This chapter describes the reign of Abijah, Rehoboam’s son (Solomon’s grandson).
” ‘And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David, because you are a great multitude and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made you for gods. But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. We have priests ministering to the Lord who are sons of Aaron, and Levites for their service. For we keep the charge of the Lord our God, but you have forsaken him. Behold, God is with us at our head, and his priests with their battle trumpets to sound the call to battle against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you cannot succeed.’ ” (v8,10-12 abr)
Abijah (spelled Abijam in 1 Ki) is at war with Jeroboam, and 400,000 Judean troops face 800,000 Israelite troops. On top of being outnumbered, Judah is penned in by a battle line in front of them and an ambush behind them. Yet, they call upon the Lord and it says “when the men of Judah shouted, God defeated Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah” (v15b). 500,000 of the Israelite troops fell, and no casualties are recorded for Judah.
Abijah was by no means a flawless man. He led the people back to God after his father Rehoboam had turned the people away, yet he left false gods in high places throughout the land. His half-hearted obedience to God may be why his reign in Judah was so short (3 years) compared to other kings (14-40 years).
God can choose to use anyone’s actions for the purposes of His plans and glory. Over and over again God used pagan nations to conquer His people as a consequence of their sin. In this account, God chose to deliver Judah and punish an evil / disobedient king (and followers) through a partially obedient follower.
That being said, God obviously prefers to have wholly devoted followers for the work of His kingdom. Though God’s power is not limited by our obedience, the blessings we receive and share with others will be limited (see Deu 28:1-2, Lev 26:3-10, Isa 48:18, Isa 1:19).
I encourage us to be wholly devoted to God’s will and leading in our lives. We (and others) receive blessings in this life, and there are eternal rewards as well. We can partner with God to fulfill the two greatest commandments, and build His kingdom. It’s likely this obedience will require self-sacrifice and we may encounter persecution, however these are small inconveniences in the light of heaven’s bigger picture.
Father God, our Most Holy Lord, we praise and lift You high. You have given us countless blessings, none of which we deserved. Thank you for the indwelling Holy Spirit and His leadership in our lives. May we learn to obey unerringly, and bless those around us with Your abundant provision upon us. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and King, we praise You forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training