He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

2 CHRONICLES 13:2KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 13:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 13:2 mean?

2 Chronicles 13:2 states that Abijah ruled as king in Jerusalem for three years, and his mother was Michaiah, the daughter of Uriel from Gibeah. The verse also notes that there was conflict between Abijah and Jeroboam during his reign.

This verse sets the stage for Abijah’s short reign over the southern kingdom of Judah, identifying his family background and the ongoing struggle with Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The mention of his mother’s name and origin highlights the importance of lineage, while the reference to war signals the political tension of the time.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 13:2

  • The word for "reigned" (מָלַךְ, malakh; H4427) means to rule or become king. Its use here emphasizes Abijah’s official position as king over Judah.
  • "War" (מִלְחָמָה, milchamah; H4421) is the standard Hebrew term for armed conflict. Its presence in this verse signals that Abijah’s reign was marked by significant military strife, not peace.
  • The name "Michaiah" (מִיכָיָהוּ, Mikhayah; H4322) means "Who is like Yahweh?" This name reflects a common practice of embedding references to God in personal names, which was meaningful in Israelite culture.

Why 2 Chronicles 13:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Abijah’s reign was brief and turbulent, marked by war rather than stability, which helps explain the challenges Judah faced at this time.
  • The specific mention of Michaiah and her lineage shows the Chronicler’s interest in family heritage, which often played a role in legitimacy and succession in ancient Israel.
  • By naming both Abijah and Jeroboam, the verse connects the reader to the larger story of the divided kingdoms and the ongoing conflict between Judah and Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Michaiah” Hebrew H4322 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.

“Uriel” Hebrew H222 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 6:24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son.
  • 1 Chronicles 15:5 Of the sons of Kohath; Uriel the chief, and his brethren an hundred and twenty:
  • 1 Chronicles 15:11 And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,

“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.

“Gibeah” Hebrew H1390 · used in 43 verses

  • Joshua 15:57 Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:
  • Judges 20:21 And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men.
  • 1 Samuel 14:16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and, behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another.