Do you not knowThis phrase serves as a rhetorical question, emphasizing the importance of the knowledge being imparted. It suggests that the information should be common knowledge among the people, highlighting its foundational nature in Israel's history and identity.
that the LORD, the God of Israel,
This identifies the LORD as the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His sovereignty and the special relationship He has with the nation. It underscores the divine authority behind the statement, reminding the audience of God's past actions and promises to Israel.
has given the kingship of Israel
This refers to the divine right and authority bestowed upon David and his lineage. The kingship is not a human institution but a divine appointment, highlighting the theocratic nature of Israel's monarchy. It reflects God's choice and His active role in establishing leadership.
to David and his descendants
This phrase points to the Davidic Covenant, where God promised David that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). It underscores the legitimacy of David's line and the expectation of a future ruler from his lineage, which Christians see fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
forever
The term "forever" indicates the eternal nature of God's promise. It suggests a perpetual dynasty, which is ultimately fulfilled in the eternal reign of Christ, a descendant of David, as prophesied inIsaiah 9:7 and affirmed in the New Testament (Luke 1:32-33).
by a covenant of salt?
A "covenant of salt" signifies a binding and enduring agreement. Salt was a symbol of preservation and permanence in ancient Near Eastern cultures. This covenant underscores the unbreakable and lasting nature of God's promise to David, reflecting the seriousness and sacredness of divine covenants.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who establishes and maintains His promises.
2.
IsraelThe nation chosen by God, consisting of the twelve tribes, with a special focus on the united kingdom under David.
3.
DavidThe second king of Israel, chosen by God, whose lineage was promised the eternal kingship.
4.
Descendants of DavidThe royal lineage through which God promised to establish His kingdom, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
5.
Covenant of SaltA binding and enduring agreement, symbolizing preservation and permanence, often used in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
Teaching Points
The Faithfulness of GodGod's promises are unchanging and reliable. The "covenant of salt" signifies the enduring nature of His commitments. Believers can trust in God's faithfulness in their own lives.
The Davidic CovenantUnderstanding the significance of God's promise to David helps us see the continuity of God's plan throughout Scripture, culminating in Jesus Christ, the eternal King.
The Role of Jesus as KingJesus, as the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, reigns as the eternal King. Believers are called to submit to His authority and live under His lordship.
Symbolism of Salt in CovenantsSalt, as a preservative, symbolizes the lasting nature of God's promises. Christians are called to be "the salt of the earth," preserving and promoting God's truth in the world.
The Importance of Covenant RelationshipsJust as God is faithful to His covenants, believers are encouraged to honor their commitments and relationships, reflecting God's character in their interactions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 13:5?
2.How does 2 Chronicles 13:5 emphasize God's covenant with David's lineage?
3.What role does the "covenant of salt" play in biblical promises?
4.How can we trust God's promises like those in 2 Chronicles 13:5?
5.What other scriptures highlight God's faithfulness to His covenants?
6.How should God's covenant with David influence our daily faith walk?
7.What does 2 Chronicles 13:5 reveal about God's covenant with David's descendants?
8.How does 2 Chronicles 13:5 support the concept of divine right to rule?
9.Why is the salt covenant significant in 2 Chronicles 13:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 13?
11.2 Chronicles 13 compared with 1 Kings 15:3 – Why does Abijah appear more faithful in Chronicles than in Kings, and what might explain this seeming discrepancy?
12.When did David bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem? Before defeating the Philistines or after? After (2 Samuel 5 and 6) Before (I Chronicles 13 and 14)
13.2 Chronicles 13:17 – Does the claim of 500,000 casualties suggest an exaggerated or symbolic figure rather than literal history?
14.What does "seasoned with salt" mean?What Does 2 Chronicles 13:5 Mean
Do you not know“Do you not know…” (2 Chronicles 13:5) sounds like a gentle rebuke. Abijah, king of Judah, is reminding Jeroboam’s northern army of a truth they once embraced.
• The wording assumes the fact is settled and publicly acknowledged (cf.Romans 6:16;1 Corinthians 6:19).
• Abijah’s aim is to call his rivals back to what God already revealed, not to negotiate new terms.
that the LORD, the God of IsraelBy naming “the LORD, the God of Israel,” Abijah appeals to the covenant name Yahweh, the One who delivered Israel from Egypt and established them in the land (Exodus 3:14–15;Deuteronomy 5:6).
• He reminds them they are all accountable to the same sovereign, regardless of political break-up.
• The split kingdom has not changed God’s identity or authority (Malachi 3:6;James 1:17).
has given the kingship of Israel“Has given” highlights a past, decisive act of God. Kingship is not seized; it is bestowed (1 Samuel 16:1, 12–13;Psalm 75:6–7).
• Abijah stresses divine grant over human choice.
• Any attempt to overturn that grant is rebellion against God Himself (Numbers 16:1-3, 30).
to David and his descendants foreverThe promise is perpetual: “forever.” God selected David, then bound the throne to David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-16;Psalm 89:3-4, 35-37).
• Even exile could not annul this word; it ultimately points to the Messiah, Jesus, the Son of David (Luke 1:32-33;Acts 2:30-36).
