Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 13:16-17 (New Living Translation)

16 The Israelite army fled from Judah, and God handed them over to Judah in defeat. 17 Abijah and his army inflicted heavy losses on them; 500,000 of Israel’s select troops were killed that day.

In one of the battles between the tribes of Judah and the tribes of Israel, the army of Judah killed half-a-million men from Israel.

Half-a-million killed in one battle on one day. Did that ever happen again anywhere in the history of man?

I wonder why this happened. How did Jehovah allow such a slaughter? I can come back with a, “Well, you know, God was punishing Israel for its sins.” Okay, sure, but half-a-million killed? Punishment is one thing, but a slaughter of a nation? There are times when I don’t understand God, but I am not supposed to.