1 When the rule of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him.
2 When Rehoboam humbled himself, the wrath of the Lord turned from him, so as not to make a complete destruction. Moreover, conditions were good in Judah.
3 With 1,200 chariots and 60,000 horsemen. And the people were without number who came with him from Egypt—the Libyans, Sukkiim, and Ethiopians.
4 And he took the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.
5 Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and to the princes of Judah, who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, “Thus says the Lord, ‘You abandoned me, so I have abandoned you to the hand of Shishak.’”
6 Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The Lord is righteous.”
7 When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: “They have humbled themselves. I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.
8 Nevertheless, they shall be servants to him, 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 away everything. He also took away the shields of gold that Solomon had made.
10 Instead of which King Rehoboam made shields of bronze and committed them to the hands of the officers of the guard, who kept the door of the king’s house.
11 When the king entered the house of the Lord, the guard came and carried them to the guardroom.
12 And when he humbled himself the wrath of the Lord turned from him, so as not to make a complete destruction.
13 Thus King Rehoboam grew strong in Jerusalem and reigned. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city that the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel to put his name there. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite.
14 And he did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the Lord.
15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, from first to last, are they not written in the chronicles of Shemaiah the prophet and of Iddo the seer? There were continual wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam.
16 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David, and Abijah his son reigned in his place.
The True Meaning of 2 Chronicles 12
The Book of 2 Chronicles was written by an unknown author, likely a Levite priest or scribe, who compiled historical accounts and records to document the history of the kingdom of Judah. This chapter describes the reign of King Rehoboam and the consequences of his actions, which led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel. King Rehoboam’s reign rises and falls in this chapter. After the death of his father, King Solomon, Rehoboam’s arrogance and unwillingness to listen to the counsel of his elders sets in motion a series of events that will ultimately lead to the downfall of the united kingdom. The chapter foreshadows the invasion of Jerusalem by the Egyptian pharaoh Shishak, which serves as a punishment for Rehoboam’s disobedience and the people’s turning away from God.
The events described in 2 Chronicles 12 are closely tied to the narrative found in 1 Kings 14, where the prophet Ahijah had previously warned Jeroboam that the kingdom would be divided due to the sins of Solomon and his descendants. This chapter serves as a continuation of that story, highlighting the consequences of Rehoboam’s actions and the division of the kingdom that would ultimately lead to the establishment of the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
2 Chronicles 12:1-4
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, became king of Judah and reigned in Jerusalem, as stated in 2 Chronicles 12:1-4. Rehoboam was faced with a critical moment in his reign where he, along with the people of Judah, abandoned the law of the Lord. This decision to stray from the ways of God had serious consequences for the nation.
The mention of Shishak, the king of Egypt, attacking Jerusalem is significant. Shishak was a powerful pharaoh of Egypt who, in this context, served as a tool of God’s discipline upon Judah for straying from Him. The invasion of Jerusalem by Shishak is a pivotal event in this passage, symbolizing the consequences of forsaking God’s commandments and falling into sin.
Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah recognized their wrongdoings and repented when they saw the imminent threat of Shishak’s invasion. The mention of the prophet Shemaiah in verse 5 is noteworthy as he relayed God’s message to Rehoboam and the leaders, enlightening them about their unfaithfulness and the impending consequences they would face. The prophet’s presence and message remind us of the importance of repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness when we realize our mistakes.
This passage serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God’s ways and the importance of remaining faithful to Him. It illustrates the concept of divine discipline and the mercy of God when His people repent and turn back to Him. The story of Rehoboam and the invasion of Shishak highlights the theme of repentance, forgiveness, and restoration that runs throughout the Bible. The story of Rehoboam echoes a recurring cycle seen in the Old Testament where the Israelites alternated between faithfulness to God and disobedience, leading to blessings or consequences accordingly. This cycle reinforces the need for God’s people to walk in obedience and seek Him wholeheartedly to avoid the pitfalls of sin and its repercussions. This passage from 2 Chronicles 12 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of staying true to God’s commandments, the reality of divine discipline when we stray, and the hope of restoration through repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness. It demonstrates the enduring message of God’s faithfulness and mercy towards His people, even in the face of their failures.
2 Chronicles 12:5-8
The verse in 2 Chronicles 12:5-8 is a part of the account of King Rehoboam and the nation of Judah. Let’s break it down into sections to provide a detailed commentary on its significance.
Verse 5 starts with the prophet Shemaiah delivering a message from the Lord to King Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah that they had forsaken the Lord, and so the Lord had forsaken them to be defeated by the hands of Shishak, the king of Egypt. Shishak was a powerful pharaoh of Egypt who invaded Judah during Rehoboam’s reign. This part of the verse highlights the consequence of turning away from God and the importance of obedience to Him. It serves as a reminder that the actions of both leaders and the people have consequences, and when they stray from God’s ways, they open themselves up to defeat and trouble.
Verse 6 describes how the leaders of Judah and the king humbled themselves in response to this message from Shemaiah. They acknowledged their wrongdoing and repented, saying, “The Lord is righteous.” This act of humility and repentance is significant as it shows that even in the face of impending danger and judgment, there is always room for repentance and turning back to God. It highlights the importance of recognizing our faults, seeking forgiveness, and acknowledging God’s righteousness. This act of humility also serves as a model for all believers to follow when faced with their own sins and the need for repentance. God acknowledges their repentance and humility in Verse 7 by stating that He would not destroy them completely but would deliver them into the hands of Shishak so that they may learn the difference between serving Him and serving foreign powers. This verse underscores God’s mercy and desire for His people to turn back to Him. While there are consequences for sin, God’s ultimate goal is always to draw His people closer to Him and to restore their relationship with Him. This also highlights the principle that God disciplines those He loves, as mentioned in Hebrews 12:6.
