2 Chronicles 12
BSB1 After Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israel with him forsook the Law of the LORD. 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 3 with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. 4 He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem. 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.’" 6 So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is righteous." 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. 8 Nevertheless, they will become his servants, so that they may learn the difference between serving Me and serving the kings of other lands." 9 So 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. 10 Then 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. 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. 12 Because 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. 13 Thus King Rehoboam established himself in Jerusalem. 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. 14 And Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD. 15 Now 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. 16 And Rehoboam rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Abijah reigned in his place.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 12
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 12
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 12
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 12
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Rehoboam's foolish decision to reject the counsel of the elders and instead follow the advice of his young friends, leading to the division of the kingdom. The prophet Shemaiah warns Rehoboam not to fight against the northern kingdom, and Rehoboam obeys, showing a glimmer of faithfulness. However, Rehoboam's heart is not fully devoted to God, and he allows idolatry to flourish in Judah. As a result, God allows the Egyptian king Shishak to invade Judah, but the invasion also serves as a call to repentance. The chapter ends with a summary of Rehoboam's reign, highlighting both his foolishness and his occasional glimpses of faithfulness.
Context for the Chapter
2 Chronicles 12 is part of the larger narrative of 1 and 2 Chronicles, which tells the story of the kings of Judah and Israel. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which highlights God's relationship with His people and His faithfulness to them. The chapter points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who will be the ultimate faithful King and who will bring redemption to God's people.
Heart Application
The chapter calls believers to prioritize their relationship with God and to seek Him above all else. It also warns against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness and repentance. As believers, we must examine our own hearts and lives to ensure that we are fully devoted to God and seeking Him above all else.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and how his actions led to the division of the kingdom. It highlights the importance of seeking God and prioritizing one's relationship with Him, as seen in 2 Chronicles 12:14. The chapter also warns against the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness and repentance.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest curse that can befall a nation is to have an ungodly king, and the greatest blessing is to have a king who fears God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The kingdom of Judah was preserved not because of the worthiness of the people, but because of God's mercy and faithfulness to His promises.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Rehoboam's Reign (12:1-5) — The chapter introduces Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and describes his foolish decision to reject the counsel of the elders and instead follow the advice of his young friends.
- The Division of the Kingdom (12:1-5) — The chapter describes how Rehoboam's decision leads to the division of the kingdom, with the northern tribes rejecting Rehoboam as their king.
- The Prophet Shemaiah's Warning (12:5-8) — The prophet Shemaiah warns Rehoboam not to fight against the northern kingdom, and Rehoboam obeys, showing a glimmer of faithfulness.
- Rehoboam's Idolatry and God's Judgment (12:9-12) — The chapter describes how Rehoboam allows idolatry to flourish in Judah, leading to God's judgment on the kingdom.
- Conclusion of Rehoboam's Reign (12:13-14) — The chapter concludes with a summary of Rehoboam's reign, highlighting both his foolishness and his occasional glimpses of faithfulness.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Seeking God
- The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God and prioritizing one's relationship with Him, as seen in 2 Chronicles 12:14. This doctrine is central to the Christian faith and is emphasized throughout Scripture.
- The Danger of Idolatry
- The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and its consequences, as seen in Rehoboam's failure to remove the high places and his allowance of idolatrous practices in Judah. This doctrine is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
- The Role of Prophets
- The chapter highlights the important role of prophets in calling God's people to repentance and faithfulness. This doctrine is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
- God's Faithfulness and Mercy
- The chapter shows how God's judgment can be tempered with mercy and grace, as seen in His dealings with Rehoboam and the kingdom of Judah. This doctrine is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 12
- The Importance of Seeking Godly Counsel — The chapter highlights the importance of seeking godly counsel and prioritizing one's relationship with God. This lesson is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
- The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and its consequences, as seen in Rehoboam's failure to remove the high places and his allowance of idolatrous practices in Judah. This lesson is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
- The Importance of Faithfulness and Repentance — The chapter shows the importance of faithfulness and repentance, as seen in Rehoboam's response to the prophet Shemaiah's warning and the invasion of Judah by the Egyptian king Shishak. This lesson is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
- God's Faithfulness and Mercy — The chapter shows how God's judgment can be tempered with mercy and grace, as seen in His dealings with Rehoboam and the kingdom of Judah. This lesson is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
- The Importance of Prioritizing One's Relationship with God — The chapter highlights the importance of prioritizing one's relationship with God and seeking Him above all else. This lesson is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 12
- The Importance of Seeking God — The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God and prioritizing one's relationship with Him, as seen in 2 Chronicles 12:14. This theme is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
- The Danger of Idolatry — The chapter warns against the dangers of idolatry and its consequences, as seen in Rehoboam's failure to remove the high places and his allowance of idolatrous practices in Judah. This theme is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
- The Role of Prophets — The chapter highlights the important role of prophets in calling God's people to repentance and faithfulness. This theme is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
- God's Faithfulness and Mercy — The chapter shows how God's judgment can be tempered with mercy and grace, as seen in His dealings with Rehoboam and the kingdom of Judah. This theme is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
- The Importance of Faithfulness and Repentance — The chapter shows the importance of faithfulness and repentance, as seen in Rehoboam's response to the prophet Shemaiah's warning and the invasion of Judah by the Egyptian king Shishak. This theme is emphasized throughout Scripture and is a key theme in the book of Chronicles.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Rehoboam's foolish decision to reject the counsel of the elders and instead follow the advice of his young friends?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of seeking God and prioritizing one's relationship with Him?
