What does 2 Chronicles 13:13 mean?
"¶ But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambushment was behind them." - 2 Chronicles 13:13
2 Chronicles 13:13 (KJV) reads: "But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambushment was behind them."
This verse is part of the larger story in the book of 2 Chronicles, which provides a historical account of the reign of various kings in the nation of Judah. Specifically, this passage describes the conflict between Abijah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, king of Israel.
The verse paints a vivid picture of the military tactics employed by Jeroboam in his battle against Abijah. The use of the term "ambushment" indicates a strategic maneuver in which Jeroboam's forces laid in wait to surprise and attack the army of Judah. This tactic is indicative of the deceptive and treacherous nature of the conflict between these two rival nations.
In a broader sense, this verse highlights the themes of warfare, betrayal, and the struggle for power that are present throughout the historical books of the Bible. The use of military tactics such as ambushes was common in the ancient world, and this verse serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of war and the lengths to which people will go to achieve victory.
In a theological context, this passage also speaks to the concept of spiritual warfare. The Bible frequently uses military imagery to describe the Christian's struggle against evil and the forces of darkness. The idea of an ambush suggests the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of spiritual attacks. It serves as a cautionary reminder that believers must be on guard against the schemes of the enemy, who seeks to deceive and defeat them.
Symbolically, the ambushment in this verse can also be seen as a representation of the inherent deceit and treachery of sin. Just as Jeroboam employed underhanded tactics to gain an advantage in battle, so too does sin work to subvert and undermine the righteous. The verse serves as a warning of the dangers of allowing oneself to be caught off guard and the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of temptation and spiritual attack.
Overall, 2 Chronicles 13:13 provides a compelling and evocative account of the military conflict between Judah and Israel. It serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of warfare, both in the physical and spiritual realms, and underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of conflict. As with all passages in the Bible, it offers valuable insights into the nature of human existence and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.
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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."
"¶ But Jeroboam caused an ambushment to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambushment was behind them." - 2 Chronicles 13:13
2 Chronicles 6:13
2 chronicles 13:12
2 Chronicles 2:13 - "And now I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Huram my father's,"
2 Chronicles 29:13 - "And of the sons of Elizaphan; Shimri, and Jeiel: and of the sons of Asaph; Zechariah, and Mattaniah:"
2 Chronicles 20:13 - "And all Judah stood before the LORD, with their little ones, their wives, and their children."
2 Chronicles 13:16 - "And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand."
1 Chronicles 2:13 - "¶ And Jesse begat his firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third,"
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 13:1 - "Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah."
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."
2 Chronicles 13:22 - "And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, are written in the story of the prophet Iddo."
2 Chronicles 18:13 - "And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak."
2 Chronicles 13:21 - "¶ But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters."
2 Chronicles 3:13 - "The wings of these cherubims spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward."
2 Chronicles 24:13 - "So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it."
2 Chronicles 13:2 - "He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam."
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 9:13 - "¶ Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and threescore and six talents of gold;"
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 30:13 - "¶ And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great congregation."
2 Chronicles 13:14 - "And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind: and they cried unto the LORD, and the priests sounded with the trumpets."
2 Kings 13:8 - "¶ Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that he did, and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
2 Chronicles 13:6 - "Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord."
2 Chronicles 15:13 - "That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman."
2 Chronicles 7:13 - "If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;"
2 Chronicles 13:4 - "¶ And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is in mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel;"
2 Chronicles 13:18 - "Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers."