2 Chronicles 13:17 Meaning and Explanation
“And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Judah pursues and kills 500,000 of Israel's soldiers in a massive victory.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 13:17
In the pursuit, Judah kills 500,000 of Israel's chosen soldiers.
What Does 2 Chronicles 13:17 Mean?
The scale of the slaughter is staggering: five hundred thousand chosen men of Israel fall. Abijah and his people pursue the advantage with decisive force. The narrator reports this great slaughter as the outcome of the battle—not as an atrocity but as the military consequence of Jeroboam's defeat.
The mention of 'chosen men' (the same term used for Israel's initial forces) emphasizes the magnitude of loss. Israel had assembled mighty men of valor, and they fell in terrible numbers. The historical weight of the narrative—the investment in describing Jeroboam's larger forces and superior positioning—makes the reversal all the more dramatic.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 13:17
What does 2 Chronicles 13:17 mean?
Judah pursues and kills 500,000 of Israel's soldiers in a massive victory.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 13:17?
In the pursuit, Judah kills 500,000 of Israel's chosen soldiers.