King Abijam,

King Abijam (also called Abijah) was the son of Rehoboam and the second king of Judah, reigning for three years (circa 913–911 BC) as recorded in 1 Kings 15:1-8 and 2 Chronicles 13.

Abijam’s Background and Short Reign

Abijam ascended to the throne after Rehoboam, inheriting a kingdom weakened by idolatry and political strife. His father’s reign had led to the division of Israel, with Jeroboam ruling the northern kingdom. The biblical account in 1 Kings 15:3 describes Abijam as walking “in all the sins of his father,” suggesting that he perpetuated Rehoboam’s idolatry and failure to lead the people in faithful worship of Yahweh. However, despite his personal unfaithfulness, 1 Kings 15:4-5 emphasizes that God upheld his dynasty “for David’s sake,” reaffirming His covenantal promise to maintain David’s lineage.

God’s Sovereignty and the Covenant with David

From a Reformed perspective, Abijam’s reign illustrates God’s sovereign election and covenantal faithfulness. The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16) assured that David’s lineage would endure, ultimately culminating in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Even though Abijam was personally unfaithful, God’s commitment to His promise did not waver.

Abijam’s War with Jeroboam

A significant event in Abijam’s reign was his battle against King Jeroboam of Israel, recorded in 2 Chronicles 13. Abijam, leading Judah’s smaller army, boldly declared that Judah followed the true line of David and remained loyal to the temple worship, whereas Jeroboam had led Israel into idolatry. Despite his own shortcomings, Abijam’s theological argument was correct—Israel had abandoned God’s ordained worship by establishing golden calves and appointing non-Levitical priests.

Judah’s victory in battle was attributed not to Abijam’s righteousness but to the intervention of God, as 2 Chronicles 13:18 states, “the men of Judah prevailed because they relied on the Lord.” Human merit plays no role in securing God’s blessings—rather, it is God’s faithfulness and sovereign will that determine outcomes.

Abijam’s Legacy and Theological Lessons

Despite this military success, Abijam’s reign did not lead to spiritual reformation in Judah. He failed to remove idolatry, and his brief rule left little lasting impact. His son, Asa, succeeded him and did bring religious reforms, demonstrating that God’s purposes were not dependent on Abijam’s faithfulness but on divine providence.

Theologically, Abijam’s story serves as a reminder that God’s plans move forward despite human sin. His reign also illustrates the contrast between external religious declarations and true faithfulness—while Abijam acknowledged God’s covenant, he did not personally follow Him wholeheartedly.

Ultimately, Abijam’s brief rule underscores God’s sovereign grace, preserving the Davidic line despite human failure, ensuring the eventual coming of Christ—the true and perfect King.