(1) Now.—Not in the Hebrew. The verse is nearly identical with the parallel in Kings.

13:1-22 Abijah overcomes Jeroboam. - Jeroboam and his people, by apostacy and idolatry, merited the severe punishment Abijah was permitted to execute upon them. It appears from the character of Abijah, 1Ki 15:3, that he was not himself truly religious, yet he encouraged himself from the religion of his people. It is common for those that deny the power of godliness, to boast of the form of it. Many that have little religion themselves, value it in others. But it was true that there were numbers of pious worshippers in Judah, and that theirs was the more righteous cause. In their distress, when danger was on every side, which way should they look for deliverance unless upward? It is an unspeakable comfort, that our way thither is always open. They cried unto the Lord. Earnest prayer is crying. To the cry of prayer they added the shout of faith, and became more than conquerors. Jeroboam escaped the sword of Abijah, but God struck him; there is no escaping his sword.The history of Abijah's reign is here related far more fully than in Kings (marginal reference), especially as regards his war with Jeroboam. CHAPTER 13

2Ch 13:1-20. Abijah, Succeeding, Makes War against Jeroboam, and Overcomes Him.Abijah warreth against Jeroboam king of Israel. 2 Chronicles 2:1-3; declareth the right of his cause, 2 Chronicles 13:4-12; trusteth in God; overcometh Jeroboam, 2 Chronicles 13:13-20. His wives and children, 2 Chronicles 13:21,22.

No text from Poole on this verse.

Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah.; see Gill on 1 Kings 15:1. Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over {a} Judah.

(a) He means Judah and Benjamin.