2 Chronicles 12:2

In the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem

Study Bible

In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign
Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and the grandson of David, ruling over the southern kingdom of Judah after the united monarchy split. His reign began around 930 BC. The fifth year of his reign would be approximately 925 BC. This period was marked by political instability and spiritual decline, as Rehoboam struggled to maintain control over his kingdom following the division of Israel and Judah.

because they had been unfaithful to the LORD
The unfaithfulness mentioned here refers to the idolatry and abandonment of the covenant with God by the people of Judah. This spiritual infidelity was a recurring theme in the history of Israel and Judah, often leading to divine judgment. The covenant relationship required exclusive worship of Yahweh, and deviation from this was seen as a breach of faith. This unfaithfulness is reminiscent of the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28, where blessings and curses are outlined based on Israel's obedience or disobedience.

Shishak king of Egypt
Shishak, also known as Sheshonq I, was the founder of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt. His reign is historically corroborated by Egyptian records, including a relief at the Karnak Temple that lists his conquests in Israel and Judah. Shishak's campaign against Jerusalem is one of the earliest events in the Bible that can be directly correlated with external historical records, providing a significant archaeological link.

attacked Jerusalem
The attack on Jerusalem by Shishak was a significant event, as it demonstrated the vulnerability of Judah due to their spiritual and political failings. This invasion resulted in the plundering of the temple and the royal palace, as described in the subsequent verses. Theologically, this attack can be seen as a fulfillment of the covenant curses for disobedience. It also serves as a reminder of the need for reliance on God rather than political alliances or military strength. The event foreshadows later sieges of Jerusalem, including those by the Babylonians, and highlights the recurring theme of divine judgment and mercy throughout the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Shishak
The king of Egypt who invaded Judah during Rehoboam's reign, representing a foreign threat used by God to discipline His people.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, significant as the spiritual and political center of the kingdom, and the location of the Temple.

4. Unfaithfulness to the LORD
The spiritual state of Judah under Rehoboam, characterized by idolatry and abandonment of God's commandments.

5. The Fifth Year of Rehoboam’s Reign
A specific time marker indicating the early period of Rehoboam's rule when the kingdom faced divine judgment due to unfaithfulness.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Unfaithfulness
Unfaithfulness to God leads to vulnerability and judgment. Rehoboam's reign illustrates how turning away from God results in tangible consequences, such as foreign invasion and loss.

God's Sovereignty in Discipline
God uses external circumstances, like Shishak's invasion, to discipline His people and call them back to faithfulness. This demonstrates His sovereignty and desire for repentance.

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
Rehoboam's failure to lead Judah in faithfulness to God had national repercussions. Spiritual leaders must prioritize obedience to God to guide their people rightly.

The Role of Repentance
The account encourages self-examination and repentance. When faced with the consequences of sin, turning back to God is crucial for restoration.

Learning from History
The account of Rehoboam and Shishak serves as a historical lesson for believers today, emphasizing the need to remain faithful to God and heed His warnings.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the specific actions or attitudes that led to Judah's unfaithfulness during Rehoboam's reign, and how can we avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives?

2. How does the account of Shishak's invasion illustrate the principle of divine discipline, and what other biblical examples can you find that reinforce this concept?

3. In what ways can spiritual leaders today learn from Rehoboam's failures to ensure they lead their communities in faithfulness to God?

4. How does understanding the historical and cultural context of 2 Chronicles 12:2 enhance our interpretation and application of this passage?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of unfaithfulness in your own life. How did you respond, and what steps did you take to return to faithfulness to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 14:25-26
This passage parallels the account of Shishak's invasion, providing additional details about the treasures taken from the Temple and the royal palace.

Exodus 20:3-5
The commandments against idolatry highlight the seriousness of Judah's unfaithfulness, which led to their vulnerability to foreign invasion.

Deuteronomy 28:15, 25
These verses outline the consequences of disobedience to God's covenant, including defeat by enemies, which is exemplified in Shishak's attack.