Jeroboam’s downfall shows that God ultimately supports kings who walk in His ways and brings judgment on those who defy Him.
In this passage, we see a decisive point at the end of the conflict between Jeroboam (the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel from 931 BC to around 910 BC) and Abijah (who ruled over the southern kingdom of Judah from roughly 913 BC to 910 BC). The chronicler records that “Jeroboam did not again recover strength in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him and he died.” (2 Chronicles 13:20). This verse underlines both the waning influence of Jeroboam, who reigned from the city of Shechem in the region of Israel, and the sovereignty of the LORD in determining the outcomes of leadership and power. Although Jeroboam had once seemed powerful after leading the northern tribes to break away from the Davidic monarchy, his strength ultimately failed because he did not remain faithful to the God of Israel.
“Jeroboam did not again recover strength in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him and he died.” (2 Chronicles 13:20) also reminds us of the ongoing strife between the northern and southern kingdoms in the aftermath of King Solomon’s reign. Abijah, standing in the line of David, confronted Jeroboam because Jeroboam’s leadership introduced idolatrous practices that led Israel astray. The defeat and death of Jeroboam demonstrated God’s judgment upon disobedient rulership and reaffirmed the Davidic promise, which carries forward through the Old Testament narratives and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the promised descendant of David (Luke 1:32-33).
In the broader narrative, this verse illustrates that no ruler can stand against God’s purposes indefinitely. By highlighting how Jeroboam’s influence came to an end, the chronicler emphasizes the importance of covenant faithfulness to the One who holds all power. “Jeroboam did not again recover strength in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him and he died.” (2 Chronicles 13:20) thus serves as a warning for all leaders and nations to walk in accordance with God’s Word.
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2 Chronicles 13:20 meaning
In this passage, we see a decisive point at the end of the conflict between Jeroboam (the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel from 931 BC to around 910 BC) and Abijah (who ruled over the southern kingdom of Judah from roughly 913 BC to 910 BC). The chronicler records that “Jeroboam did not again recover strength in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him and he died.” (2 Chronicles 13:20). This verse underlines both the waning influence of Jeroboam, who reigned from the city of Shechem in the region of Israel, and the sovereignty of the LORD in determining the outcomes of leadership and power. Although Jeroboam had once seemed powerful after leading the northern tribes to break away from the Davidic monarchy, his strength ultimately failed because he did not remain faithful to the God of Israel.
“Jeroboam did not again recover strength in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him and he died.” (2 Chronicles 13:20) also reminds us of the ongoing strife between the northern and southern kingdoms in the aftermath of King Solomon’s reign. Abijah, standing in the line of David, confronted Jeroboam because Jeroboam’s leadership introduced idolatrous practices that led Israel astray. The defeat and death of Jeroboam demonstrated God’s judgment upon disobedient rulership and reaffirmed the Davidic promise, which carries forward through the Old Testament narratives and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the promised descendant of David (Luke 1:32-33).
In the broader narrative, this verse illustrates that no ruler can stand against God’s purposes indefinitely. By highlighting how Jeroboam’s influence came to an end, the chronicler emphasizes the importance of covenant faithfulness to the One who holds all power. “Jeroboam did not again recover strength in the days of Abijah; and the LORD struck him and he died.” (2 Chronicles 13:20) thus serves as a warning for all leaders and nations to walk in accordance with God’s Word.