Following Abijah's ascension to the throne in the 18th year of King Jeroboam I of Israel, he marched north with the purpose of winning Israel back to the Davidic kingdom.[13] Jeroboam surrounded Abijah's army, engaging in the battle of Mount Zemaraim.[13] Abijah captured the Israelite cities of Jeshanah, Ephron (et-Taiyibeh) and Bethel.[13]