2 Chronicles 13:11 – “Every morning and evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the Lord. They set out the bread on the ceremonially clean table and light the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening. We are observing the requirements of the Lord our God. But you have forsaken him.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, King Abijah of Judah continues his speech, explaining how his kingdom has remained faithful to God’s commandments in contrast to the northern kingdom of Israel, led by Jeroboam, which had forsaken the Lord. Abijah highlights specific acts of worship, including offering burnt sacrifices, lighting the lamps on the golden lampstand, and presenting the bread on the ceremonial table. These practices were part of the temple worship that God had commanded in the Law of Moses.
Abijah’s point is clear: Judah continues to follow God’s instructions for worship, while Israel has abandoned these commandments by setting up false gods and creating their own religious practices. By maintaining these daily rituals, Judah is showing their obedience to God and their dedication to preserving the true worship He established.
Historical Context
At this time, the kingdom of Israel was divided into two: the northern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Jeroboam, and the southern kingdom of Judah, ruled by Abijah. The division occurred after Solomon’s reign, largely due to political and spiritual reasons. Jeroboam, who ruled the northern tribes, introduced idol worship to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem, where the temple was located, for worship. This idolatry involved setting up golden calves and appointing priests who were not from the tribe of Levi, directly violating God’s commands.
In contrast, Judah, under Abijah’s leadership, maintained the worship practices as outlined in the Law of Moses, including the sacrifices, the lighting of lamps, and the presentation of the bread of the Presence. These daily rituals were part of the temple system God had established to ensure that His people remained close to Him through obedience and worship. Abijah’s declaration was a reminder to Israel that they had strayed far from the true worship of God, while Judah remained faithful.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the importance of faithful, obedient worship as God has prescribed. Abijah contrasts Judah’s observance of God’s commandments with Israel’s rebellion. The daily sacrifices, the lighting of lamps, and the bread on the table were all acts of obedience, not just religious rituals. They demonstrated that Judah’s heart was still aligned with God’s covenant and His requirements.
Theologically, the verse also highlights the danger of abandoning true worship. Jeroboam and the northern kingdom had forsaken God by creating their own worship system, replacing true devotion with idolatry. Abijah’s speech is a reminder that worship isn’t something we create on our own terms—it must be grounded in what God has revealed. Faithfulness to God’s instructions is central to a right relationship with Him.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a larger speech where Abijah is making a case for the legitimacy of Judah’s rule and their continued faithfulness to God. The specific details—burnt offerings, incense, the bread on the table, and the lamps—are all elements of temple worship described in the Old Testament, particularly in Leviticus and Exodus.
These details serve to reinforce Judah’s claim to true worship, painting a picture of a people who are diligently following God’s instructions. The verse uses contrast: Judah is faithfully observing God’s requirements, while Israel has “forsaken him.” This sharp contrast is meant to emphasize the gravity of Israel’s rebellion and the righteousness of Judah’s actions.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 29:38-42 – Instructions about daily burnt offerings, which Abijah refers to in his speech as part of Judah’s worship practice.
- Leviticus 24:1-4 – Commandments regarding the lighting of the lamps in the tabernacle, another ritual mentioned by Abijah to show Judah’s faithfulness.
- Exodus 25:30 – The command to place the bread of the Presence on the table before the Lord, a practice continued by Judah but abandoned by Israel under Jeroboam.
- Numbers 28:1-8 – Further detailed instructions on the daily offerings, emphasizing their importance in maintaining the covenant relationship with God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder that true worship is not about convenience or personal preference—it’s about obedience to God. Just as Judah followed God’s instructions for worship, we are called to follow the teachings and commands that God has given us through His Word. Worshiping God rightly means aligning ourselves with what He has revealed, not creating our own systems or practices that stray from His truth.
This verse also challenges us to examine our own faithfulness. Are we faithfully living out the teachings of Christ in our daily lives, just as Judah faithfully carried out the daily rituals of temple worship? While the rituals may look different today, the heart of worship—faithful obedience to God—remains the same.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is reflected in this verse through His desire for His people to remain close to Him by following His commands. He doesn’t give His people arbitrary rules but rather gives them practices that draw them into a deeper relationship with Him. The daily sacrifices and rituals were ways for the people to be reminded of God’s presence and their need for Him.
Even though Israel had forsaken God, Judah’s continued obedience shows that God’s love and His covenant promises endure. God’s love is patient, and He continues to call His people back to true worship, even when they have gone astray. Abijah’s emphasis on Judah’s faithfulness demonstrates that God honors and blesses those who remain committed to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in several ways. First, the daily sacrifices and offerings in the temple point to the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. The burnt offerings and the rituals of the Old Testament were temporary, but they foreshadowed the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, which brings us into a lasting relationship with God.
Jesus is also the fulfillment of the temple rituals mentioned in this verse. He is the light of the world (as symbolized by the lighting of the lamps), the bread of life (as symbolized by the bread on the table), and the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world.” And in John 6:35, He says, “I am the bread of life.” These statements show how Jesus fulfills the practices that Abijah described, pointing us toward a greater understanding of God’s plan for redemption through Christ.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge us to examine our own worship practices? Are we faithfully following God’s instructions, or have we allowed our own preferences to take over?
- In what ways can we stay faithful to God in a world that often promotes alternative values and systems of belief?
- How do the daily rituals described in this verse point us toward the sacrifice of Jesus and the fulfillment of Old Testament worship in Him?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of obedience in our relationship with God?
- How can we live out faithful worship in our everyday lives, beyond just Sunday services?
This verse is a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God’s Word is essential in our walk with Him. Through Jesus, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that He has fulfilled the requirements of the Law and brought us into a new covenant of grace. However, we are still called to live faithfully, obeying His commands and worshiping Him in spirit and truth.