But as for us, the LORD is our God, and we have not forsaken him; and the priests, which minister unto the LORD, are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their business:

2 CHRONICLES 13:10KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 13:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 13:10 mean?

2 Chronicles 13:10 describes how the people of Judah, led by King Abijah, remain faithful to the LORD as their God and continue to follow the proper worship practices, with priests from Aaron’s family and Levites carrying out their assigned duties. This verse highlights their commitment to not abandoning God or the traditions He established.

In this scene, King Abijah is speaking to the northern kingdom of Israel during a confrontation, explaining why Judah stands apart. He points out that Judah has not "forsaken" (abandoned) the LORD, unlike Israel, and that they still have the correct priesthood and temple service as originally set up in the law of Moses. The verse emphasizes the importance of remaining true to God’s instructions, especially in contrast to others who have turned away.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 13:10

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, used here to stress Judah’s relationship with the one true God, not just any deity.
  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This word often refers to God’s power and authority, underlining that Judah’s allegiance is to the supreme God.
  • Forsaken (עָזַב, azav): This verb means to leave or abandon. Abijah uses it to highlight that Judah has not turned away from God, unlike Israel.
  • Priests (כֹּהֵן, kohen) and Levites (לֵוִי, Levi): These terms refer to the specific families responsible for temple service. Their mention shows Judah’s faithfulness to God’s instructions about worship and leadership.

Why 2 Chronicles 13:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Judah’s claim to faithfulness is rooted in following God’s original commands, not just in national pride or tradition.
  • The emphasis on the proper priesthood and temple service shows how central worship and obedience were to Judah’s identity at this time.
  • By contrasting Judah’s faithfulness with Israel’s changes, the verse sets up the larger argument of the chapter: that true blessing and legitimacy come from staying loyal to God’s ways.

Where else these words appear

“minister” Hebrew H8334 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

“business” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.