2 Chronicles 13:14

And when Iudah looked backe, behold, the battel was before and behind; and they cried vnto the Lord, and the Priests sounded with the trumpets. 2 Chronicles 13:14 (KJV)

This verse is part of the account of the battle between Abijah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, king of Israel. In this conflict Abijah was defending Judah against Jeroboam’s attempt to conquer or overrun it.

Historical Context: At this point in history Israel was divided into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel, led by Jeroboam, and the southern kingdom of Judah, ruled by Abijah. Jeroboam had established idolatrous worship in the northern kingdom, leading the people away from the true worship of God.

The Battle Formation: As the battle began, the forces of Jeroboam positioned themselves both before and behind Judah’s troops, surrounding Abijah’s army and creating a situation described in Scripture as “before and behind.” This put Judah at a significant disadvantage, making retreat difficult and testing their resolve.

Crying Out and Shouting for Joy: In their desperate situation the people of Judah cried out to the Lord for help, recognizing their need for divine intervention. At the same time, amid the fighting they shouted for joy, acknowledging that the LORD was with them and that their victory depended on His presence.

The Sounding of the Trumpets: The priests, who led the people in worship and sought God’s guidance, sounded (or blew) the trumpets. In Israel’s history trumpets were used to gather the people, announce important events, and signal God’s presence. By sounding the trumpets the priests invoked God’s presence and underscored their reliance on divine aid during the battle.

Thus the passage highlights both the peril faced by Judah and their steadfast faith, as they turned to the Lord, celebrated His presence, and employed the ancient symbols of worship to call upon divine help.