2 Chr 13: 1- 12

During the three years that marked Abijah's reign after his father Rehoboam died was to defend what was his. The crux of Abijah's rule was the war with Jeroboam and the components were massive. He had 400,000 men and Rehoboam had 800,000. What was interesting was the speech that he gave to his troops and to the armies of Israel. He uses the fact that the kingdom of the nation was to come from the lineage of David and berated the Israelites for their false gods and stating that Judah was going to be blessed being on God's side. He pointed to their idol worship and how they drove the lineage of Aaron away. He makes himself and Judah to be holier than holy when in reality they have fallen short of His glory as well. He pleaded with the Israelites not to fight against the Lord since they will not succeed. He would be right but for the wrong reasons - it would be solely on the promise to David by the Lord that would bring them victory.

Per the commentary: The LORD is our God. Judah has no other gods. Judah has remained loyal to the LORD. Still the priests and the Levites carry out their duties in the temple. They and the people in Judah do what the LORD had told them to do. But the people in Israel (the northern kingdom) have turned away from the LORD. This is Abijah’s opinion. But Judah had not been loyal to the LORD in the past. Abijah himself was quite as bad as his father had been (1 Kings 15:3). He was not as loyal to the LORD as he pretended. The two kingdoms were in the plan of God (1 Kings 11:31). So, Abijah used these arguments about religion for his own political purposes. But as the northern kingdom had turned from the LORD, his argument was good.

Yesterday was marked with disappointing news, praying for GG and his outlook. Glad to hear that he is ok after last night's shooting at a movie theater close to him. Also for Hei, who has to delay her vacation due to legal issues - praying that she will rejoin the troops soon. Prayers also for a co-worker who is  looking to pass her licensing exam today. Glad to hear about the rain, but it stinks since it will jam up my ride home.

Praise for today: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10