Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “And now you plan to resist the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hands of David’s descendants. You are indeed a vast army and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made to be your gods. New Living Translation “Do you really think you can stand against the kingdom of the LORD that is led by the descendants of David? You may have a vast army, and you have those gold calves that Jeroboam made as your gods. English Standard Version “And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David, because you are a great multitude and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made you for gods. Berean Standard Bible And now you think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hands of David’s descendants. You are indeed a vast army, and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. Berean Literal Bible And you⁺ are saying to strengthen yourselves before the face of the kingdom of YHWH in the hand of the sons of David, and you⁺ are a great multitude, and with you⁺ are the gold calves that Jeroboam made for you⁺ as gods. King James Bible And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. New King James Version And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hand of the sons of David; and you are a great multitude, and with you are the gold calves which Jeroboam made for you as gods. New American Standard Bible “So now you intend to assert yourselves against the kingdom of the LORD through the sons of David, being a great multitude and having with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made for you as gods. NASB 1995 “So now you intend to resist the kingdom of the LORD through the sons of David, being a great multitude and having with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made for gods for you. NASB 1977 “So now you intend to resist the kingdom of the LORD through the sons of David, being a great multitude and having with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made for gods for you. Legacy Standard Bible “So now you intend to exert your strength before the kingdom of Yahweh by the hand of the sons of David, being a great multitude and having with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made for gods for you. Amplified Bible “And now you intend to assert yourselves against the kingdom of the LORD which is in the hands of the sons of David, since you are a great multitude and have with you the golden calves (idols) which Jeroboam made for you as gods. Berean Annotated Bible And now you⁺ think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD {YHWH}, which is in the hands of David’s (beloved) descendants. You⁺ are indeed a vast army, and you⁺ have with you⁺ the golden calves that Jeroboam (the people will contend) made for you⁺ as gods. Christian Standard Bible “And now you are saying you can assert yourselves against the LORD’s kingdom, which is in the hand of one of David’s sons. You are a vast number and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. Holman Christian Standard Bible “And now you are saying you can assert yourselves against the LORD’s kingdom, which is in the hand of one of David’s sons. You are a vast number and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. American Standard Version And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of Jehovah in the hand of the sons of David; and ye are a great multitude, and there are with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods. Contemporary English Version Now you and your powerful army think you can stand up to the kingdom that the LORD has given to David's descendants. The only gods you have are those gold statues of calves that Jeroboam made for you. English Revised Version And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods. GOD'S WORD® Translation Do you now intend to challenge the LORD's kingdom, which has been placed in the hands of David's descendants? You are a large crowd, and you have the gold calves that Jeroboam made to be your gods. Good News Translation Now you propose to fight against the royal authority that the LORD gave to David's descendants. You have a huge army and have with you the gold bull-calves that Jeroboam made to be your gods. International Standard Version "So now you think you'll be able to withstand the LORD's kingdom as controlled by David's descendants, just because you have a large crown and have brought with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. NET Bible Now you are declaring that you will resist the LORD's rule through the Davidic dynasty. You have a huge army, and bring with you the gold calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. New Heart English Bible "Now you think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the descendants of David; and you are a great multitude, and there are with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods. Webster's Bible Translation And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye are a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd now you think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hands of David’s descendants. You are indeed a vast army, and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. World English Bible “Now you intend to withstand the kingdom of Yahweh in the hand of the sons of David. You are a great multitude, and the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods are with you. