And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread 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.
2 CHRONICLES 13:11KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 13:11 mean?
2 Chronicles 13:11 describes how the people of Judah faithfully continued the daily worship practices commanded by God, including offering burnt sacrifices and incense, arranging the shewbread, and lighting the golden lampstand every evening. The verse contrasts Judah’s obedience with the other group's abandonment of these duties, highlighting Judah’s commitment to keeping God’s charge.
King Abijah of Judah is speaking to the northern kingdom of Israel during a confrontation, explaining that Judah has remained faithful to the worship system established by God, while Israel has turned away. The verse lists specific temple rituals—morning and evening sacrifices, incense burning, arranging the shewbread, and lighting the lamps—to emphasize Judah’s careful observance of God’s instructions and their role as caretakers of true worship.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 13:11
- "Burn" (קָטַר, qāṭar): This word means to burn or offer up, especially referring to burning incense or sacrifices. Its use here highlights the ongoing, active role of the priests in maintaining worship.
- "Shewbread" (לֶחֶם, lechem and מַעֲרֶכֶת, ma'areket): These words refer to the special bread set out in the temple as a continual offering. The mention of both terms shows the care taken in arranging and maintaining this important symbol of God’s provision.
- "Keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar) and "charge" (מִשְׁמֶרֶת, mishmeret): These words together stress the idea of guarding or carefully observing God’s instructions, not just performing rituals but actively protecting and upholding them.
- "Forsaken" (עָזַב, azav): This word means to abandon or leave behind. The verse uses it to accuse the northern kingdom of neglecting their responsibilities to God.
Why 2 Chronicles 13:11 matters
- The verse clarifies that Judah’s claim to faithfulness is based on specific, concrete acts of worship, not just words or intentions.
- By listing the temple practices, the verse shows the importance of following God’s instructions in detail, not picking and choosing which parts to observe.
- In the wider context, this verse helps explain why Abijah believes Judah has God’s favor in the conflict with Israel: their careful worship is presented as evidence of their loyalty.