Context and Background:
Abijah, the son of Rehoboam and grandson of Solomon, was the king of Judah. His reign is noted for a significant confrontation with Jeroboam, the king of Israel, which is detailed in 2 Chronicles 13. This confrontation took place during a period of division in the Israelite kingdom, following the split after Solomon's reign. The speech delivered by Abijah on Mount Zemaraim is a pivotal moment in this conflict, highlighting the religious and political tensions between the two kingdoms.

Location:
Mount Zemaraim is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 13:4 as the site where Abijah stood to address the forces of Israel. The exact location of Mount Zemaraim is not definitively known, but it is believed to be in the territory of Ephraim, near the border between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel.

The Speech:
Abijah's speech is a bold declaration of Judah's legitimacy and a call to the Israelites to reconsider their rebellion against the Davidic line. The speech is recorded in 2 Chronicles 13:4-12. Abijah begins by asserting the divine covenant with David, emphasizing that the Lord gave the kingship of Israel to David and his descendants forever, by a covenant of salt (2 Chronicles 13:5). This covenantal language underscores the enduring nature of God's promise to David's lineage.

Abijah then contrasts the faithfulness of Judah with the apostasy of Israel under Jeroboam. He accuses Jeroboam of leading Israel into idolatry, appointing priests who are not Levites, and forsaking the true worship of Yahweh (2 Chronicles 13:8-9). In contrast, Abijah claims that Judah has remained faithful to the Lord, maintaining the proper priesthood and temple worship (2 Chronicles 13:10-11).

Appeal and Warning:
Abijah's speech serves as both an appeal and a warning. He calls upon the Israelites to recognize their error in opposing the Lord's anointed and to cease their rebellion. He warns them that their fight is not merely against Judah but against the Lord Himself, who is their God (2 Chronicles 13:12). Abijah's rhetoric is designed to persuade the Israelites to abandon their allegiance to Jeroboam and return to the rightful rule of the Davidic dynasty.

Outcome:
Despite Abijah's compelling speech, the battle ensues. However, the narrative in 2 Chronicles 13:13-20 describes a miraculous victory for Judah, attributed to divine intervention. The Lord strikes down Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah, leading to a significant defeat for the northern kingdom. This victory reinforces the message of Abijah's speech, highlighting the power and faithfulness of God to the Davidic covenant.

Significance:
Abijah's speech on Mount Zemaraim is significant for its theological and political implications. It underscores the centrality of the Davidic covenant in the identity and legitimacy of Judah's monarchy. The speech also serves as a reminder of the consequences of idolatry and rebellion against God's chosen leaders. Through this narrative, the Chronicler emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the divine support for those who uphold it.