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vain Jeroboam, by a cleverly executed movement, attacked Judah both in front and
rear. The terror excited by finding themselves surrounded only led the people to cry
unto Jehovah (2 Chronicles 13:14), and He was faithful to His promise (Numbers
10:9). The shout of the combatants mingled with the blast of the priests' trumpets, as
Judah rushed to the attack. Israel fled in wild disorder, and a terrible carnage ensued.
The fugitives were followed by the army of Judah, and Abijah recovered from Israel
the border-cities,^244 with the districts around them. In consequence of this victory the
power of Jeroboam was henceforth on the wane, and that of Abijah in the ascendancy.
Not long afterwards Jehovah struck Jeroboam, either suddenly or with lingering
disease, of which he died. He had, however survived his rival, Abijah,^245 for more than
two years.
Abijah was succeeded on the throne of Judah by his son, Asa, probably at the time a
boy of only ten or eleven years.^246 This may in part account for his pious up-bringing,
as, during his minority he would be chiefly under the official guardianship of the High-
priest (comp. 2 Chronicles 22:12).
It also explains how a bold, resolute woman, such as Maachah, could still retain her
official position as Gevirah, or "queen-mother," until, on attaining majority, the young
king commenced his religious reformation. During the first ten years of Asa's reign the
land had rest (2 Chronicles 14:1). While devoutly acknowledging the goodness of God
in this, it is easy to understand the outward circumstances by which it was brought
about. The temporary weakness of Egypt, the defeat of Jeroboam, and an alliance
which Abijah seems to have contracted with Syria (2 Chronicles 16:3), as well as
afterwards the rapid succession of rival dynasties in Israel, sufficiently explain it. For,
during his long reign of forty-one years, Asa saw no fewer than seven kings ascend the
throne of Israel.^247
The first work which Asa took in hand was a thorough religious reformation; his next,
the strengthening of the defenses of the country. For this the temporary state of security
prevailing offered a happy opportunity - "the land" being "still before them" - open and
free from every enemy, though it was not difficult to foresee that such would not long
be the case. And, as king and people owned that this time of rest had been granted them
by Jehovah, so their preparations^248 against future attacks were carried on in
dependence upon Him. The period of trial came only too soon.
An almost countless^249 Egyptian host, under the leadership of Zerah,^250 the Ethiopian,
swarmed into Judah. Advancing by the southwest, through the border of the Philistines,
who, no doubt, made common cause with the Egyptians (2 Chronicles 14:14), they
appeared before Mareshah (comp. Joshua 15:44).
(^)