The Reign of Abijah

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Chapter 13 records the reign of Abijah, Rehoboam's son (913-911). It tells of his wisdom and bravery used mainly in overcoming the armies of his father. He reigned for three years.

Abijah became King of Judah in the 18th year of the reign of Jeroboam, King of Israel. Early in his reign war broke out between Judah and Israel. Abijah and his army of 400,000 seasoned men met up with Jeroboam and his 800,000 men. Abijah shouted to Jeroboam that he should remember that the God of Israel had sworn that the descendants of David would always be on the throne of Israel and that he, Jeroboam, was a mere servant of David's son and a traitor as well. He asked Jeroboam if he thought that he could defeat the Kingdom of the Lord that was led by a descendant of David?

Jeroboam responded by dividing his army and sending half around to the rear of the army of Judah, thus surrounding it. The Priests of Judah sounded their trumpets and the men shouted unto the Lord for mercy and Abijah and the army of Judah defeated the army of Israel and killed 500,000 of their troops.

So Judah relying upon the Lord defeated the Army of Israel and Israel never became a threat to Judah as long as Abijah lived. Jeroboam never regained his power again and eventually the Lord struck him dead, but Abijah became very strong and had 14 wives, 22 sons and 16 daughters.

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