Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and hath rebelled against his lord.

2 CHRONICLES 13:6KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 13:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 13:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 13:6 says that Jeroboam, who had served under Solomon, rebelled against his master after Solomon’s death. The verse points out that Jeroboam was not a rightful king but someone who rose up in opposition to the authority over him.

King Abijah of Judah is speaking to the people of Israel, reminding them that Jeroboam, once a servant (not a royal heir), led a rebellion against Solomon’s son. This sets the stage for Abijah’s argument that the division between Judah and Israel was not legitimate, but the result of rebellion against God’s chosen line.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 13:6

  • "Servant" (עֶבֶד, ʿeved): This word highlights that Jeroboam was originally in a lower position, serving Solomon, which makes his rebellion especially bold.
  • "Rebelled" (מָרַד, marad): This term means to revolt or rise up against authority, emphasizing that Jeroboam’s actions were not just political but seen as a direct challenge to his rightful lord.
  • "Lord" (אֲדֹנָי, adon): This word refers to a master or superior, underlining the proper relationship Jeroboam broke by his rebellion.

Why 2 Chronicles 13:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the split between Israel and Judah was not a peaceful or legitimate transition, but a rebellion led by someone who was not in the royal line.
  • The emphasis on Jeroboam’s status as a servant and a rebel helps the reader see why Abijah claims the Davidic line still holds the true kingship.
  • Understanding this background helps explain the tension and conflict between the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah) throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles.

Where else these words appear

“rebelled” Hebrew H4775 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 14:4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
  • 2 Kings 18:20 Thou sayest,(but they are but vain words,) I have counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me?
  • Job 24:13 They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

“Nebat” Hebrew H5028 · used in 25 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 22:52 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin:
  • 2 Kings 15:18 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

“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.