2 Chronicles - Chapter 12

2 Chronicles 12.1 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 Chronicles 12.2 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, 2 Chronicles 12.3 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. 2 Chronicles 12.4 And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 12.5 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. 2 Chronicles 12.6 Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. 2 Chronicles 12.7 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. 2 Chronicles 12.8 Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries. 2 Chronicles 12.9 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. 2 Chronicles 12.10 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. 2 Chronicles 12.11 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. 2 Chronicles 12.12 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. 2 Chronicles 12.13 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. 2 Chronicles 12.14 And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD. 2 Chronicles 12.15 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. 2 Chronicles 12.16 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead.

2 Chronicles : Chapter 12

The Fall and Repentance of Rehoboam: Lessons from 2 Chronicles 12

Chapter 12 of 2 Chronicles immerses us in the tragic story of the fall and repentance of Rehoboam, king of Judah. ​​This text reveals essential truths about divine judgment and mercy. The invasion of Shishak, king of Egypt, illustrates the consequences of abandoning God's law, while the repentance of the king and people testifies to the effectiveness of true repentance.

The Consequences of Abandoning God's Law

In Deuteronomy 28:15, 25, it is written: "However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not keep strictly all His commandments and decrees... all these curses will come upon you." This passage emphasizes the importance of obedience to God. Rehoboam's disobedience is manifested in 2 Chronicles 12, when Shishak invades Judah, a tragic event that recalls divine warnings.

Humility and Repentance

Proverbs 15:33 teaches us: "The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and humility is before honor." This wisdom is found in the hearts of Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, who, faced with the Egyptian threat, repent and turn to God for mercy. Their humility, described in 2 Chronicles 12:6-7, allows them to receive divine grace. Divine Sovereignty Over the Nations Jeremiah 25:9 states: "I will send for all the peoples of the north... and I will utterly destroy." Although this verse refers to a later event, it illustrates how God uses foreign nations to discipline His people. Shishak's invasion of Judah is a striking example of this divine reality.

Humility Rewarded

In 1 Peter 5:5, we read: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." This principle is echoed in the story of Rehoboam, whose humility attracts God's grace, allowing for a partial liberation of his people. The lesson is clear: humility before God is the key to receiving His mercy.

The True Source of Security

Finally, in Psalms 33:16-17, it is stated: "The king does not win by the size of his army..." These verses remind us that true security lies not in military strength or wealth, but in trusting in God. This principle is highlighted in 2 Chronicles 12, when Rehoboam's treasures and defenses fail to protect Judah against Shishak.

In conclusion, 2 Chronicles chapter 12 teaches us valuable lessons about disobedience, repentance, and divine sovereignty. Let us reflect on these truths and seek to live in obedience to God's law, cultivating humility and placing our trust in Him.