• Abijah’s confidence rests on that unbroken line, not on Judah’s military strength.
by a covenant of saltIn Scripture, salt speaks of permanence and preservation. A “covenant of salt” underscores durability (Leviticus 2:13;Numbers 18:19).
• Salt resists decay; likewise God’s covenant with David will not spoil or fade.
• The phrase reassures God’s people that His promises remain intact through every season (Hebrews 6:17-18).
summary2 Chronicles 13:5 affirms that the LORD made an unchangeable, enduring covenant with David, granting his lineage the throne of Israel forever. Abijah’s call—“Do you not know?”—reminds God’s people that security rests not in human schemes but in the faithful, preserving promise of the covenant-making God.
(5)
Ought ye not to know.--Literally,
is it not to you to know? A construction characteristic of the chronicler. Abijah contrasts the moral position of his adversaries with his own, asserting (1) that their separate political existence is itself an act of rebellion against Jehovah; (2) that they have abolished the only legitimate form of worship, and established in its place an illegal
cultus and priesthood; whereas (3) he and his people have maintained the orthodox ritual and ministry, and are therefore assured of the divine support.
By a covenant of salt.--As orafter the manner of a covenant of salt, i.e., a firm and unalterable compact (seeNumbers 18:19). According to ancient custom, salt was indispensable at formal meals for the ratification of friendship and alliance; and only a "salt treaty "was held to be secure. Salt therefore accompanied sacrifices, as being, in fact, so many renewals of the covenant between man and God. (Leviticus 2:13;Ezekiel 43:24;Leviticus 24:7 in the LXX.)
The antique phrase, "covenant of salt," is otherwise important, as bearing on the authenticity of this speech.
Verses 5-12. - The idea of Abijah in this religious harangue, addressed or supposed to be addressed to the kingdom of the ten tribes, was good, and the execution was spirited. While, however, he preaches well to others, there are not wanting signs that he can blind himself as to some failure of practice on his own part. The points of the argument running through his harangue are correct, skilfully chosen, and well and religiously thrust home on the heart of his supposed audience. The practical trust of himself and his army are testified to in vers. 14, 15, and abundantly rewarded. This sequel-practical trust is the best credential of the sincerity of his foregoing appeal and harangue.
Verse 5. -
Gave the kingdom... to David for ever. With the thrice-repeated "for ever" of what we call
2 Samuel 7:13-16, and the very emphatic language of the fifteenth verse in that passage, in the memory of Abijah, no one can say he was not justified by the letter and to the letter in what he now says. At the same time, how is it that Abijah does not in all fairness quote the matter of
2 Chronicles 6:16last clause, and of its parallel,
1 Kings 8:25 last clause, and of
Psalm 89:28-37;
Psalm 132:12?
Covenant of salt (see
Leviticus 2:13;
Numbers 18:19;
Ezekiel 43:24;
Mark 9:49). The use of salt was ordered first for the meal offerings, which, consisting mainly of flour, did not need it as an antiseptic; afterwards it was ordered for "all" offerings, including the "burnt offering:" as surely as leaven was proscribed, salt was prescribed (
Leviticus 2:11). "The covenant of salt" meant the imperish-ableness and irrevocableness of the engagement made between the two parties to the covenant The widespread and deeply significant use of it among other and heathen nations is remarkable indeed, and is attested by Pliny ('Hist. Natal 31:41) in forcible words: "Nulla (sacra) conficiuntur sine mola salsa" (Her., 2 Sat. 3:200; Virgil, 'AEn.,' 2:133; Hom., ' Iliad,' 1:449). Some think it a sufficient explanation of the text, "covenant of salt," that, especially in the East, solemn engagements and vows were often recognized and strengthened by hospitalities
, as shown to guests, and of these salt was an indispensable element. It is true that some of the ancient indications and descriptions of friendship and close friendships turned on phrases (similar ones, indeed, still existing) into which the word "salt" entered, but that these phrases arose from the fact that salt was so general a constituent of human food seems insufficient explanation, where we can find one of a more direct and more directly religious, or, as the case might be (
e.g. with heathen sacrifices), superstitious birth. Religion and superstition between them have been the most world-wide, incalculable, and untraceable originators and disseminators of half the possible phrases of human language!
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Do you notהֲלֹ֤א(hă·lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noknowלָדַ֔עַת(lā·ḏa·‘aṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3045:To knowthatכִּ֞י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthe LORD,יְהוָ֣ה ׀(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelthe Godאֱלֹהֵ֣י(’ĕ·lō·hê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeof Israel,יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his deschas givenנָתַ֨ן(nā·ṯan)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setthe kingshipמַמְלָכָ֧ה(mam·lā·ḵāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4467:Kingdom, sovereignty, dominion, reignofעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstIsraelיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descto Davidלְדָוִ֛יד(lə·ḏā·wîḏ)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732:David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesseand his descendantsוּלְבָנָ֖יו(ū·lə·ḇā·nāw)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonforeverלְעוֹלָ֑ם(lə·‘ō·w·lām)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769:Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, alwaysby a covenantבְּרִ֥ית(bə·rîṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1285:A covenantof salt?מֶֽלַח׃(me·laḥ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4417:Powder, salt
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 13:5 Ought you not to know that Yahweh (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
