2 Chronicles 12:5

Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and he said to them, "This is what the LORD says: 'You have forsaken Me; therefore, I have forsaken you into the hand of Shishak.'"

Study Bible

Then Shemaiah the prophet
Shemaiah, whose name means "heard by Jehovah," is a prophet sent by God to deliver a message to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah. In the Hebrew context, prophets were seen as God's mouthpieces, delivering divine messages to guide, warn, or correct the people. Shemaiah's role here is crucial as he acts as a mediator between God and the people, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's messengers.

came to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, is the king of Judah. His reign is marked by a division in the kingdom and a departure from the ways of his father. The leaders of Judah, who are gathered with him, represent the ruling class and decision-makers of the nation. This gathering signifies a moment of crisis, as they face the threat of Shishak, the king of Egypt. Historically, this reflects a time when political alliances and spiritual fidelity were in tension.

who were gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak
Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Judah, is under threat from Shishak, an Egyptian pharaoh. Shishak's invasion is historically documented, and it represents a significant challenge to Rehoboam's reign. The gathering at Jerusalem indicates a defensive posture, highlighting the city's importance as a fortress and a place of refuge. This situation underscores the vulnerability of Judah when it strays from God's protection.

and he said to them, 'This is what the LORD says
The phrase "This is what the LORD says" is a common prophetic formula, asserting the divine authority behind the message. It reminds the audience that the words spoken are not of human origin but are a direct communication from God. This establishes the seriousness and urgency of the message, calling for immediate attention and response.

You have abandoned Me
The accusation of abandonment is a grave charge, indicating a breach in the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the Hebrew context, to abandon God is to turn away from His commandments and to pursue other gods or rely on human strength. This phrase highlights the spiritual infidelity of Judah, which has led to their current predicament.

therefore, I have abandoned you to Shishak
The consequence of abandoning God is being abandoned by Him, a principle that runs throughout the Old Testament. This reflects the covenantal nature of the relationship, where blessings and protection are contingent upon faithfulness. Shishak's invasion is thus seen as a divine judgment, a means by which God disciplines His people to bring them back to Himself. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and the dangers of spiritual complacency.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shemaiah the Prophet
A prophet of God who delivered messages to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah. His role was to communicate God's will and warnings.

2. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah. His reign was marked by division and conflict, partly due to his failure to follow God's commandments.

3. Leaders of Judah
The officials and elders who were responsible for guiding the people of Judah. They gathered in Jerusalem during the crisis with Shishak.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, a central place of worship and governance for the Israelites.

5. Shishak
The king of Egypt who invaded Judah. His invasion was a consequence of Judah's abandonment of God.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Abandoning God
When we turn away from God, we open ourselves to negative consequences. Just as Judah faced invasion due to their abandonment of God, we too can face spiritual and practical challenges when we stray from His path.

The Role of Prophets and God's Messengers
God often uses individuals to deliver His messages and warnings. We should be attentive to those who speak truth into our lives, as they may be conveying God's will.

The Importance of Leadership in Faithfulness
Leaders have a significant impact on the spiritual direction of a community. Rehoboam's failure to lead according to God's commandments had dire consequences for Judah. This underscores the importance of godly leadership.

Repentance and Restoration
Although the passage highlights abandonment, it also implies the possibility of repentance. Turning back to God can restore our relationship with Him and bring about His favor.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Shemaiah as a prophet in this passage challenge us to listen to God's messengers today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we do not abandon God in our daily lives, and what practices can help us stay faithful?

3. How does the account of Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah illustrate the importance of godly leadership in our communities and churches?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for straying from God's path. How did you find your way back to Him?

5. How can the principles found in Deuteronomy 28:15 and James 4:8 guide us in understanding the relationship between obedience, consequences, and drawing near to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 14:25-26
This passage provides a parallel account of Shishak's invasion, emphasizing the consequences of Rehoboam's actions.

Deuteronomy 28:15
This verse outlines the curses for disobedience to God's commandments, which is relevant to the situation in 2 Chronicles 12:5.

James 4:8
This New Testament verse encourages believers to draw near to God, contrasting with the abandonment seen in 2 Chronicles 12:5.