And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour.
Abijah prepared for battle with an army of brave warriors—400,000 carefully chosen men. Jeroboam also prepared his forces against him with 800,000 chosen men who were mighty and courageous fighters.
This verse shows two kings preparing their massive armies for war, with Jeroboam having twice as many soldiers as Abijah.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place around 913 BC during the civil war between the northern kingdom of Israel (led by Jeroboam) and the southern kingdom of Judah (led by Abijah). The nation had split after Solomon's death, creating ongoing tension and conflict between the two kingdoms. These large numbers reflect the scale of ancient Near Eastern warfare and the significant populations these kingdoms could mobilize.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.