2 Chronicles 13:11

“And they burn unto the LORD every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense: the shewbread also set they in order upon the pure table; and the candlestick of gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of the LORD our God; but ye have forsaken him.”

This verse is part of a speech delivered by Abijah, the son of Rehoboam and grandson of Solomon, when he confronted Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The context of this verse is a battle between the kingdom of Judah, under Abijah’s leadership, and the kingdom of Israel.

Let’s break down the verse and examine its key elements:

Burnt sacrifices and sweet incense:The people of Judah were faithfully offering burnt sacrifices and sweet incense to the Lord every morning and evening. These offerings were an important part of the religious practices prescribed in the Mosaic Law. The burnt sacrifices involved the complete burning of animals on the altar as an act of worship and atonement for sin, while the sweet incense symbolised prayers ascending to God.

The shewbread:The shewbread refers to the twelve loaves of bread that were placed on a table in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. This bread was replaced weekly, and the old bread was eaten by the priests. It symbolised the provision of God and the fellowship between God and His people.

The candlestick of gold:This refers to the golden lampstand with its seven lamps, which was also placed in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The priests were responsible for keeping the lamps burning continuously to provide light in the Holy Place. The lampstand symbolises God’s presence and guidance.

We keep the charge of the LORD our God:Abijah asserts that the kingdom of Judah faithfully followed the commandments and responsibilities given by the Lord. They were committed to observing the rituals and maintaining the proper order in the worship of God.

But ye have forsaken him:Abijah accuses the kingdom of Israel, led by Jeroboam, of forsaking the Lord. This is a critique of the religious practices introduced by Jeroboam, who established golden calves as objects of worship in the northern kingdom instead of the true worship of God in Jerusalem. Abijah argues that the kingdom of Israel had abandoned the true faith and the proper worship of God.

In this verse, Abijah highlights the faithfulness of the kingdom of Judah in observing the prescribed rituals and maintaining the proper order of worship. He contrasts this with the actions of the kingdom of Israel, accusing them of forsaking the Lord by instituting idolatrous practices. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of faithful obedience to God’s commandments and the dangers of turning away from Him.