeroboam did not again recover strength in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him and he died. Jeroboam did not again recover strength: Ps 18:37,38 the LORD struck him : 1Sa 25:38 26:10 Eze 24:16 Ac 12:23 and he died. 1Ki 14:20 15:9 THIS WAS JEROBOAM'S LAST STAND Jeroboam did not again recover strength in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck (nagaph; Lxx - patasso - strike a fatal blow) him and he died - Jeroboam had sinned greatly against Yahweh and it was fitting that LORD would strike the fatal blow to this man's evil reign! The record in 1Ki 14:20 is a bit kinder recording that "Jeroboam reigned...twenty-two years; and he slept with his fathers." Andrew Hill: The heavy losses sustained by Jeroboam at the battle of Mount Zemaraim cripple his capacities for further aggression against the southern kingdom. In that sense, Jeroboam does “not regain power” (2Ch 13:20a) during Abijah’s reign (remember that Abijah only rules for three years). The report of Jeroboam’s death (2Ch 13:20b) is telescoped for the sake of the Chronicler’s theological emphasis, since Jeroboam actually outlives Abijah (cf. 1 Kings 15:9). The Chronicler understands Jeroboam’s eventual death as an act of divine judgment (“the LORD struck him down,” 2 Chron. 13:20b). (See First and Second Chronicles - Page 138) Struck (05062) nagaph means to give a blow, usually from God and either fatal or disastrous (Ex 8:2, Passover - Ex 12:23, 27, smiting Israel after making a golden calf). Prophecy to Israel she would be struck down because of her disobedience (Lev 26:17). Moses warning Israel would be struck down if they went against their enemies after refusing to go into the promised land (Nu 14:42). Lord causes defeat of Israel's enemies if they obey (Dt 28:7) but defeat (striking down) of Israel if the disobey (Dt 28:25). Striking one's foot (figuratively speaking) is prevented by walking in wisdom (Pr 3:23). 2 Chronicles 13:21 But Abijah became powerful; and took fourteen wives to himself, and became the father of twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters. became powerful;: 2Sa 5:12,13 fourteen wives: 2Ch 11:21 became the father: Judges 8:30,31 9:5 10:4 ABIJAH BECOMES POWERFUL But - Term of contrast. What's the writer clearly contrasting? Abijah became powerful; and took fourteen wives to himself, and became the father of twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters - Unfortunately Abijah becoming powerful was not accompanied by a description that he became godly. And there is no evidence that his becoming powerful stirred in him a sense of gratitude (for either the miraculous victory or his increasing power). I agree with Warren Wiersbe's comments on why Abijah experienced the miraculous victory over Jeroboam - It was for the glory of His own name that the Lord acted as He did. In 1 Kings, Abijah isn't marked out as a godly ruler, but we commend him for his understanding of God's truth and his faith in God's power. Abijah was no Joshua, but the God of Joshua was still the God of His people and proved Himself faithful. Abijah become more and more powerful, fathered many children, and helped to continue the dynasty of David. God uses imperfect people to do His will, if only they will trust Him. (Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament ) Iain Duguid: The account of Abijah’s reign ends by comparing Jeroboam’s weakening position, which climaxes in “The Lord struck him down [nagap, as in v. 15],” with Abijah’s large family, a sign of blessing. (ED: Yes, a large family is generally a sign of blessing, but this is countered by his having 14 wives, which could not have pleased God. Furthermore, he only reigned 3 years which is often a sign of displeasure of the Lord. See 1Ki 15:2+) 2 Chronicles 13:22 Now the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways and his words are written in the treatise of the prophet Iddo. Iddo: 2Ch 9:29 12:15 Now the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways and his words are written in the treatise of the prophet Iddo - The treatise of the prophet Iddo is lost to us today. The best and saddest summary of Abijah is in 1Ki 15:3+ "He walked in all the sins of his father which he had committed before him; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, like the heart of his father David."