1 Kings 15:1-8

GOD’S WORD Translation

King Abijam of Judah^(A)

15 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jeroboam (Nebat’s son), Abijam began to rule Judah. ² He ruled for three years in Jerusalem. His mother was named Maacah, daughter of Abishalom. ³ He followed the sinful example his father had set and wasn’t committed to the Lord his God as his ancestor David had been. ⁴ But for David’s sake the Lord his God made Abijam a lamp in Jerusalem. He appointed David’s descendant to rule after him and protected Jerusalem. ⁵ The Lord did this because David did what the Lord considered right: David never failed to do anything the Lord commanded him to do his entire life (except in the matter concerning Uriah the Hittite).

⁶ There was war between Abijam ^[a] and Rehoboam throughout their lives.

⁷ Isn’t everything else about Abijam—everything he did—written in the official records of the kings of Judah? There was war between Abijam and Jeroboam. ⁸ Abijam lay down in death with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David. His son Asa succeeded him as king.