Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD God of their fathers.

2 CHRONICLES 13:18KJV
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2 Chronicles 13:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 13:18 mean?

2 Chronicles 13:18 says that the people of Israel were defeated at that time, while the people of Judah were victorious because they trusted in the LORD, the God of their ancestors. The verse highlights that Judah’s success was not just military skill, but their reliance on God.

This verse comes after a battle between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel during the reign of King Abijah of Judah. The chronicler is explaining why Judah won: their victory is directly linked to their dependence on the LORD, rather than their own strength. The verse draws a clear contrast between the two groups and emphasizes the importance of trust in God.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 13:18

  • The word for "relied" is סָמַךְ (samakh), which means to lean on or trust in. This word shows that Judah’s victory was rooted in their active dependence on God, not just a passive belief.
  • The word for "prevailed" is עָצַם (atsam), which means to become strong or mighty. This emphasizes that Judah’s strength came as a result of their reliance on God, not simply their own power.
  • The word for "brought under" is כָּנַע (kanah), meaning to be subdued or humbled. This shows that Israel’s defeat was a humbling experience, contrasting with Judah’s strengthening.

Why 2 Chronicles 13:18 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Judah’s victory was not due to military advantage or numbers, but because they trusted in God, setting a theme found throughout Chronicles.
  • It highlights the chronicler’s message that faithfulness to God leads to strength and success, while turning away leads to defeat.
  • The verse connects to the broader story of the divided kingdoms, showing the consequences of each group’s choices and loyalties.

Where else these words appear

“relied” Hebrew H8172 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • 2 Kings 7:17 And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.
  • Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

“brought” Hebrew H3665 · used in 32 verses

  • Leviticus 26:41 And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:10 And since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. Moreover I will subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore I tell thee that the LORD will build thee an house.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

“prevailed” Hebrew H553 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 25:23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
  • 2 Samuel 22:18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.
  • Psalms 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.