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 13:11KJV
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2 Chronicles 13:11 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“shewbread” Hebrew H4635 · used in 9 verses

  • Leviticus 24:6 And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:32 And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the shewbread, to prepare it every sabbath.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:4 Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This is an ordinance for ever to Israel.

“sweet” Hebrew H5561 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 25:6 Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense,
  • Exodus 35:8 And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
  • Exodus 40:27 And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses.

“candlestick” Hebrew H4501 · used in 31 verses

  • Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.
  • Exodus 37:18 And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof:
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.

“lamps” Hebrew H5216 · used in 42 verses

  • Exodus 25:37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.
  • Numbers 8:3 And Aaron did so; he lighted the lamps thereof over against the candlestick, as the LORD commanded Moses.
  • Job 21:17 How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger.