Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

2 CHRONICLES 13:15KJV
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2 Chronicles 13:15 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 13:15 mean?

2 Chronicles 13:15 describes how the men of Judah shouted in battle, and as they did, God caused Jeroboam and all Israel to be defeated in front of Abijah and Judah. The verse shows that Judah’s victory came as a direct result of God’s intervention when they cried out.

The setting is a battle between the kingdom of Judah, led by King Abijah, and the kingdom of Israel, led by King Jeroboam. As Judah’s soldiers shouted—a common act to rally courage or signal attack—God acted on their behalf, striking down their enemies. The verse emphasizes that the outcome was not just due to military strength but because God supported Judah at that moment.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 13:15

  • "shout" (רָנַע, rāna‘): This word means to raise a loud cry or shout, often used in battle or worship. Here, it highlights Judah’s act of calling out, which is closely tied to God’s response.
  • "smote" (נָכָה, nākhāh): This word means to strike or defeat. The verse uses it to show that God was the one who actually caused the defeat of Jeroboam and Israel, not just Judah’s army.
  • "before" (פָּנִים, pānîm): This word means "in the presence of" or "in front of." It clarifies that the defeat happened openly, in the sight of both armies, making God’s intervention unmistakable.

Why 2 Chronicles 13:15 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Judah’s victory was not just a result of their own efforts but was directly caused by God’s action, underscoring the importance of relying on God in times of crisis.
  • It connects to the wider story by showing that Abijah’s trust in God contrasted with Jeroboam’s actions, which helps explain the outcome of the battle.
  • The detail about the shout and God’s immediate response highlights the theme of God hearing and acting when His people call out to Him, which is a recurring idea in Chronicles.

Where else these words appear

“Abijah” Hebrew H29 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Samuel 8:2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:22 And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king.
  • 2 Chronicles 13:20 Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and the LORD struck him, and he died.

“shout” Hebrew H7321 · used in 42 verses

  • Numbers 10:7 But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
  • Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
  • Psalms 100:1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

“smote” Hebrew H5062 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 8:2 And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs:
  • Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
  • 1 Chronicles 19:19 And when the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.

“Jeroboam” Hebrew H3379 · used in 95 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
  • 1 Kings 14:30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.
  • 2 Kings 15:1 In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.