1 And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him.
2 And it came to pass, [that] in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD,
3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people [were] without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.
4 And he took the fenced cities which [pertained] to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.
5 Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and [to] the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.
6 Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD [is] righteous.
7 And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; [therefore] I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.
8 Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.
9 So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king’s house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made.
10 Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed [them] to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king’s house.
11 And when the king entered into the house of the LORD, the guard came and fetched them, and brought them again into the guard chamber.
12 And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy [him] altogether: and also in Judah things went well.
13 So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam [was] one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess.
14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.
15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, [are] they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And [there were] wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.
16 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead.
Overview of 2 Chronicles Chapter 12
2 Chronicles Chapter 12 narrates a significant period in the history of the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Rehoboam. This chapter highlights the consequences of Rehoboam’s unfaithfulness to God, the invasion by Shishak, the king of Egypt, and the eventual repentance of the people of Judah.
Key Themes
- Disobedience and Consequences: The chapter illustrates how Rehoboam’s failure to adhere to God’s commandments leads to dire consequences for Judah.
- Divine Judgment: The invasion by Shishak is portrayed as a form of divine judgment against the people for their unfaithfulness.
- Repentance and Mercy: Despite their disobedience, the chapter emphasizes God’s mercy when the people humble themselves and repent.
Summary of Events
- Rehoboam’s Reign and Apostasy (Verses 1-4):
After establishing his rule, Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah forsake the law of the Lord. This disobedience leads to their vulnerability, prompting Shishak to invade Judah.
- Shishak’s Invasion (Verses 5-9):
The prophet Shemaiah delivers a message from God, warning Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah about the impending invasion. They are told that their punishment is a direct result of their abandonment of God.
- Judah’s Repentance (Verses 10-12):
Upon hearing the prophecy, Rehoboam and the leaders humble themselves, acknowledging their sin. God responds with mercy, promising that they will not be completely destroyed but will become servants to Shishak.
- Shishak’s Plunder (Verses 13-14):
Shishak invades Jerusalem, taking away treasures from the temple and the royal palace. Rehoboam’s failure to seek God’s guidance is highlighted, as he acts foolishly in the face of adversity.
- Rehoboam’s Later Reign (Verses 15-16):
The chapter concludes with a brief overview of Rehoboam’s reign, noting his continued efforts to strengthen the kingdom despite his earlier failures. It also mentions his death and succession by his son Abijah.
Character Analysis
- Rehoboam:
Rehoboam is depicted as a leader who initially lacks wisdom and faithfulness to God. His decisions lead to the downfall of his kingdom, but he shows signs of humility and repentance when confronted by the prophet.
- Shishak:
Shishak represents the external threat to Judah, acting as an instrument of God’s judgment. His successful invasion underscores the consequences of Rehoboam’s unfaithfulness.
- Shemaiah:
The prophet Shemaiah serves as a messenger of God, warning Rehoboam and the people of the consequences of their actions. His role emphasizes the importance of divine communication and guidance.
Lessons and Reflections
- The Importance of Faithfulness: The chapter serves as a reminder that faithfulness to God is crucial for the well-being of individuals and nations.
- Consequences of Sin: It highlights the reality that disobedience to God can lead to severe consequences, both personally and collectively.
- God’s Mercy: The willingness of God to show mercy upon repentance illustrates His character as forgiving and compassionate, even in the face of rebellion.
Conclusion
2 Chronicles Chapter 12 offers a poignant narrative about the consequences of turning away from God, the importance of humility and repentance, and the enduring nature of divine mercy. It serves as a historical account with timeless lessons applicable to both individual lives and broader societal contexts.
