◄ 2 Chronicles 12 ►
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Shishak Raids Jerusalem (1 Kings 14:25–28) 1After Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israela with him forsook the Law of the LORD. 2In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem 3with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen,b and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites.c 4He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem. 5Then 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.’” 6So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is righteous.” 7When 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. 8Nevertheless, they will become his servants, so that they may learn the difference between serving Me and serving the kings of other lands.” 9So King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem and seized the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace. He took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made. 10Then King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place and committed them to the care of the captains of the guard on duty at the entrance to the royal palace. 11And 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. 12Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the anger of the LORD turned away from him, and He did not destroy him completely. Indeed, conditions were good in Judah. Rehoboam’s Reign and Death (1 Kings 14:21–24) 13Thus King Rehoboam established himself in Jerusalem and reigned. He was forty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city the LORD had chosen from all the tribes of Israel in which to put His Name. His mother’s name was Naamah the Ammonite. 14And Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD. 15Now the acts of Rehoboam, from first to last, are they not written in the records of Shemaiah the Prophet and of Iddo the Seer concerning the genealogies? There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam throughout their days. 16And Rehoboam rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Abijahd reigned in his place. Footnotes: 1 a That is, Judah; in 2 Chronicles, Judah is occasionally called Israel, as representative of the true Israel. 3 b Or charioteers 3 c That is, people from the upper Nile region 16 d Abijah is a variant of Abijam; see 1 Kings 14:31. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub 2 Chronicles 12 Summary Shishak Raids Jerusalem Verse 1 – Rehoboam’s Apostasy As soon as Rehoboam felt secure on his throne, he and all Israel “abandoned the Law of the LORD.” Verses 2–4 – Egypt’s Sudden Attack In Rehoboam’s fifth year, Shishak of Egypt swept into Judah with an immense coalition army, overrunning the fortified towns and marching straight toward Jerusalem. Verses 5–8 – Prophetic Wake-Up Call The prophet Shemaiah confronted the king and leaders: because they had forsaken the LORD, He now handed them over to Shishak. Humbled, the rulers confessed, “The LORD is righteous.” God relented, promising limited judgment—Judah would become Shishak’s servants and learn the cost of forsaking Him. Verses 9–11 – Treasures Plundered and Bronze Shields Made Shishak pillaged the temple and palace, seizing Solomon’s golden shields. Rehoboam replaced them with bronze ones and instituted a ceremonial guard to preserve royal dignity on temple visits. Verses 12–14 – Mercy Yet Mixed Legacy Because the king humbled himself, God’s wrath eased, and Judah enjoyed stability. Still, Rehoboam “did evil, for he did not set his heart to seek the LORD.” Verses 15–16 – Records, Warfare, and Succession The fuller deeds of Rehoboam appear in the writings of Shemaiah and Iddo. Warfare with Jeroboam never ceased. Rehoboam died after seventeen years on the throne; his son Abijah succeeded him. 2 Chronicles 12 tells the tale of King Rehoboam and the Israelites who forsake God's laws, leading to Shishak's invasion of Jerusalem. Amid their suffering, they are confronted by the prophet Shemaiah and their repentance stirs God's mercy, offering a reprieve from their dire circumstances. Section Historical Setting and Archaeological Notes • Shishak is widely identified with Pharaoh Shoshenq I (c. 945-924 BC), founder of Egypt’s 22nd Dynasty. • The Bubastite Portal at Karnak lists conquered Judean towns—echoing “he captured the fortified cities of Judah” (v. 4). • Shishak’s invasion came during a geopolitical power shift: Egypt re-asserted itself as Solomon’s unified kingdom fractured (1 Kings 11-12). • Bronze shields (v. 10) matched Egypt’s usual preference for bronze weaponry; gold shields were a Solomon-era luxury now gone. The Spiritual Pattern: Prosperity, Pride, Punishment, Plea, Partial Relief 1. Prosperity: “When Rehoboam had established his kingdom…” (v. 1). 2. Pride: “…he and all Israel forsook the Law.” 3. Punishment: “Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem” (v. 2). 4. Plea: Leaders humble themselves—“The LORD is righteous” (v. 6). 