2 Chronicles 13: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Chronicles 13 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In 2 Chronicles 13, the narrative focuses on King Abijah of Judah and his conflict with King Jeroboam of Israel. Abijah stands on Mount Zemaraim and delivers a speech to the Israelite forces, reminding them of the covenant that God made with David and the importance of adhering to worship in the temple. He highlights the faithfulness of Judah to the temple worship and contrasts it with the idolatry practiced in Israel.

Key verse

“Abijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, “Hear me, Jeroboam and all Israel:”
2 Chronicles 13:4 (WEB)

Outline

2 Chronicles 13:1–2 Abijah Becomes King of Judah
2 Chronicles 13:3–4 The Battle Begins
2 Chronicles 13:5–12 Abijah's Speech to Israel
2 Chronicles 13:13–16 Surrounded and Victorious
2 Chronicles 13:17–20 Judah's Triumph
2 Chronicles 13:21–22 Abijah's Legacy

Discussion questions

In v4, what does Abijah claim about the kingdom given to David?
What does Abijah accuse Jeroboam of doing in vv. 8-9?
In v12, why does Abijah assert that 'God is with us at our head'?
In v17, what does 'great slaughter' imply about the battle's outcome?
When have you faced a situation where you relied on faith like Abijah did?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Chronicles 13: 2 Chronicles 14, 2 Chronicles 15, Isaiah 8.

Before next time: read 2 Chronicles 14.