2 Chronicles 13:19 Meaning and Explanation
“And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from him, Bethel with the towns thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, and Ephrain with the towns thereof.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abijah pursues Jeroboam and captures several Ephraimite cities including Bethel.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 13:19
Abijah pursues Jeroboam and recaptures cities including the religious center Bethel.
What Does 2 Chronicles 13:19 Mean?
The military victory translates into territorial gain. Abijah pursues the fleeing Jeroboam and seizes key cities: Bethel (an ancient religious center associated with Jacob and Abraham), Jeshanah, and Ephrain. These are not minor towns but significant population and religious centers, particularly Bethel, which had been a major worship site.
Bethel's capture is especially significant because it was one of the places where Jeroboam had set up a golden calf (as mentioned in 1 Kings 12:29). Abijah's conquest means Judah regains control of this holy site, potentially restoring it to proper worship. The territorial expansion reflects the political reality that follows from military victory.
2 Chronicles 13:19 in the Original Language
Bethel (בֵּית־אֵל) — 'house of God,' a city of great religious significance in Israel's history, associated with Jacob's vision and later corrupted by Jeroboam's idolatry.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 13:19
What does 2 Chronicles 13:19 mean?
Abijah pursues Jeroboam and captures several Ephraimite cities including Bethel.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 13:19?
Abijah pursues Jeroboam and recaptures cities including the religious center Bethel.