5. Partial Relief: “I will grant them some deliverance” (v. 7). This pattern echoes Judges 2: prosperity leading to apostasy, then foreign oppression, repentance, and relief. Prophets as Conscience of the Nation Shemaiah’s brief message (vv. 5-8) cuts through politics: judgment is not random; it is God’s response to disobedience. Compare: • Nathan to David (2 Samuel 12) • Elijah to Ahab (1 Kings 18) • John the Baptist to Herod (Mark 6:18) True prophets call leaders to account, offering both warning and hope. Gold vs. Bronze Shields: Symbolism of Glory Lost Solomon’s gold (1 Kings 10:16-17) represented God-given splendor. Replacing it with bronze signaled diminished glory; yet ceremonies continued, hinting at outward religion without inner faith. Revelation 3:17 warns, “You say, ‘I am rich…’ but you do not realize that you are wretched.” Judah still marched in processions, but the shine was gone. National Consequences of a Leader’s Heart Rehoboam’s private choice to “not set his heart to seek the LORD” (v. 14) produced public disaster. See Proverbs 4:23—“Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Families, churches, and nations still feel the ripple effect of leadership decisions. Egypt as God’s Rod of Discipline Isaiah 10:5 calls Assyria “the rod of My anger.” Here, Egypt fills that role. God often uses one nation to humble another (Habakkuk 1:5-6). Yet He also sets limits (v. 7). This dual truth balances divine sovereignty with human responsibility. Chronology and Cross-References • 5th year of Rehoboam ≈ 926 BC (1 Kings 14:25-26 parallels). • The chronicler omits the northern invasion into Israel noted on Shishak’s inscriptions, focusing on Judah’s spiritual lesson. • 2 Chronicles 11 details fortified cities later taken in v. 4—showing how human fortifications crumble when God withdraws protection (Psalm 127:1). Lessons on Humility James 4:6—“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Rehoboam’s speedy repentance spared Jerusalem total ruin. Even late humility draws mercy (Luke 23:42-43). Yet ongoing obedience would have prevented disaster altogether (Deuteronomy 28). Ongoing Civil Strife Verse 15 notes perpetual war with Jeroboam, fulfilling the split foretold by Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-33). Internal division weakened both kingdoms, preparing the stage for future Assyrian and Babylonian invasions. Application Snapshots • Strength without devotion invites downfall. • Foreign threats can be God’s wake-up call. • Humility can soften but not erase consequences. • Outward rituals cannot replace inward commitment. • A nation’s security ultimately rests on obedience to God. Primary Sources Mentioned “The records of Shemaiah the prophet and of Iddo the seer” (v. 15) remind readers that Scripture supplies essential highlights, while many details reside in lost writings. God gives everything necessary for faith and life (2 Peter 1:3), though not every historical detail. Closing Thought Rehoboam’s account ends with bronze shields and simmering wars—the echo of missed potential. Yet the chapter also showcases God’s readiness to hear a humble cry, offering Judah—and readers today—a path from ruin to restored relationship. Connections to Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 8:11-14 A warning against forgetting God in times of prosperity. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. James 4:6 But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Teaching Points Rehoboam's Apostasy After Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the LORD (2 Chronicles 12:1). Rehoboam's abandonment of God's law led to dire consequences for the nation. Divine Judgment God allowed Shishak, king of Egypt, to invade Judah as a consequence of their unfaithfulness (2 Chronicles 12:2-4). This invasion was a direct result of their spiritual decline. Prophetic Warning The prophet Shemaiah delivered God's message to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, highlighting their abandonment of God and the resulting judgment (2 Chronicles 12:5). Humility and Repentance The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, 'The LORD is righteous' (2 Chronicles 12:6). Their humility led to a measure of deliverance. Partial Deliverance God granted them some relief, but not complete freedom, as a reminder of their need for dependence on Him (2 Chronicles 12:7-8). Rehoboam's Legacy Despite moments of humility, Rehoboam's reign was marked by continual evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD (2 Chronicles 12:14). Practical Applications Guard Against Complacency Success can lead to spiritual complacency. We must remain vigilant in our devotion to God, regardless of our circumstances. Heed Prophetic Warnings Be attentive to God's warnings through His Word and His messengers. Ignoring them can lead to severe consequences. Embrace Humility When confronted with sin, respond with humility and repentance, acknowledging God's righteousness. Seek God Wholeheartedly Make a conscious effort to set your heart to seek the Lord consistently, ensuring that your relationship with Him remains strong. People 1. Rehoboam Rehoboam was the king of Judah and the son of Solomon. He is central to the events of 2 Chronicles 12, where he and his kingdom face the invasion of Shishak, king of Egypt. The chapter discusses his actions and the consequences of his and Judah's unfaithfulness to God. 2. Shishak Shishak was the king of Egypt who invaded Judah during Rehoboam's reign. He is noted for coming up against Jerusalem with a large army, as a consequence of Judah's abandonment of the law of the LORD. 3. Shemaiah Shemaiah was a prophet who delivered God's message to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah. He warned them of the consequences of their actions and later conveyed God's message of deliverance when they humbled themselves. Places 1. