9. But you have chased away the priests of the lord (the descendants of Aaron) and the Levites, and you have appointed your own priests, just like the pagan nations. You let anyone become a priest these days! Whoever comes to be dedicated with a young bull and seven rams can become a priest of these so-called gods of yours!
10. “But as for us, the lord is our God, and we have not abandoned him. Only the descendants of Aaron serve the lord as priests, and the Levites alone may help them in their work.
11. They present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the lord every morning and evening. They place the Bread of the Presence on the holy table, and they light the gold lampstand every evening. We are following the instructions of the lord our God, but you have abandoned him.
12. So you see, God is with us. He is our leader. His priests blow their trumpets and lead us into battle against you. O people of Israel, do not fight against the lord, the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed!”
13. Meanwhile, Jeroboam had secretly sent part of his army around behind the men of Judah to ambush them.
14. When Judah realized that they were being attacked from the front and the rear, they cried out to the lord for help. Then the priests blew the trumpets,
15. and the men of Judah began to shout. At the sound of their battle cry, God defeated Jeroboam and all Israel and routed them before Abijah and the army of Judah.
16. The Israelite army fled from Judah, and God handed them over to Judah in defeat.