2 Chronicles 13:21

But Abijah grew strong, married fourteen wives, and became the father of twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters.

Study Bible

But Abijah
The name "Abijah" means "Yahweh is my Father" in Hebrew. Abijah was the son of Rehoboam and the grandson of Solomon, placing him in the Davidic line of kings. His reign over Judah was marked by a significant battle against Jeroboam of Israel, where he demonstrated reliance on God. This phrase introduces a contrast to the preceding verses, highlighting a shift in focus to Abijah's personal life and growth.

grew strong
The Hebrew root for "grew strong" is "ḥāzaq," which conveys the idea of becoming firm, secure, or courageous. This strength is not merely physical but also implies a consolidation of power and influence. In the context of Abijah's reign, it suggests that despite the challenges he faced, he was able to establish his authority and stabilize his kingdom, likely through divine favor and strategic alliances.

married fourteen wives
Polygamy was a common practice among ancient Near Eastern kings, often used to secure political alliances and ensure a large progeny. While this practice is recorded in the Old Testament, it is not prescribed by God and often led to familial and spiritual complications, as seen in the lives of David and Solomon. Abijah's multiple marriages reflect the customs of his time but also hint at the potential for internal strife and deviation from God's ideal for marriage.

and became the father of twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters
The large number of offspring signifies Abijah's success in ensuring the continuation of his lineage and the stability of his dynasty. In the ancient world, having many children, especially sons, was seen as a blessing and a sign of prosperity. However, it also posed challenges in terms of succession and governance, as seen in the subsequent history of Judah. This phrase underscores the importance of family and legacy in the biblical narrative, while also serving as a reminder of the complexities that accompany such blessings.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abijah
The king of Judah, son of Rehoboam, and grandson of Solomon. His reign is marked by a significant battle against Jeroboam, king of Israel.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Abijah ruled.

3. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who opposed Abijah in battle.

4. Rehoboam
Abijah's father, whose reign saw the division of the united kingdom of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms.

5. Battle of Mount Zemaraim
A significant conflict between Abijah and Jeroboam, where Abijah's forces were victorious despite being outnumbered.

Teaching Points

Strength and Prosperity
Abijah's growth in strength and prosperity is a reminder of God's provision and blessing, even amidst personal and national challenges.

Family and Legacy
The large family of Abijah reflects the importance of legacy and the continuation of God's promises through generations.

Obedience to God's Commands
Abijah's multiple marriages can be seen in light of Deuteronomy 17:17, reminding us of the importance of adhering to God's commands, even for leaders.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
Despite human failings, God's purposes are fulfilled through the leaders He appoints, as seen in Abijah's victory over Jeroboam.

Historical Context and Spiritual Lessons
Understanding the historical context of Abijah's reign helps us draw spiritual lessons applicable to our lives today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Abijah's growth in strength and prosperity reflect God's faithfulness, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives?

2. In what ways does Abijah's family life align or conflict with biblical teachings on marriage and family, and what lessons can we learn from this?

3. How does the account of Abijah's reign in 2 Chronicles 13:21 connect with the broader account of the kings of Judah, and what does this teach us about God's sovereignty?

4. Considering Deuteronomy 17:17, what are the potential consequences of not adhering to God's commands, especially for leaders, and how can we apply this to our own leadership roles?

5. How does Abijah's place in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:7) enhance our understanding of God's redemptive plan through history, and how can this encourage us in our faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 15:1-8
Provides a parallel account of Abijah's reign, offering additional context and details about his life and rule.

Deuteronomy 17:17
Warns against kings taking many wives, which is relevant to Abijah's actions in taking fourteen wives.

1 Chronicles 3:10-14
Lists the genealogy of the kings of Judah, including Abijah, providing a broader context of his lineage.

2 Chronicles 11:21
Describes Rehoboam's many wives and children, showing a pattern in the royal family.

Matthew 1:7
Mentions Abijah in the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting his place in the Messianic line.