And now ye think. — Literally, say, i.e., in your hearts (2 Chronicles 2:1).
To withstand the kingdom. — Literally, to show yourselves strong before the kingdom, as in last verse.
In (through) the hand of the sons of David. — The meaning is, the kingdom which Jehovah holds by the instrumentality of the house of David, as His earthly representatives. (Comp. Vulg., “regno Domini quod possidet per filios David.” (See 1 Chronicles 29:23).
And there are with you golden calves. — And therefore you believe yourselves assured of Divine aid, in addition to the strength of numbers. But your trust is delusive, for Jeroboam made the objects of your fond idolatry (see Isaiah 44:9-17); and you have superseded the only lawful worship of Jehovah (2 Chronicles 13:9).