Finally, in Verse 8, we see that the leaders of Judah and the king submitted to God’s will and accepted the punishment of serving Shishak. Despite the impending invasion and hardships they would face, they did not rebel against God’s decree. This shows a level of trust and obedience to God’s plan, even when it involves facing difficult circumstances. It teaches us the lesson of submission to God’s will, even when it may not align with our desires or expectations. This echoes the sentiment in James 4:7, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. These verses from 2 Chronicles 12 provide a powerful illustration of the importance of obedience, humility, repentance, and submission to God’s will. They demonstrate God’s mercy in the face of judgment and the opportunity for restoration through repentance. The story of King Rehoboam and the nation of Judah serves as a timeless reminder for believers to remain faithful to God, to acknowledge their sins, and to trust in His plan, even in the face of trials and opposition.
2 Chronicles 12:9-12
Shishak, the king of Egypt, attacks Jerusalem during the reign of King Rehoboam of Judah in 2 Chronicles 12:9-12. Shishak conquered the fortified cities of Judah and advanced towards Jerusalem, bringing about a moment of crisis for the nation. The prophet Shemaiah then came to King Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah to convey the message from the Lord regarding the reason behind this invasion. The prophet explained that the Lord allowed Shishak to invade Judah because they had forsaken Him.
This section of the text is a powerful illustration of the consequences of turning away from God. Throughout the Bible, we see a recurring theme of God’s people facing trials and tribulations when they stray from His ways. Shishak’s invasion serves as a wake-up call for Judah to repent and return to God. It underscores the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God’s commands, as disobedience can lead to disastrous outcomes.
The response of King Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah to the prophetic message is crucial in this passage. They humbled themselves before the Lord when they heard the warning from Shemaiah, acknowledging their wrongdoing. The text tells us that the Lord did not destroy them completely and granted them some deliverance as a result of their repentance. This highlights the mercy and forgiveness of God towards those who repent and seek Him wholeheartedly.
The narrative in 2 Chronicles 12:9-12 serves as a reminder for believers today about the importance of repentance, humility, and seeking God’s forgiveness. It shows that even in the face of dire consequences due to sin, God is willing to show mercy to those who turn back to Him. This message is echoed in numerous other passages in the Bible, such as in 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God promises to heal the land if His people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. The passage encapsulates the cyclical nature of repentance, forgiveness, and restoration evident throughout the biblical narratives. It emphasizes the enduring truth that God is gracious and merciful, always ready to forgive and restore those who return to Him with contrite hearts. Believers should remain steadfast in their faith and seek God continually, even in times of trouble and distress, as it serves as a timeless lesson.
2 Chronicles 12:13-16
The verse in 2 Chronicles 12:13-16 succinctly concludes the chapter, summarizing the reign of King Rehoboam of Judah. Let’s break down this passage section by section to delve into its significance.
“Thus King Rehoboam established himself in Jerusalem and reigned. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city where the Lord had chosen from all the tribes of Israel to put His name.”
This section highlights the establishment of Rehoboam’s rule in Jerusalem, emphasizing the location as the chosen city by God to place His name. Rehoboam’s reign, which lasted 17 years, is mentioned here to give a sense of continuity and stability to his rule. It underscores the importance of honoring the city and recognizing the divine authority behind the choice of Jerusalem as the central place of worship for the Israelites.
“The mother of Rehoboam was Naamah the Ammonitess.”
Here, the mention of Rehoboam’s mother, Naamah the Ammonitess, is particularly noteworthy. Naamah’s identity as a foreigner from Ammon indicates a significant departure from the ideal of marrying within the Israelite community. This decision reflects the struggles and consequences faced by the Israelite kings when they married foreign wives, as seen in the cases of Solomon and Ahab, which often led to idolatry and spiritual decline.
“Now he did evil because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord.”
This crucial statement highlights the turning point in Rehoboam’s reign. Despite being the successor of King Solomon, known for his wisdom, Rehoboam failed to seek the wisdom and guidance of the Lord. His lack of dedication to God brought about evil actions and ultimately led to the downfall of his kingdom. This serves as a timeless lesson about the importance of seeking God’s will and following His ways to lead a righteous and fulfilling life, as emphasized in Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises to trust in the Lord with all your heart and not lean on your understanding.
“The acts of Rehoboam, from first to last, are they not written in the records of Shemaiah the prophet and of Iddo the seer regarding genealogies? There were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. The reference to the records of Shemaiah and Iddo in the final part of the verse signifies the importance of documenting historical events, particularly in spiritual and genealogical contexts. It also highlights the ongoing conflict between Rehoboam and Jeroboam, the king of the newly established northern kingdom of Israel. This continuous struggle between the two kingdoms serves as a reminder of the consequences of division, pride, and disobedience, echoing the biblical theme of unity and faithfulness to God, as stated in Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! This passage encapsulates the reign of King Rehoboam as a cautionary tale of the repercussions of straying from God’s path and the importance of seeking the Lord in all endeavors. It underscores the enduring message of obedience, humility, and the consequences of failing to follow God’s commands.
After 2 Chronicles 12
The people had turned away from God and followed the ways of the world. King Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah had forsaken the Lord. But in their time of trouble, they humbled themselves and acknowledged their sin. The Lord saw their repentance and had compassion on them. Though they would face consequences, the Lord would not utterly destroy them. The people continued to waver between obedience and disobedience as we moved into the next chapter. Their story is a reminder that the path of righteousness is not always easy, but the Lord is faithful to those who turn to Him with sincere hearts. Let us be cautious not to fall into the trap of worldly temptations and forget the One who has called us to be His own.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.