The conflict between Abijam (also known as Abijah) and Jeroboam is a significant event in the history of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. This war is recorded in the Old Testament, primarily in 2 Chronicles 13, and it highlights the ongoing struggle for power and legitimacy between the northern kingdom of Israel, led by Jeroboam, and the southern kingdom of Judah, under the rule of Abijam.

Background

Following the death of Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel was divided into two separate entities: the northern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Jeroboam, and the southern kingdom of Judah, ruled by Rehoboam, Solomon's son. This division was a fulfillment of the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-31). The division led to ongoing hostilities between the two kingdoms, as both sought to assert dominance and maintain their territories.

Abijam's Reign

Abijam, the son of Rehoboam, ascended to the throne of Judah and reigned for three years. His reign is noted for its continuation of the conflict with Jeroboam. Despite his short reign, Abijam is remembered for his bold confrontation with Jeroboam and his reliance on the LORD, the God of Israel.

The Battle

The war between Abijam and Jeroboam is detailed in 2 Chronicles 13. Abijam assembled an army of 400,000 valiant warriors, while Jeroboam countered with 800,000 mighty men of valor. Before the battle, Abijam stood on Mount Zemaraim in the hill country of Ephraim and addressed Jeroboam and all Israel, reminding them of the Davidic covenant and the legitimacy of his rule over Judah. He declared, "And now you intend to resist the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hands of the descendants of David, because you are a vast army and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods" (2 Chronicles 13:8).

Abijam emphasized the faithfulness of Judah to the LORD, contrasting it with the idolatry of Israel under Jeroboam. He proclaimed, "But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken Him. The priests who serve the LORD are sons of Aaron, and the Levites attend to their duties" (2 Chronicles 13:10).

Divine Intervention and Victory

Despite being outnumbered, Abijam's forces were victorious due to divine intervention. As the battle commenced, Jeroboam's troops surrounded Judah's army, but Abijam and his men cried out to the LORD. The priests blew their trumpets, and the men of Judah raised a battle cry. The LORD responded by routing Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijam and Judah. The chronicler records, "So the Israelites fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hands" (2 Chronicles 13:16).

The victory was decisive, with 500,000 of Jeroboam's men falling in battle. This significant loss weakened Jeroboam's power and solidified Abijam's position as king of Judah. The chronicler attributes the victory to Judah's reliance on the LORD, stating, "Thus the Israelites were subdued at that time, and the people of Judah prevailed because they relied on the LORD, the God of their fathers" (2 Chronicles 13:18).

Aftermath

Following the battle, Abijam pursued Jeroboam, capturing several cities, including Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephron, along with their surrounding villages. This victory not only expanded Judah's territory but also demonstrated the LORD's favor upon the house of David. Jeroboam did not regain power during Abijam's lifetime, and the LORD struck him down, leading to his eventual death.

The war between Abijam and Jeroboam serves as a testament to the LORD's faithfulness to His covenant with David and His willingness to defend those who remain faithful to Him. It underscores the importance of reliance on divine power rather than mere military might in the face of overwhelming odds.