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd now you are saying to strengthen yourselves before the kingdom of YHWH in the hand of the sons of David, and you [are] a numerous multitude, and calves of gold [are] with you that Jeroboam has made for you for gods. Berean Literal Bible And you⁺ are saying to strengthen yourselves before the face of the kingdom of YHWH in the hand of the sons of David, and you⁺ are a great multitude, and with you⁺ are the gold calves that Jeroboam made for you⁺ as gods. Young's Literal Translation And now, ye are saying to strengthen yourselves before the kingdom of Jehovah in the hand of the sons of David, and ye are a numerous multitude, and with you calves of gold that Jeroboam hath made to you for gods. Smith's Literal Translation And now ye saying to be strengthened before the kingdom of Jehovah in the hand of the sons of David; and ye a great multitude, and with you calves of gold which Jeroboam made for you for gods. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd now you say that you are able to withstand the kingdom of the Lord, which he possesseth by the sons of David, and you have a great multitude of people, and golden calves, which Jeroboam hath made you for gods. Catholic Public Domain Version Now therefore, you say that you are able to resist the kingdom of the Lord, which he possesses through the sons of David, and you have a great multitude of people, and gold calves, which Jeroboam made for you as gods. New American Bible But now, do you think you are a match for the kingdom of the LORD led by the descendants of David, simply because you are a huge multitude and have with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods? New Revised Standard Version “And now you think that you can withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David, because you are a great multitude and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made as gods for you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd even now what can you say? You went away and renounced the kingdom of the house of David and went and served dead gods. And I reign over a single tribe, but you over many tribes, and there are with you golden calves which Jeroboam the son of Nebat made for you. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Also now what do you say? You went and you put away from yourselves the kingdom of the house of David and you went and you served dead gods, and I am standing over one tribe in the kingdom, and you are many tribes, and a calf of gold is among you that Yorbaam son of Nebat made for you. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye are a great multitude, and there are with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods. Brenton Septuagint Translation And now ye profess to resist the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David; and ye are a great multitude, and with you are golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Civil War Against Jeroboam…7Then worthless and wicked men gathered around him to resist Rehoboam son of Solomon when he was young, inexperienced, and unable to resist them. 8And now you think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD, which is in the hands of David’s descendants. You are indeed a vast army, and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. 9But did you not drive out the priests of the LORD, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites? And did you not make priests for yourselves as do the peoples of other lands? Now whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams can become a priest of things that are not gods.… Cross References And now you think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD, 1 Kings 12:19-20 So to this day Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David. / When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David. Psalm 2:1-4 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” … 1 Samuel 8:7 And the LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you. For it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as their king. which is in the hands of David’s descendants. 2 Samuel 7:12-16 And when your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. / He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. … 1 Kings 11:36 I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name. 1 Chronicles 17:13-14 I will be his Father, and he will be My son. And I will never remove My loving devotion from him as I removed it from your predecessor. / But I will set him over My house and My kingdom forever, and his throne will be established forever.” You are indeed a vast army, 2 Chronicles 14:9-11 Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah. / So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah. / Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. 1 Samuel 14:6 Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods. 1 Kings 12:28-30 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” / One calf he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. / And this thing became a sin; the people walked as far as Dan to worship before one of the calves. 1 Kings 12:32-33 And Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar; he made this offering in Bethel to sacrifice to the calves he had set up, and he installed priests in Bethel for the high places he had set up. / On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, Jeroboam offered sacrifices on the altar he had set up in Bethel. So he ordained a feast for the Israelites, offered sacrifices on the altar, and burned incense. 2 Kings 10:29 but he did not turn away from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. 