Abijah maketh war 2 CHRONICLES, XIII. 16 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David and Abijah his son reigned in his stead. CHAPTER XIII. Abijah, succeeding, makes war against Jero boam, and overcomes him. TOW "in the eighteenth year of NWJ trobem began bijah to reign over Judah. 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. 3 And Abijah 'set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour. B. C. 957. CHAP. 13. a1 Ki 15, 1. chap. 11, 20. 1 bound d Judg. 11, 21- 13. 1 Sam.16,12, 13, 16. 33. 2 That is, A against Jeroboam. God, and we have not forsaken 11 And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the showbread also set they in order upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him. 12 And, behold, mGod himself is with us for our captain, "and his priests with sounding trumpets to covenant of cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper. friendship. € 1 Ki. 11. 26. 27. chap. 10, 19. Ps. 26, 4. 4 And Abijah stood up upon mount Zemaraim, which is in Judg. 9, 4. mount Ephraim, and said, Hear me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel; 5 Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a 2 covenant of salt? d 6 Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord. 7 And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tender-hearted, and could not withstand them. 8 And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. 9 Have "ye not cast out the priests " Hosea 8, 6. h chap. 11, 14, 15. i Ex. 29, 35, to fill his hand. chap. 2, 4. * Lev. 24, 6. Ex. 27, 20,21. m Deut. 20, 4. " Num. 10, 8. • Job 15,25,26. P Num. 32, 4. 16 And the children of Israel fled before Judah: and God delivered them into their hand. 17 And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men. 18 Thus the children of Israel were 4brought under at that time, and chap. 14, 12. the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers. 4 humbled. 2 Ki. 18, 5. chap. 16,8,9. Josh. 15, 9. 1 Sam.26,10. 1 Sam.25.38. Ezek. 24, 16. Acts 12, 23. t1 Ki. 14, 20. 19 And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him; Beth-el with the towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and "Ephrain with the towns thereof. 20 Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the LORD struck him, and the died. Asa defeats 2 CHRONICLES, XIV, XV. 21 But Abijah waxed mighty, and married fourteen wives, and begat twenty and two sons, and sixteen daughters. 22 And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, are written in the "story of the prophet "Iddo. CHAPTER XIV. 1 Asa destroys idolatry: 6 having peace he strengthens his kingdom. 9 He overcomes Zerah, and spoils the Ethiopians. (O Abijah slept with his fathers, And they buried him in the city of David; and Asa "his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years. 2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: 3 For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down 'the images, "and cut down the groves; 4 And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. 5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. B. C. 951. CHAP. 13. 5 Or, commentary. " chap. 9, 29. chap. 12, 15. CHAP. 14. a 1 Ki. 15, 8. b1 Ki. 15, 14. chap. 15, 17. Ex. 34, 13. statues. 2 sun images. chap. 16, 8. f Josh. 15, 44. Micah 1, 15. 9 Ex. 14, 10. 1 Chr. 5, 20. chap. 13, 14. Ps. 22, 5. Judg. 7, 7. 1 Sam. 14,6. 2 Cor. 12, 9, 10. 1 Sam. 17,45. Pro. 18, 10. 3 Or. mortal man. chap. 13, 15. k Gen. 10, 19. Gen. 20, 1. 4 broken. Ps. 46, 1-11. Ex. 15, 16. Deut. 11, 25. chap. 17, 10. chap. 20, 29. 6 T And he built fenced cities in Gen. 35, 5. Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest. 7 Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls and towers, gates and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered. CHAP. 15. a Num. 24, 2. Judg. 3, 10. 2 Sam. 23, 2. chap. 20, 14. chap. 24, 20. 2 Pet. 1, 21. 1 before Asa. James 4, 8. 1 Chr. 28, 9. chap. 33, 12, 13. Isa. 55, 7, 8. Jer. 29, 13. Matt. 7, 7. 8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hun-d1 dred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour. 9 And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah. 10 Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in Chr. 28, 9. chap. 12, 1-3 chap. 24, 20. Rom. 11, 1,2 Heb. 12, 25. Hosea 3, 4. ƒ Lev. 10, 11. 9 Deut. 4, 20. h Judg. 5, 6. í Matt. 24, 7. 2 beaten in pieces. the Ethiopians. the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 11 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is "nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and 'in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not 3man prevail against thee. 12 So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. 13 And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil. 14 And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for 'the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them. 15 They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem. 2 And he went out to 1meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. 3 Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. 4 But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. 5 And in those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the countries. 6 And 'nation was destroyed of B. C. 941. nation, and city of city: for God CHAP. 15. Ruth 2, 12. Ps. 58, 11. Matt. 5, 12 46. Luke 6, 35. Col. 3, 24. 3 abominations. 8 T And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the 3abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the LORD chap. 11, 16. that was before the porch of the m chap. 14, 15. LORD. * chap. 13, 19. Asa's league. theless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days. 18 And he brought into the house of God the things that his father had dedicated, and that he himself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels. 19 And there was no more war unto the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa. CHAPTER XVI. 1 Asa, by a league with the Syrians, diverts Baasha from building of Kamah: 13 his death and burial. N the six and thirtieth year of I the reign of Asa, a Baasha king 4 in that day. of Israel came up against Judah, and built Ramah, to the intent that he might let none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. " 2 Ki. 23, 3. chap. 34, 31. Neh. 10, 29. • Ex. 22, 20. P Deut. 13, 5, 9, 15. 9 And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and 'the strangers with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to him out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. 10 So they gathered themselves That is, together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa. m 11 And they offered unto the LORD the same time, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep. 12 And they "entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart, and with all their soul; 13 That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. 