2 Chronicles 12:11

And whenever the king entered the house of the LORD, the guards would go with him, bearing the shields, and later they would return them to the guardroom.

Study Bible

And whenever the king entered the house of the LORD
This phrase indicates a regular practice or ritual, suggesting the king's ongoing participation in worship at the temple. The "house of the LORD" refers to Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites. The king's presence in the temple underscores the importance of royal leadership in spiritual matters. Historically, the temple was the focal point of Jewish religious life, and the king's visits would have been significant events. This practice reflects the king's role as both a political and spiritual leader, responsible for upholding the covenant with God.

the guards would go with him
The presence of guards highlights the importance of security and protection for the king, especially during religious activities. This detail underscores the political tensions and potential threats faced by the monarchy. The guards' role also signifies the reverence and solemnity of the king's visit to the temple, ensuring that the sanctity of the place was maintained. In a broader biblical context, the presence of guards can be seen as a reminder of the need for vigilance in spiritual matters, as echoed in passages like Nehemiah 4:9, where watchfulness is emphasized.

bearing the shields
The shields mentioned here are likely the gold shields that Rehoboam had made after the original ones were taken by Shishak, king of Egypt (2 Chronicles 12:9-10). These shields symbolize the glory and splendor of the kingdom, as well as the loss and subsequent attempt to restore honor. The act of bearing shields during the king's temple visits may also symbolize the protection and defense of the faith and the nation. In a typological sense, shields can represent faith itself, as seen in Ephesians 6:16, where the "shield of faith" is part of the armor of God.

and later they would return them to the guardroom
Returning the shields to the guardroom indicates a routine and organized practice, reflecting the structured nature of temple service and royal protocol. The guardroom served as a secure place for storing valuable items, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and responsibility. This action can be seen as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of worship and duty, where sacred objects are used and then carefully preserved. The concept of returning and safeguarding can be connected to the biblical theme of faithfulness, as seen in parables like the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, where stewardship is a key lesson.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, whose reign is marked by a division of the kingdom and spiritual decline.

2. House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites.

3. Guards
The royal guards responsible for the protection of the king and the temple, symbolizing vigilance and duty.

4. Shields
These were likely bronze shields made to replace the gold ones taken by Shishak, king of Egypt, symbolizing a loss of glory and divine favor.

5. Guardroom
The place where the shields were stored, representing a return to routine and order after the king's visit to the temple.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Vigilance
Just as the guards accompanied the king with shields, Christians are called to be vigilant in their spiritual walk, always prepared with the armor of God.

Symbolism of Shields
The replacement of gold shields with bronze signifies a loss of divine favor due to disobedience. Believers should strive to maintain their spiritual integrity and not settle for less.

Importance of Worship
The king's visits to the temple, despite the loss, remind us of the importance of regular worship and seeking God's presence, even in times of spiritual decline.

Consequences of Disobedience
Rehoboam's account is a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God, urging believers to remain faithful and obedient.

Restoration and Order
Returning the shields to the guardroom symbolizes a return to order. In our lives, we should seek to restore spiritual order through repentance and alignment with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the replacement of gold shields with bronze reflect the spiritual state of Judah during Rehoboam's reign?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are spiritually vigilant, like the guards accompanying the king?

3. How does the concept of spiritual armor in Ephesians 6 relate to the physical shields mentioned in 2 Chronicles 12:11?

4. What lessons can we learn from Rehoboam's actions about the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with God?

5. How can we apply the principle of restoring spiritual order in our lives when we have strayed from God's path?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 14:25-28
This passage provides context for the events in 2 Chronicles 12:11, describing how Shishak, king of Egypt, attacked Jerusalem and took the treasures of the temple, including the gold shields.

Exodus 25:8-9
Relates to the significance of the temple as a dwelling place for God among His people, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its sanctity.

Psalm 84:10
Highlights the value of being in the presence of God, contrasting the spiritual decline seen in Rehoboam's reign.

Ephesians 6:10-18
Discusses the armor of God, drawing a parallel to the spiritual protection and vigilance symbolized by the guards and shields.