1 Kings 12:26-33 Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. / If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” / After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves and said to the people, “Going up to Jerusalem is too much for you. Here, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” … 1 Kings 11:31-33 and said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and I will give you ten tribes. / But one tribe will remain for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel. / For they have forsaken Me to worship Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites. They have not walked in My ways, nor done what is right in My eyes, nor kept My statutes and judgments, as Solomon’s father David did. 1 Kings 14:30 There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam throughout their days. 1 Kings 15:6 And there was war between the houses of Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of Abijam’s life. Treasury of Scripture And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and you be a great multitude, and there are with your golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. the kingdom 2 Chronicles 9:8 Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice. Psalm 2:1-6 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? … Isaiah 7:6,7 Let us go up against Judah, and vex it, and let us make a breach therein for us, and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeal: … a great multitude 2 Chronicles 14:9-11 And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah… 2 Chronicles 20:6,12 And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? … Psalm 33:16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. with you golden 2 Chronicles 11:15 And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made. 1 Kings 12:28 Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 1 Kings 14:9 But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back: Jump to Previous Army Authority Calves David David's Descendants Gods Gold Golden Great Hand Hands Indeed Intend Jeroboam Jerobo'am Kingdom Multitude Oxen Plan Purpose Resist Shew Strong Think Vast Withstand YourselvesJump to Next Army Authority Calves David David's Descendants Gods Gold Golden Great Hand Hands Indeed Intend Jeroboam Jerobo'am Kingdom Multitude Oxen Plan Purpose Resist Shew Strong Think Vast Withstand Yourselves2 Chronicles 13 1. Abijah succeeding makes war against Jeroboam4. he declares the right of his cause 13. Trusting in God, he overcomes Jeroboam 21. The wives and children of Abijah And now you think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD This phrase highlights the central conflict between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The "kingdom of the LORD" refers to the divinely sanctioned rule over Israel, which was promised to David and his descendants (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The speaker, Abijah, is addressing Jeroboam and the northern tribes, emphasizing their rebellion against God's ordained monarchy. This reflects the broader biblical theme of human resistance to divine authority, seen throughout Scripture, such as in the rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16) and the rejection of Jesus as King (John 19:15). which is in the hands of David’s descendants You are indeed a vast army and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods Persons / Places / Events 1. AbijahThe king of Judah who is speaking in this verse. He is addressing the northern kingdom of Israel, led by Jeroboam. 2. Jeroboam The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He led Israel into idolatry by making golden calves. 3. Kingdom of the LORD Refers to the divinely sanctioned rule of the Davidic line over Judah, emphasizing God's covenant with David. 4. Golden Calves Idols made by Jeroboam to prevent the Israelites from worshiping in Jerusalem, leading them into idolatry. 5. Descendants of David Refers to the Davidic dynasty ruling over Judah, which God promised to establish forever. Teaching Points The Danger of IdolatryJust as Jeroboam led Israel into idolatry, we must be vigilant against modern forms of idolatry that can lead us away from God. God's Faithfulness to His Promises The Davidic covenant reminds us of God's faithfulness. We can trust in His promises, knowing He is sovereign over history. Spiritual Leadership and Responsibility Abijah's challenge to Israel underscores the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility to lead others in truth. The Consequences of Rebellion Jeroboam's rebellion against God's ordained kingdom serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of resisting God's will. Unity in Worship The division of the kingdom and the establishment of false worship highlight the importance of unity in worshiping the one true God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 13:8?2. How does 2 Chronicles 13:8 challenge reliance on human strength over God's power? 3. What lessons can we learn about faithfulness from Abijah's confrontation with Jeroboam? 4. How does 2 Chronicles 13:8 connect with Ephesians 6:10 about spiritual strength? 5. In what ways can we apply Abijah's trust in God to modern challenges? 6. How does this verse encourage reliance on God's covenant promises in difficult times? 7. Why did Abijah challenge Jeroboam's reliance on golden calves in 2 Chronicles 13:8? 8. How does 2 Chronicles 13:8 reflect the division between Judah and Israel? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in 2 Chronicles 13:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 13? 11. 2 Chronicles 13 - Are there any archaeological or extra-biblical sources that verify the details of this battle's scale and outcome? 12. Why do historical records suggest that David's kingdom was much smaller than the Bible describes? 13. 2 Chronicles 13:4-12 - How can the divine intervention claimed here be reconciled with naturalistic or historical explanations of warfare? 