מלכים א, פרק ט״ו, פסוק ז׳

The division of the kingdom brought a harsh new reality of continuous military conflict, completely replacing the peace that had defined previous generations. The historical record of Abijam’s time as king in Jerusalem encompasses everything he accomplished during his rule [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, his reign was heavily defined by relentless warfare. The conflict between him and Jeroboam was not a single, isolated battle, but rather a series of repeated raids and constant attacks along the border [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Throughout his entire time on the throne, Abijam never ceased fighting his rival [מצודת דוד].

This ongoing clash eventually escalated to massive proportions. As noted in the Book of Chronicles, a severe war broke out between the two factions, resulting in the staggering loss of half a million men from Israel.

Abijam’s military capability was deeply influenced by his upbringing, which stood in sharp contrast to that of his father, Rehoboam. Rehoboam was raised during the peaceful and luxurious era of King Solomon. Because of this sheltered background, he was considered soft and lacked a practical understanding of warfare. Abijam, on the other hand, grew up immersed in a world of constant friction. He personally witnessed the wars his father fought against Jeroboam. This difficult life experience forged him into a mature, hardened, and seasoned military leader by the time he took the throne [רלב״ג].