Abijah’s Evil Reign in Judah
January 15, 2021
Commentary
Abijah, Rehoboam’s son and David’s grandson, succeeded his father to the throne of Judah (v. 1). He reigned for a period of three years in Jerusalem and he walked in the sins of hia father (vv. 2-3). This began near the end of Jeroboam’s reign in Israel. Because of David, who did right in the eyes of the Lord (except for his sin with Bathsheba and the coverup with Uriah), and not because of Abijah’s own character, He poured out His blessing on Judah (vv. 4-5). From all indications his reign was not one of outright apostasy but rather one of creeping compromise. Abijah did not abandon the Lord but tolerated idolatry.
The war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continued throughout Abijah’s lifetime (vv. 6-7). Abijah’s military forces won a decisive victory over those of Jeroboam because Judah called upon the Lord. It would appear that Abijah was approximately 40 years of age when he died which meant that he was at the height of manhood. All of the time he was ruling, the kingdom of Judah was slipping. All of the sins of Rehoboam were still tolerated during Abijam’s rule. The importance of one’s affections is emphasized by the reference to Abijah’s heart. He evidently said one thing but lived another when it came to idolatry. The rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that he did , are written in the books of the Chronicles and of the Kings. The death of Abijam opened the way for Asa to take over the throne (v. 8).
Application
More important than what I accumulate in this life or in the life to come is the presence of God in the land and just being in His presence.
Ezekiel 47:13– 23 (NET)
13 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Here are the borders you will observe as you allot the land to the twelve tribes of Israel. (Joseph will have two portions.) 14 You must divide it equally just as I vowed to give it to your forefathers; this land will be assigned as your inheritance.
15 “This will be the border of the land: On the north side, from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon to the entrance of Zedad; 16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath, as far as Hazer Hattikon, which is on the border of Hauran. 17 The border will run from the sea to Hazar Enan, at the border of Damascus, and on the north is the border of Hamath. This is the north side. 18 On the east side, between Hauran and Damascus, and between Gilead and the land of Israel, will be the Jordan. You will measure from the border to the eastern sea. This is the east side. 19 On the south side it will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribah Kadesh, the river, to the Great Sea. This is the south side. 20 On the west side the Great Sea will be the boundary to a point opposite Lebo Hamath. This is the west side.
21 “This is how you will divide this land for yourselves among the tribes of Israel. 22 You must allot it as an inheritance among yourselves and for the resident foreigners who live among you, who have fathered sons among you. You must treat them as native-born among the people of Israel; they will be allotted an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. 23 In whatever tribe the resident foreigner lives, there you will give him his inheritance,” declares the Sovereign Lord.
Illustration: James Dobson Children Need Boundaries
Dr. James Dobson reports the findings of an interesting study done on school children recently in his film series “Focus on the Family.” A group of educators decided to remove the chain-like fences from around the school playgrounds. They believed the fences promoted feelings of confinement and restraint. The curious thing they noticed, however, that as soon as the fences were removed, the children huddled in the center of the playground to play. Conclusion: Children need boundaries. (Lou Nicholes – Missionary/Author).