Scripture
By Prophetess Lecha Price
Lesson Text: II Chronicles 13:3-18
Related Scriptures: I Kings 15:1-2, 6-8; Numbers 10:8-10; Psalm 22:1-5
The related scriptures today give us a background of our lesson. I Kings 15:1-2 and 6-8 tells us that Abijam (Abijah) was the grandson of King Solomon. He reigned over Judah for three years and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as the heart of David. Nevertheless, for David’s sake did the Lord his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem. And, there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.
Numbers 10:8-10 reminds us of the instructions given unto Moses to establish the covenant of the trumpets. “And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall below an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the Lord you God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.” It was this covenant promise Abijah declared in battle with Rehoboam and the Lord struck their enemies.
Psalm 22:1-5 is a Messianic Psalm of David that Judah remembered in the time of war. “They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.”
In our lesson, we see Abijah’s challenge to King Jeroboam reminds us that God is all-powerful and faithful to keep His promises. When we stand with Him in faith, we have nothing to fear, even if it seems we are standing alone.
Synopsis
By Elder Janice Hall
This week’s lesson focuses on King Abijah of Judah, who was left to deal with Jeroboam, after the death of his father Rehoboam. It is noted that he “ walked in all the sins of his father”(1 Kings 15:3 ). This passage wanted to show despite being an evil leader, Abijah was still under God’s covenant and would fulfill God’s purpose. Jeroboam built the golden calves, which became symbols of his wickedness. He ordained as a priest, anyone who showed up with an offering.
The kingdom over Israel was given to David and his descendants on a conditional basis.They must remain faithful to God, but the people had broken covenant with God. The covenant of “salt” was to show its preserving factor. King Abijah confessed a national commitment to pure worship and thus had confidence in God’s favor in battle. He was merely stating that those who are not with God are against Him.
While King Abijah was speaking, Jeroboam was creating an ambush before the battle. Despite being greatly outnumbered, the children of Judah prevailed. The army of Judah gave out a shout(cry) to the Lord, and God intervened. This was not because He favored Judah over Israel, but because they trusted in Him. The children of Judah prevailed because they relied on the Lord God of their fathers.
Practical Application
By Sister Brittenne Boykin
We see in today’s lesson Solomon’s grandson Abijah standing up against the idolatry of King Jeroboam. God gives Abijah the boldness to stand for what is right and declares God as Judah’s leader not the idols of Jeroboam. The lesson reminds us that God stands with and fights for those he calls to stand for righteousness. We are truly His hands and feet in the Earth.
We can take heart that God honors his covenant. When we stand against injustice and wrong in our world, God does not leave us. He is with us and He is mighty in battle. Abijah confronted idolatry and injustice head on and God backed him. We can be assured that when we honor God and uphold his standards that He will turn the tables in our favor for His namesake.