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the central city in this chapter, where King Rehoboam reigns. It is significant as the political and spiritual center of Judah. The Hebrew root for Jerusalem is "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), which is often associated with peace and completeness. 2. Egypt Egypt is mentioned as the land from which Shishak, the king, comes to attack Jerusalem. Egypt, in the biblical context, often symbolizes a place of bondage or opposition to God's people. The Hebrew name for Egypt is "מִצְרַיִם" (Mitzrayim). 3. Judah Judah refers to the southern kingdom over which Rehoboam rules. It is one of the twelve tribes of Israel and holds significant importance as the lineage from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ come. The Hebrew root is "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah). 4. Libnah Libnah is one of the cities that revolted against Rehoboam's rule. It is a Levitical city located in the Shephelah region of Judah. The name in Hebrew is "לִבְנָה" (Libnah), meaning "whiteness." Events 1. Rehoboam's Apostasy Rehoboam and all Israel abandon the law of the LORD. This apostasy occurs after Rehoboam's kingdom is established and strong. The Hebrew root for "abandon" (עָזַב, `azab) implies a forsaking or leaving behind, indicating a deliberate turning away from God's commandments. 2. Shishak's Invasion In the fifth year of King Rehoboam's reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, attacks Jerusalem because they had been unfaithful to the LORD. The text highlights the consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness, as Shishak comes with a massive army, including chariots and horsemen. 3. Prophet Shemaiah's Message The prophet Shemaiah delivers a message from the LORD to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, stating, "You have abandoned Me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak." The Hebrew word for "abandon" (עָזַב, `azab) is used again, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of their actions. 4. Humbling of the Leaders The leaders of Israel and the king humble themselves, acknowledging, "The LORD is righteous." This act of humility is crucial, as it demonstrates their recognition of God's justice and their own wrongdoing. 5. Partial Deliverance Because they humbled themselves, the LORD decides not to destroy them completely. Instead, He grants them some deliverance, allowing them to become subjects of Shishak so they may learn the difference between serving God and serving earthly rulers. 6. Shishak's Plunder Shishak plunders the treasures of the house of the LORD and the king's house, including the gold shields Solomon had made. This event signifies the loss of glory and wealth due to their unfaithfulness. 7. Rehoboam's Replacement Shields Rehoboam replaces the gold shields with bronze ones, a symbol of diminished splendor and a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. 8. Rehoboam's Reign Summary The chapter concludes with a summary of Rehoboam's reign, noting that he did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD. The Hebrew word for "set" (כּוּן, kun) implies establishing or preparing, indicating a failure to firmly commit to following God. 9. Death of Rehoboam Rehoboam's death is recorded, and he is buried in the City of David. His son Abijah succeeds him as king, continuing the lineage of David despite the challenges faced during Rehoboam's reign. Lessons from 2 Chronicles 12 1. The Danger of Forsaking God In 2 Chronicles 12, we see King Rehoboam and all Israel forsake the law of the Lord, leading to their downfall. This chapter reminds us of the importance of staying true to God's commandments. As it is written, "Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 12:2). When we stray from God's path, we open ourselves to unnecessary struggles. Staying faithful keeps us aligned with His protection and blessings. 2. Humility Brings Mercy When faced with the threat of Shishak, Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel humbled themselves, acknowledging their sin. "The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, 'The LORD is righteous'" (2 Chronicles 12:6). This act of humility brought God's mercy upon them. It teaches us that no matter how far we stray, genuine repentance and humility can restore our relationship with God. 3. God’s Discipline is Redemptive God allowed Shishak to invade as a form of discipline, not destruction. "But they will become his servants, so that they may learn the difference between serving Me and serving the kings of other lands" (2 Chronicles 12:8). This shows that God's discipline is meant to teach and guide us back to Him, not to harm us. It’s a reminder that His correction is an act of love. 4. