Ought ye not to know that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel to David for ever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt?

2 CHRONICLES 13:5KJV
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2 Chronicles 13:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 13:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 13:5 states that the LORD God of Israel gave the kingdom of Israel to David and his descendants forever, making this promise by a "covenant of salt." This verse highlights the lasting and binding nature of God's promise to David's family to rule over Israel.

King Abijah is speaking to the people of Israel, reminding them during a time of division between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. He stresses that the LORD (the God worshipped by both kingdoms) made a permanent agreement with David's line, using the phrase "covenant of salt" to emphasize how enduring and trustworthy this promise is, since salt was seen as a symbol of preservation and loyalty in ancient times.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 13:5

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for the God of Israel, highlighting that the promise comes from the highest authority.
  • covenant (בְּרִית, berit): This word means a formal, binding agreement. In this context, it refers to God's solemn promise to David and his descendants.
  • salt (מֶלַח, melach): Salt in ancient times symbolized something lasting and incorruptible. A "covenant of salt" means a promise that is meant to endure and not be broken, much like salt preserves food from decay.

Why 2 Chronicles 13:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the kingship over Israel was not just a political arrangement but was rooted in a divine promise, setting David’s line apart from other claimants.
  • The phrase "covenant of salt" helps readers understand the seriousness and permanence of God’s commitment, which might be missed if only reading the English word "covenant."
  • In the broader story, this reminder from Abijah is meant to challenge the legitimacy of the northern kingdom’s rebellion and to call people back to recognizing God’s original promise.

Where else these words appear

“salt” Hebrew H4417 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Joshua 3:16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
  • 2 Kings 2:21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.

“kingdom” Hebrew H4467 · used in 113 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • 2 Kings 14:5 And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom was confirmed in his hand, that he slew his servants which had slain the king his father.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;