2 Chronicles 13:3 Meaning and Explanation
“And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Abijah musters 400,000 warriors against Jeroboam's force of 800,000 soldiers.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 13:3
The armies are assembled: Judah has 400,000 soldiers; Israel has 800,000.
What Does 2 Chronicles 13:3 Mean?
Both kings assemble their armies with deliberate care, choosing valiant and mighty men of war. The narrative emphasizes the military strength of both sides: Abijah brings chosen men of war, while Jeroboam brings mighty men of valor. This parity in terms—both described as strong warriors—shows the narrator respecting both commanders' martial abilities despite the theological divisions between them.
The numerical disparity is stark: Jeroboam's force is twice as large as Abijah's. This sets the stage for the coming narrative tension. Readers would naturally ask how Abijah, outnumbered two to one, could hope to prevail.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 13:3
What does 2 Chronicles 13:3 mean?
Abijah musters 400,000 warriors against Jeroboam's force of 800,000 soldiers.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 13:3?
The armies are assembled: Judah has 400,000 soldiers; Israel has 800,000.