14 And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. 15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about. 16 And also concerning Maachah the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen, because she had made an "idol in a grove: and Asa cut down her idol, and stamped it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron. 17 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: never 2 Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Ben-hadad king of Syria, that dwelt at 2Damascus, 1 Ki.15,2,10. saying, Grand mother. 6 horror. Deut. 12, 7. 1 Ki. 3, 2-4. 1 Ki. 15, 14. 2 Ki. 12, 3. chap. 14,3,6. CHAP. 16. 1 That is, from the rending of the ten Judah, over which Asa was now king. 3 There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me. And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of 3his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. 5 And it came to pass, when Baasha tribes from heard it, that he left off building of Ramah, and let his work cease. 6 Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was abuilding; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah. Death of Asa. B.C. 940. 2 CHRONICLES, XVII. Jehoshaphat's good reign. 6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the LORD: "moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah. 9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars. 10 Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time. 11 And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, lo, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he 'sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians. 13 And Asa slept with his fathers, and died in the one and fortieth year of his reign. CHAP. 16. 9 chap. 6, 20. Or, strongly to hold with them, etc. 1 Sam. 13.13 1 Chr. 21, 8. 1 Cor. 15, 36. jchap. 18, 26. Jer. 20, 2. Matt. 14, 3. 6 crushed. * Deut. 28, 22. Jer. 17, 5. Gen. 50, 2. CHAP. 17. " chap. 11, 11. e Rom. 8, 31. 14 And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and chap. 15, 8. laid him in the bed which was filled mwith sweet odours and divers1 kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' art; and they made a very great burning for him. CHAPTER XVII. 1 Jehoshaphat reigns well, and prospers: 7 he sends Levites to teach in Judah: 12 his greatness, captains, and armies. NDJehoshaphat his son reigned A his stead, and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 And he "placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. 3 And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; 4 But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel. 5 Therefore the LORD stablished the kingdom in his hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat presents; and he had riches and honour in abundance. Or, of his father, and of David. & Luke 1, 6. 1 Ki 12, 28. 2 gave. 1 Sam. 10,27. 1 ki. 10, 25. 7 T Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Ben-hail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. 8 And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests. 9 And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people. 10 T And the fear of the LORD 4 fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred hegoats. 12T And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah 1 Ki. 10, 27.5castles, and cities of store. 13 And he had much business in the cities of Judah: and the men of war, mighty men of valour, were in Jerusalem. chap. 18, 1. 3 That is, Was encouraged 1 Ki. 22. 43. chap. 14, 3. chap. 15, 17. chap. 19, 3. chap. 20, 33. chap. 31, 1. chap. 34,3-7. A chap. 15, 3. i chap. 35, 3. Lev. 10, 11. Neh. 8, 7. Mal. 2, 7. 1 Gen. 35, 5. 5 Or.palaces. 6 at his hand 4 Judg. 5, 2,9. 1 Chr. 29, 9, 14-17. Ps 110, 3. 2 Cor. 8, 12. 14 And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand. 15 And next to him was Jehohanan the captain, and with him two hundred and fourscore thousand. 16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, 'who willingly offered himself unto the LORD; and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valour. 17 And of Benjamin; Eliada a mighty man of valour, and with Jehoshaphat joins Ahab. 2 CHRONICLES, XVIII. him armed men with bow and shield two hundred thousand. 18 And next him was Jehozabad, and with him an hundred and fourscore thousand ready prepared for the war. 19 These waited on the king, besides those whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah. CHAPTER XVIII. 1 Jehoshaphat and Ahab go against Ramothgilead. 4 Ahab's false prophets assure him of victory. 15 Micaiah's prophecy. 34 Ahab's death. OW Jehoshaphat "had riches Now in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. 2 And 1after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria: and Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead. 3 And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war. B. C. 897. CHAP. 18. a Deut. 8, 10, 1 Sam. 2, 7, 1 Ki. 3, 13. 12. Micaiah's vision. place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. 10 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the 1 Chr. 29,11, LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed. 11 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, Pro. 4, 5, 6, and prosper; for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. chap. 17, 5. 7, 8. Pro. 10, 22. b Gen. 6, 2. 1 at the end 1 Ki. 22, 2. d 1 Sam. 23, 2, 4. 9. 2 Sam. 2, 1 1 Ki. 22, 5, 6. Jer. 21. 2. Jer. 23, 17 19. 3 Or, eunuchs ↑ Hasten. 4 And Jehoshaphat said unto the 2 yet. or, more 5 Or, floor. 6 thou con sume them. 7 with one 18, 20, 35. Num. 23,12, 26. 6 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD 2be- Num. 22, sides, that we might enquire of him? 7 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. 8 And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla. 9 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a "void 12 And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent: let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of theirs, and speak thou good. 13 And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. 14 And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, "Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand. 15 And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD? 16 Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace. 17 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, 8 but evil? 18 Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left. 19 And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner. 20 Then there came out a 'spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? |