2 Chronicles 13:8

And now you think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hands of David's descendants. You are indeed a vast army, and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods.

Study Bible

And now you think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD
This phrase highlights the central conflict between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The "kingdom of the LORD" refers to the divinely sanctioned rule over Israel, which was promised to David and his descendants (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The speaker, Abijah, is addressing Jeroboam and the northern tribes, emphasizing their rebellion against God's ordained monarchy. This reflects the broader biblical theme of human resistance to divine authority, seen throughout Scripture, such as in the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16) and the rejection of Jesus as King (John 19:15).

which is in the hands of David’s descendants
The Davidic covenant established that David's lineage would have a perpetual throne (2 Samuel 7:16). This covenant is a key element in the biblical narrative, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Son of David" (Matthew 1:1). The phrase underscores the legitimacy of Judah's rule, contrasting it with the illegitimate rule of Jeroboam, who led the northern tribes into idolatry and away from the Davidic line.

You are indeed a vast army
This acknowledges the military strength of Jeroboam's forces, which consisted of ten tribes compared to Judah's two. Historically, the northern kingdom was often more populous and powerful, yet this phrase serves as a reminder that numerical strength does not equate to divine favor. This theme is echoed in other biblical accounts, such as Gideon's victory with a small army (Judges 7) and David's triumph over Goliath (1 Samuel 17), where God's power is shown to be greater than human might.

and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods
Jeroboam's creation of golden calves (1 Kings 12:28-30) was a significant act of idolatry, intended to prevent the northern tribes from worshiping in Jerusalem. This act mirrored the sin of the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 32), where they made a golden calf while Moses was on Mount Sinai. The calves symbolized a direct violation of the first two commandments (Exodus 20:3-4) and represented a turning away from the worship of Yahweh. This idolatry set a precedent for the northern kingdom's spiritual decline, leading to its eventual downfall and exile.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abijah
The king of Judah who is speaking in this verse. He is addressing the northern kingdom of Israel, led by Jeroboam.

2. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He led Israel into idolatry by making golden calves.

3. Kingdom of the LORD
Refers to the divinely sanctioned rule of the Davidic line over Judah, emphasizing God's covenant with David.

4. Golden Calves
Idols made by Jeroboam to prevent the Israelites from worshiping in Jerusalem, leading them into idolatry.

5. Descendants of David
Refers to the Davidic dynasty ruling over Judah, which God promised to establish forever.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Just as Jeroboam led Israel into idolatry, we must be vigilant against modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from God.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The Davidic covenant reminds us of God's faithfulness. We can trust in His promises, knowing He is sovereign over history.

Spiritual Leadership and Responsibility
Abijah's challenge to Israel underscores the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility to lead others in truth.

The Consequences of Rebellion
Jeroboam's rebellion against God's ordained kingdom serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of resisting God's will.

Unity in Worship
The division of the kingdom and the establishment of false worship highlight the importance of unity in worshiping the one true God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Jeroboam's golden calves challenge us to identify and remove idols in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness to His promises in our personal lives, similar to His covenant with David?

3. How can we ensure that our leadership, whether in the church or in our families, aligns with God's truth and righteousness?

4. What are some modern examples of resisting God's kingdom, and how can we stand firm in our faith against such resistance?

5. How can the division between Israel and Judah inform our understanding of the importance of unity in the body of Christ today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
Provides the background of Jeroboam's rebellion and the establishment of the golden calves, highlighting the division of the kingdom.

2 Samuel 7
God's covenant with David, promising that his descendants would rule over Israel, which Abijah references to assert Judah's legitimacy.

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf at Mount Sinai, which parallels Jeroboam's idolatry and serves as a warning against turning from God.