14. (Amos 2:4-5) Why does God's judgment on Judah differ from judgments described in other prophetic books? What Does 2 Chronicles 13:8 Mean And now you think you can resist the kingdom of the LORD- Abijah confronts Jeroboam with the simple fact that opposing Judah is opposing God’s own rule (Psalm 2:1–6; Acts 5:39). - “Resist” underscores deliberate rebellion, not mere misunderstanding. Just as Pharaoh hardened his heart (Exodus 9:16–17), Jeroboam’s ten tribes presume they can overturn divine order. - God’s kingdom is not theoretical; it is active in history. When nations rage against it, “He who sits in the heavens laughs” (Psalm 2:4). which is in the hands of David’s descendants - The line of David holds legitimate authority by covenant promise (2 Samuel 7:12-16; 1 Kings 2:4). - Though Abijah himself is imperfect, the promise rests on God’s faithfulness, pointing ultimately to Christ, the greater Son of David who will “reign over the house of Jacob forever” (Luke 1:32-33). - Standing against that line is standing against the LORD’s sworn oath—an unwinnable battle (Jeremiah 33:20-21). You are indeed a vast army - Abijah concedes their numerical advantage (2 Chronicles 13:3 notes 800,000 soldiers for Israel). - Scripture often highlights the futility of trusting in numbers (Judges 7:2; Psalm 20:7; Isaiah 31:1). - God delights to deliver the outnumbered who rely on Him, as with Jonathan’s two-man assault (1 Samuel 14:6) and Asa’s later prayer, “help us, O LORD…for we rely on You” (2 Chronicles 14:11). and you have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made for you as gods - Jeroboam’s calves (1 Kings 12:28-30) represent deliberate idolatry masquerading as worship of the true God. - Calf worship repeats the sin of Sinai (Exodus 32:4), provoking the same divine jealousy (Hosea 8:5-6). - Idols offer a false sense of security—visible, portable, “with you”—but they cannot save (Isaiah 46:5-7). - By contrast Judah retains the temple, priesthood, and covenant worship God ordained (2 Chronicles 13:10-12). The showdown is between counterfeit religion and God’s appointed order. summary Abijah’s words strip away illusions. Military strength and popular religion cannot overturn God’s sworn kingdom in David’s line. To resist that kingdom is to resist the LORD Himself; to trust numbers or idols is to oppose the Almighty’s purpose. 2 Chronicles 13:8 therefore warns every generation: align with God’s established rule, reject counterfeit gods, and rely on the LORD rather than human might. (8) And now ye think.--Literally, say, i.e., in your hearts (2Chronicles 2:1).To withstand the kingdom.--Literally, to show yourselves strong before the kingdom, as in last verse. In (through) the hand of the sons of David.--The meaning is, the kingdom which Jehovah holds by the instrumentality of the house of David, as His earthly representatives. (Comp. Vulg., "regno Domini quod possidet per filios David." (See 1Chronicles 29:23). And there are with you golden calves.--And therefore you believe yourselves assured of Divine aid, in addition to the strength of numbers. But your trust is delusive, for Jeroboam made the objects of your fond idolatry (see Isaiah 44:9-17); and you have superseded the only lawful worship of Jehovah (2Chronicles 13:9). . . . Verses 8, 9. - The five succeeding thrusts of these two verses, prefaced by the somewhat self-conscious but, nevertheless, validly pleaded orthodoxy of his own position, are well delivered by Abijah. Jeroboam is scathed(1) for his confidence in a great multitude; (2) for his golden calves for gods; (3) for what amounted necessarily to the excommunication and repudiation of the priests of the Lord, time- and nation-honoured; . . . Hebrew And nowוְעַתָּ֣ה ׀ (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time you אַתֶּ֣ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you think אֹֽמְרִ֗ים (’ō·mə·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say you can resist לְהִתְחַזֵּק֙ (lə·hiṯ·ḥaz·zêq) Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer the kingdom מַמְלֶ֣כֶת (mam·le·ḵeṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4467: Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reign of the LORD, יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel which is in the hands בְּיַ֖ד (bə·yaḏ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 3027: A hand of David’s דָוִ֑יד (ḏā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse descendants. בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son You וְאַתֶּם֙ (wə·’at·tem) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you are indeed a vast רָ֔ב (rāḇ) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7227: Much, many, great army, הָמ֣וֹן (hā·mō·wn) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1995: A noise, tumult, crowd, disquietude, wealth and you have with you וְעִמָּכֶם֙ (wə·‘im·mā·ḵem) Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's 5973: With, equally with the golden זָהָ֔ב (zā·hāḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky calves עֶגְלֵ֣י (‘eḡ·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 5695: A, calf, one nearly grown that אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that Jeroboam יָרָבְעָ֖ם (yā·rā·ḇə·‘ām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3379: Jeroboam -- 'the people increase', the name of two Israelites kings made עָשָׂ֥ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make for you לָכֶ֛ם (lā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew as gods. לֵאלֹהִֽים׃ (lê·lō·hîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Links 2 Chronicles 13:8 NIV2 Chronicles 13:8 NLT 2 Chronicles 13:8 ESV 2 Chronicles 13:8 NASB 2 Chronicles 13:8 KJV 2 Chronicles 13:8 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 13:8 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 13:8 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 13:8 French Bible 2 Chronicles 13:8 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 13:8 Now you think to withstand the kingdom (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
    |