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership Rehoboam's failure to lead spiritually resulted in the nation's downfall. Leaders have a profound impact on the spiritual health of their communities. As believers, we are called to be leaders in our own spheres, guiding others towards righteousness and truth. 5. The Consequences of Pride Rehoboam's initial pride led to his and the nation's downfall. "When Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 12:1). Pride blinds us to our need for God and can lead to our undoing. Staying humble keeps us grounded in His truth. 6. God’s Faithfulness Despite Our Failures Even when Israel turned away, God remained faithful. "Nevertheless, they will be his servants, so that they may learn the difference between serving Me and serving the kings of other lands" (2 Chronicles 12:8). This reassures us that God’s faithfulness is unwavering, even when we falter. His love and commitment to us are constant. 7. The Power of Repentance Rehoboam’s story highlights the power of repentance. When he and the leaders repented, God’s wrath was turned away. "When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah: 'They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance'" (2 Chronicles 12:7). Repentance is a powerful tool for restoring our relationship with God. 8. The Role of Prophets Shemaiah the prophet played a crucial role in delivering God’s message to Rehoboam. Prophets in the Bible often served as God’s mouthpiece, guiding and correcting His people. Today, we can seek guidance through Scripture and wise counsel from those who are spiritually mature. 9. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Riches Rehoboam lost the treasures of the temple and the royal palace to Shishak. "He took everything, including the gold shields that Solomon had made" (2 Chronicles 12:9). This serves as a reminder that earthly riches are fleeting. Our true treasure lies in our relationship with God and the eternal life He offers. 10. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations The events in 2 Chronicles 12 demonstrate God’s sovereignty over nations and rulers. Despite human actions, God’s plans prevail. This reassures us that no matter the chaos in the world, God is in control, working all things for the good of those who love Him. Topics 1. Rehoboam's Apostasy The chapter begins with Rehoboam's abandonment of the law of the LORD after his kingdom was established and strong. This apostasy is significant as it sets the stage for the subsequent events. The Hebrew root for "abandoned" (עָזַב, `azab) implies a forsaking or neglecting of duty. 2. Invasion by Shishak Shishak, the king of Egypt, invades Jerusalem because Rehoboam and all Israel had been unfaithful to the LORD. This invasion is a direct consequence of their disobedience, highlighting the theme of divine retribution. 3. Prophecy of Shemaiah The prophet Shemaiah delivers a message from the LORD to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, stating, "You have abandoned Me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak" (2 Chronicles 12:5). The Hebrew word for "abandon" (עָזַב, `azab) is used again, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of their relationship with God. 4. Humility and Partial Deliverance Upon hearing Shemaiah's prophecy, the leaders of Israel humble themselves, acknowledging the LORD's righteousness. As a result, God grants them partial deliverance, allowing them to become subjects of Shishak rather than being completely destroyed. This demonstrates the importance of humility and repentance. 5. Plundering of Jerusalem Shishak takes away the treasures of the house of the LORD and the king's house, including the gold shields Solomon had made. This loss signifies the tangible consequences of their spiritual unfaithfulness. 6. Rehoboam's Reign and Legacy The chapter concludes with a summary of Rehoboam's reign, noting that he did evil because "he did not set his heart to seek the LORD" (2 Chronicles 12:14). The Hebrew word for "set" (כּוּן, kun) implies establishing or preparing, indicating a deliberate choice not to pursue God. Themes 1. Rebellion Against God The chapter begins with Rehoboam and all Israel forsaking the law of the LORD. This theme highlights the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. The Hebrew root for "forsake" (עָזַב, `azab) implies abandonment or neglect, emphasizing the deliberate nature of their rebellion. ^"After Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the LORD."^ (2 Chronicles 12:1) 2. Divine Judgment God's response to Israel's rebellion is swift, as He allows Shishak, king of Egypt, to attack Jerusalem. This theme underscores the principle of divine retribution, where disobedience leads to judgment. ^"Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem."