Translations
Modern
Abijah went into battle with an army of 400,000 chosen men, while Jeroboam drew up in formation against him with 800,000 chosen and mighty men of valor.
Traditional
And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour.
Literal
And Abijah directed the battle with an army of mighty men of war, four hundred thousand choice men, and Jeroboam drew up against him in battle with eight hundred thousand choice men, mighty men of valor.
Latin
Cumque iniisset Abia certamen, et haberet bellicosissimos viros, et electorum quadringenta millia: Jeroboam instruxit econtra aciem octingenta millia virorum, qui et ipsi electi erant, et ad bella fortissimi.
Original
Hebrew
English
Abijah went into battle with an army of 400,000 chosen men, while Jeroboam drew up in formation against him with 800,000 chosen and mighty men of valor.
Notes
The conflict between Rehoboam and Jeroboam (see 2 Chronicles 12:15) continued into Abijah's reign. Abijah might have tried to reunite the north and south, as suggested by his speech (2 Chronicles 13:5–12). The large number of soldiers on each side is similar to David’s census (2 Samuel 24:9). Israel's larger army highlights God's help for Judah (2 Chronicles 13:14–19).
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
People
Abijah: King of Judah, son of Rehoboam Jeroboam: First king of the northern kingdom of Israel
Glossary
Abijah Abijam Chronicles, Books of First and Second Genealogy Jehoram Jeroboam
Topics
Kings: Who Reigned Over Judah: Abijam or Abijah War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In