2 chronicles 13:11 - and they burn to Yahweh every morning and every evening burnt offerings and sweet incense. They also set the show bread in order on the pure table; and the lamp stand of gold with its lamps, to burn every evening; for we keep the instruction of Yahweh our God, but you have forsaken him.
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What does "2 chronicles 13:11" mean?
This verse, 2 Chronicles 13:11, is part of a speech given by Abijah, King of Judah, before engaging in battle with Jeroboam, King of Israel. Abijah is trying to justify Judah's position and rally his troops by highlighting what he sees as their righteousness and Israel's apostasy. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"And they burn to Yahweh every morning and every evening burnt offerings and sweet incense..." This refers to the daily rituals performed in the Temple in Jerusalem. The "burnt offerings" were sacrifices where animals were completely burned as an atonement for sins. "Sweet incense" was burned as a fragrant offering to God, symbolizing prayer rising to Him. This indicates that Judah is keeping up the practices prescribed in the Law of Moses.
"...They also set the show bread in order on the pure table;..." "Show bread" (also known as the bread of the presence) consisted of twelve loaves placed on a special table in the Holy Place of the Temple. These loaves were replaced weekly, symbolizing God's provision for the twelve tribes of Israel.
"...and the lamp stand of gold with its lamps, to burn every evening;..." The golden lampstand (Menorah) with its seven lamps was kept burning continually in the Temple. This symbolized God's light and presence.
"...for we keep the instruction of Yahweh our God, but you have forsaken him." This is the crux of Abijah's argument. He claims that Judah is faithful to God's commands (the "instruction of Yahweh") and is performing the proper rituals as prescribed. In contrast, he accuses Israel, under Jeroboam's leadership, of abandoning Yahweh and worshipping idols.
Meaning and Context:
Justification for War: Abijah uses the religious practices of Judah as justification for war against Israel. He paints Judah as the righteous remnant, upholding the true worship of Yahweh, while Israel is depicted as apostate and deserving of punishment.
Legitimacy of Rule: By emphasizing Judah's faithfulness to the Temple rituals, Abijah is also asserting the legitimacy of his rule as king of Judah. He is presenting himself as a righteous leader who is committed to serving God.
Propaganda: It's important to note that the Books of Chronicles were written from a Judean perspective. Abijah's speech may be partially propaganda, designed to demonize Israel and bolster Judah's confidence. While there is evidence that Jeroboam established rival places of worship, it's possible that Abijah's portrayal is exaggerated.
Emphasis on Ritual: The verse highlights the importance of ritual observance in the Judean worldview. Proper worship, according to their understanding, was essential for maintaining God's favor and ensuring the well-being of the nation.
Contrast: The verse is structured around a strong contrast between Judah's supposed faithfulness and Israel's alleged apostasy. This contrast is intended to highlight the righteousness of Judah and justify their actions.
In summary, 2 Chronicles 13:11 is part of Abijah's speech that aims to legitimize Judah's war against Israel by claiming that Judah is faithfully adhering to the proper worship of Yahweh while Israel has forsaken Him. It's important to consider the context and potential biases of the passage.
2 chronicles 13:11 - and they burn to Yahweh every morning and every evening burnt offerings and sweet incense. They also set the show bread in order on the pure table; and the lamp stand of gold with its lamps, to burn every evening; for we keep the instruction of Yahweh our God, but you have forsaken him.
What does "2 chronicles 13:11" mean?
This verse, 2 Chronicles 13:11, is part of a speech given by Abijah, King of Judah, before engaging in battle with Jeroboam, King of Israel. Abijah is trying to justify Judah's position and rally his troops by highlighting what he sees as their righteousness and Israel's apostasy. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"And they burn to Yahweh every morning and every evening burnt offerings and sweet incense..." This refers to the daily rituals performed in the Temple in Jerusalem. The "burnt offerings" were sacrifices where animals were completely burned as an atonement for sins. "Sweet incense" was burned as a fragrant offering to God, symbolizing prayer rising to Him. This indicates that Judah is keeping up the practices prescribed in the Law of Moses.
"...They also set the show bread in order on the pure table;..." "Show bread" (also known as the bread of the presence) consisted of twelve loaves placed on a special table in the Holy Place of the Temple. These loaves were replaced weekly, symbolizing God's provision for the twelve tribes of Israel.
"...and the lamp stand of gold with its lamps, to burn every evening;..." The golden lampstand (Menorah) with its seven lamps was kept burning continually in the Temple. This symbolized God's light and presence.
"...for we keep the instruction of Yahweh our God, but you have forsaken him." This is the crux of Abijah's argument. He claims that Judah is faithful to God's commands (the "instruction of Yahweh") and is performing the proper rituals as prescribed. In contrast, he accuses Israel, under Jeroboam's leadership, of abandoning Yahweh and worshipping idols.
Meaning and Context:
Justification for War: Abijah uses the religious practices of Judah as justification for war against Israel. He paints Judah as the righteous remnant, upholding the true worship of Yahweh, while Israel is depicted as apostate and deserving of punishment.
Legitimacy of Rule: By emphasizing Judah's faithfulness to the Temple rituals, Abijah is also asserting the legitimacy of his rule as king of Judah. He is presenting himself as a righteous leader who is committed to serving God.
Propaganda: It's important to note that the Books of Chronicles were written from a Judean perspective. Abijah's speech may be partially propaganda, designed to demonize Israel and bolster Judah's confidence. While there is evidence that Jeroboam established rival places of worship, it's possible that Abijah's portrayal is exaggerated.
Emphasis on Ritual: The verse highlights the importance of ritual observance in the Judean worldview. Proper worship, according to their understanding, was essential for maintaining God's favor and ensuring the well-being of the nation.
Contrast: The verse is structured around a strong contrast between Judah's supposed faithfulness and Israel's alleged apostasy. This contrast is intended to highlight the righteousness of Judah and justify their actions.
In summary, 2 Chronicles 13:11 is part of Abijah's speech that aims to legitimize Judah's war against Israel by claiming that Judah is faithfully adhering to the proper worship of Yahweh while Israel has forsaken Him. It's important to consider the context and potential biases of the passage.