What does 2 Chronicles 13:17 mean?
"And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men." - 2 Chronicles 13:17
2 Chronicles 13:17 - "And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men."
In 2 Chronicles 13:17 (KJV), we read the following passage: "And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men." This verse comes from a larger passage describing the battle between Abijah, the king of Judah, and Jeroboam, the king of Israel. The context of this verse lies in the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The theme of this verse revolves around the consequences of disobedience to God and the importance of trusting in Him for victory.
To fully understand the significance and meaning of this verse, it is crucial to take a closer look at the historical and spiritual context in which this battle took place. King Jeroboam of Israel had led his people into idolatry, building golden calves for worship and leading the nation away from the true worship of Yahweh. On the other hand, Abijah, the king of Judah, remained faithful to the Lord and sought to bring the northern kingdom of Israel back to God.
The great slaughter described in this verse occurred as a result of Abijah and his people's obedience to the Lord and their trust in Him for victory. Despite being outnumbered, they were able to defeat the forces of Israel and inflict a heavy loss on them. This victory is a powerful testament to the faithfulness of God and His ability to bring victory to His people when they remain obedient and trust in Him.
Symbolism plays a significant role in the interpretation of this verse. The number five hundred thousand is a symbol of the overwhelming victory that God can bring to His people. It signifies the magnitude of the defeat of Israel and the power of God to deliver His faithful servants from any adversity. It is also worth noting that the chosen men who fell in battle represent the consequences of disobedience and the judgment that comes upon those who turn away from the Lord.
Though this passage recounts a specific historical event, the underlying message is timeless and applicable to all believers. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and trusting in His power for victory. It also highlights the repercussions of straying from His commands and the ultimate defeat that awaits those who rebel against Him.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 13:17 (KJV) is a powerful verse that illustrates the consequences of disobedience and the importance of trusting in God for victory. It serves as a timeless reminder of the faithfulness of God to His people and the judgment that befalls those who turn away from Him. This passage continues to inspire and encourage believers to remain faithful and obedient to the Lord, trusting in His power to bring victory in all circumstances.
2 Chronicles 13:17 Artwork
2 Chronicles 13:17 - "And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men."
2 Chronicles 17:13 - "And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 13:1 - "Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah."
1 Chronicles 2:17 - "And Abigail bare Amasa: and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmeelite."
2 Chronicles 17:17 - "And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand."
2 Chronicles 13:16 - "And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand."
2 Chronicles 17:15 - "And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand."
2 Chronicles 29:13 - "And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:"
2 Chronicles 2:13 - "And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,"
2 Chronicles 8:17 - "¶ Then went Solomon to Ezion-geber, and to Eloth, at the sea side in the land of Edom."
2 Chronicles 9:17 - "Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold."
2 Chronicles 10:17 - "But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them."
2 Chronicles 28:17 - "For again the Edomites had come and smitten Judah, and carried away captives."
2 Chronicles 13:13 - "¶ But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambushment was behind them."
2 Chronicles 17:12 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store."
2 Chronicles 13:21 - "¶ But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters."
2 Chronicles 17:1 - "And Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel."
1 Chronicles 17:2 - "Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee."
2 Chronicles 17:18 - "And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war."
2 Chronicles 20:13 - "And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children."
1 Chronicles 2:13 - "¶ And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third,"
2 Chronicles 17:4 - "But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel."
2 Chronicles 10:13 - "And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,"
2 Chronicles 16:13 - "¶ And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign."
Revelation 13:16-17
2 Chronicles 4:17 - "In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredathah."
2 Chronicles 13:20 - "Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the LORD struck him, and he died."
2 Chronicles 11:13 - "¶ And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts."
2 Chronicles 17:19 - "These waited on the king, beside those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah."
2 Chronicles 26:17 - "And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him fourscore priests of the LORD, that were valiant men:"