^ (2 Chronicles 12:2) 3. Repentance and Humility When confronted by the prophet Shemaiah, Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel humble themselves, acknowledging the LORD's righteousness. This theme illustrates the importance of repentance and humility in restoring a right relationship with God. The Hebrew word for "humble" (כָּנַע, kana) conveys submission and contrition. ^"The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, 'The LORD is righteous.'"^ (2 Chronicles 12:6) 4. Partial Deliverance In response to their humility, God grants a measure of deliverance, allowing Jerusalem to avoid complete destruction. This theme highlights God's mercy and the conditional nature of His deliverance based on human response. ^"When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah: 'They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them, but will grant them some deliverance.'"^ (2 Chronicles 12:7) 5. Consequences of Sin Despite the partial deliverance, Rehoboam and Israel still face consequences for their sin, as Shishak plunders the treasures of the temple and the royal palace. This theme emphasizes that while God forgives, the temporal consequences of sin may still persist. ^"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."^ (2 Chronicles 12:9) 6. Divine Sovereignty The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's sovereignty over the affairs of nations and individuals. Despite human rebellion, God's purposes prevail, and He uses even foreign powers to accomplish His will. ^"And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days."^ (2 Chronicles 12:15) Prayer Points Pray for a heart that remains faithful to God in both prosperity and adversity. Ask for the humility to recognize and repent of any areas of spiritual complacency. Seek God's guidance to set your heart to seek Him daily. Pray for wisdom to heed God's warnings and align your life with His will. Answering Tough Questions 1. 2 Chronicles 12:2 – Why would God punish an entire nation for Rehoboam’s personal disobedience? 2. 2 Chronicles 12:2 – Is there archaeological or historical evidence outside the Bible confirming Shishak’s exact invasion details? 3. 2 Chronicles 12:5–7 – How do we reconcile God’s initial intention to punish Judah entirely with His later decision to spare them? 4. 2 Chronicles 12:9 – Is there any extrabiblical record verifying the looting of Jerusalem’s treasures by Shishak? 5. 2 Chronicles 12:12–14 – Why does the text claim partial repentance yet still list Rehoboam’s reign as evil compared to other biblical narratives? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Rehoboam's abandonment of God's law apply to our lives today? Are there areas in your life where you've forsaken God's teachings? 2. Discuss the consequences of Rehoboam's actions. How do these consequences compare with outcomes of disobedience in modern times? 3. Why do you think it took an invasion for Rehoboam to realize his mistakes? 4. Discuss the role of the prophet Shemaiah in this chapter. How do prophetic voices manifest in today's society? 5. How can we apply the leaders' humble response to their wrongdoing in our own lives when confronted with our mistakes? 6. Why do you think God chose to make the Israelites Shishak's servants rather than destroy them entirely? 7. How does this chapter depict God's mercy and justice? How can we reconcile the two? 8. Shishak took treasures from the temple and the palace. Discuss the significance of these treasures and their loss. 9. In what ways did Rehoboam demonstrate humility, and how did this impact the course of events? 10. Despite his deeds, the text says there were still some good things in Judah. How does this speak to the possibility of redemption and positive qualities amidst failures? 11. Reflect on the statement, "they will learn the difference between serving me and serving earthly kingdoms." How does this resonate with your personal faith journey? 12. How might have Rehoboam's leadership been different if he had adhered to God's laws? 13. In what ways can the story of Rehoboam and Shishak guide our personal and collective actions? 14. How does the principle of divine retribution presented in this chapter apply to our world today? 15. Discuss how repentance is portrayed in this chapter and its importance in the Christian faith. 16. What can Rehoboam's reign teach us about the importance of a leader's spiritual life on their governance? 17. How does the story of Rehoboam's fall and partial redemption mirror our own spiritual journeys? 18. How does God's response to the humility and repentance of Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel affect your understanding of God's character? 19. How can we ensure that we learn from our mistakes, as the Israelites were meant to learn from their servitude? 20. How does this chapter shape your understanding of the relationship between obedience, sin, repentance, and divine mercy? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions