Chapter Summary

War between Abijah and Jeroboam. Death of Jeroboam.

Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles, Chapter 13

1. In verse 2, it is mentioned that Asa did what was "good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God." What were some of the specific actions or reforms that Asa implemented to be considered a good and righteous king? How do the actions of King Asa demonstrate the importance of strong leadership and a willingness to uphold God's commands, even when it involves making difficult decisions within one's own family?
2. What can we learn from Abijah's speech about the importance of staying true to God's covenant and commands?
3. How can we apply the principles of Abijah's appeal to our lives today? In what ways can we stand firm in our faith and trust in God's promises?
4. What does this chapter teach us about God's faithfulness to His covenant and His protection of His people? How does this provide comfort and assurance to us?
5. Compare the spiritual condition of Judah under Abijah's leadership with the spiritual condition of the Northern Kingdom under Jeroboam's rule. What were the key differences in their approaches to worship and obedience to God? How do the differing approaches to worship and spiritual leadership between Abijah and Jeroboam illustrate the impact of leadership decisions on the spiritual climate of a nation or community?
6. How can we actively seek God's intervention and guidance in times of conflict or difficulty, just as Abijah did when facing the threat from the Northern Kingdom of Israel? How can we trust in God's deliverance and stand firm in our faith during challenging circumstances in our lives?
7. In this chapter, what was the reason for the conflict between Abijah and Jeroboam? How did Abijah appeal to the Northern Kingdom of Israel? How does the confrontation between Abijah and Jeroboam highlight the significance of religious identity and the potential consequences of straying from established worship practices?
8. What challenges did Abijah and his people face in their battle against Jeroboam and the Northern Kingdom? How did they rely on God's strength to overcome those obstacles? How does the account of Abijah's reliance on God's strength in the face of overwhelming odds serve as a timeless example of the importance of faith and trust in difficult situations, and how can we apply this principle to modern challenges we encounter?
9. In this chapter, what specific reasons did Abijah present to the Northern Kingdom of Israel to encourage them to return to God's covenant and reunite with Judah? How did he appeal to their shared history and heritage? How does Abijah's appeal to shared heritage and religious practices illustrate the role of history and tradition in shaping religious identities and influencing decisions for reconciliation and unity?
10. According to Abijah's speech, what were the consequences of the Northern Kingdom's rebellion against God and the rightful line of David? How did Abijah use historical examples to illustrate the importance of remaining faithful to God's chosen leadership? How does Abijah's use of historical examples to convey the dangers of deviating from God's chosen path resonate with broader themes of accountability, leadership, and the enduring lessons of history in shaping religious communities?

Key Words/Phrase

Reliance (on God), v. 18.

Characters

God, Abijah, Jeroboam.

Strong Verse(s)

10, 12.