2 Chronicles 12:7

When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, "They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them, but will soon grant them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak.

Study Bible

When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves
This phrase highlights the importance of humility before God. In the biblical context, humility is often a prerequisite for divine intervention and mercy. The Israelites' act of humbling themselves is a response to the prophetic warning given by Shemaiah. This reflects a recurring theme in Scripture where God responds favorably to those who repent and humble themselves, as seen in passages like 2 Chronicles 7:14 and James 4:10.

the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying
Shemaiah was a prophet during the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. Prophets in the Old Testament served as God's messengers, delivering His word to the people. The phrase indicates that God communicated directly with His prophets, who then relayed His messages to the people. This divine communication underscores the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and His people, similar to how Moses and Elijah functioned in their times.

They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them
God's decision not to destroy the Israelites demonstrates His mercy and willingness to forgive. This is consistent with His character as described throughout the Bible, where He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Exodus 34:6). The conditional nature of God's judgment is evident here, as their humility leads to a reprieve from destruction, echoing the narrative of Nineveh in Jonah 3:10.

but will soon grant them deliverance
Deliverance in the Old Testament often refers to God rescuing His people from physical or spiritual danger. In this context, it implies a reprieve from the impending threat posed by Shishak, the king of Egypt. This deliverance is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people, reminiscent of the deliverance from Egypt during the Exodus (Exodus 14).

My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak
Shishak's invasion is historically documented in Egyptian records, corroborating the biblical account. The phrase indicates that while Shishak did invade Judah, the full extent of God's wrath was withheld due to the people's repentance. This restraint is a demonstration of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to use foreign powers as instruments of judgment or mercy, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-6 with Assyria. The sparing of Jerusalem also foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who provides a way to escape God's wrath through His sacrifice (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD
The sovereign God of Israel, who responds to the humility of His people.

2. Shemaiah
A prophet of God who delivers the LORD's message to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah.

3. Rehoboam
The king of Judah, son of Solomon, who initially led the nation into sin but later humbled himself.

4. Shishak
The king of Egypt who invaded Judah as a consequence of their unfaithfulness.

5. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, spared from destruction due to the people's repentance.

Teaching Points

The Power of Humility
Humility before God can change the course of events. When we humble ourselves, we open the door for God's mercy and intervention in our lives.

God's Responsive Nature
God is attentive to the state of our hearts. He responds to genuine repentance and humility with grace and deliverance.

Consequences of Sin and Repentance
While sin has consequences, repentance can mitigate these effects. God may allow some consequences to remain as a reminder, but He also provides a path to restoration.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Shemaiah play a crucial role in communicating God's will and guidance. We should be attentive to God's messages through His Word and His messengers.

Divine Mercy Over Judgment
God's preference is to show mercy rather than execute judgment. His desire is for His people to turn back to Him and receive His grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the humility of Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah serve as a model for us in our relationship with God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our repentance is genuine and not just a response to avoid consequences?

3. How can we discern and respond to God's messages in our lives today, similar to how Shemaiah delivered God's word to Judah?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to cultivate a humble heart before God and others?

5. How does understanding God's character as merciful and gracious influence our approach to repentance and forgiveness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

James 4:6
This verse emphasizes that God gives grace to the humble, aligning with the theme of humility in 2 Chronicles 12:7.

1 Kings 14:25-26
Provides a parallel account of Shishak's invasion, offering additional context to the events in 2 Chronicles 12.

2 Chronicles 7:14
Highlights the promise of healing and forgiveness when God's people humble themselves and pray.

Exodus 34:6-7
Describes God's character as merciful and gracious, slow to anger, which is evident in His response to Judah's repentance.

Psalm 51:17
Speaks of a broken and contrite heart, which God does not despise, reflecting the humility shown by Rehoboam and his leaders.