- What are the consequences of idolatry, as seen in Rehoboam's failure to remove the high places and his allowance of idolatrous practices in Judah?
- How does the chapter show the importance of faithfulness and repentance, as seen in Rehoboam's response to the prophet Shemaiah's warning and the invasion of Judah by the Egyptian king Shishak?
- What can we learn from God's judgment on Judah and His mercy and faithfulness to His people?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Rehoboam's Reign (12:1-5)
| 12:1 | Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, becomes king of Judah and starts his reign in Jerusalem. |
| 12:2 | Rehoboam's foolish decision to reject the counsel of the elders and instead follow the advice of his young friends leads to the division of the kingdom. |
2. The Division of the Kingdom (12:1-5)
| 12:3 | The northern tribes reject Rehoboam as their king and instead choose Jeroboam as their king. |
| 12:4 | Rehoboam's decision leads to the division of the kingdom, with the northern tribes becoming the kingdom of Israel and the southern tribes remaining the kingdom of Judah. |
3. The Prophet Shemaiah's Warning (12:5-8)
| 12:5 | The prophet Shemaiah warns Rehoboam not to fight against the northern kingdom, and Rehoboam obeys, showing a glimmer of faithfulness. |
| 12:6 | Rehoboam's obedience to the prophet's warning leads to a temporary peace between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. |
4. Rehoboam's Idolatry and God's Judgment (12:9-12)
| 12:9 | Rehoboam allows idolatry to flourish in Judah, leading to God's judgment on the kingdom. |
| 12:10 | The Egyptian king Shishak invades Judah, taking many of the treasures from the temple and the palace. |
5. Conclusion of Rehoboam's Reign (12:13-14)
| 12:13 | Rehoboam starts to seek God and shows some faithfulness, but his heart is not fully devoted to God. |
| 12:14 | The chapter concludes with a summary of Rehoboam's reign, highlighting both his foolishness and his occasional glimpses of faithfulness. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What can we learn from Rehoboam's foolish decision to reject the counsel of the elders and instead follow the advice of his young friends?
We can learn that seeking godly counsel and prioritizing one's relationship with God is crucial for making wise decisions, as seen in 2 Chronicles 12:1-5.
How does the chapter highlight the importance of faithfulness and repentance?
The chapter shows the importance of faithfulness and repentance, as seen in Rehoboam's response to the prophet Shemaiah's warning and the invasion of Judah by the Egyptian king Shishak, highlighting the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God and seek Him above all else.
What are the consequences of idolatry, as seen in Rehoboam's failure to remove the high places and his allowance of idolatrous practices in Judah?
The consequences of idolatry include God's judgment, as seen in the invasion of Judah by the Egyptian king Shishak, and the loss of God's blessings, as seen in the division of the kingdom and the decline of Judah's prosperity.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 12:1 → 1 Kings 12:1-5 | The division of the kingdom is also described in 1 Kings 12:1-5, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two accounts. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 12:5 → 2 Chronicles 11:2-4 | The prophet Shemaiah's warning to Rehoboam is similar to the warning given to Rehoboam by the prophet Ahijah in 2 Chronicles 11:2-4, highlighting the importance of seeking God's counsel. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 12:9 → 1 Kings 14:25-26 | The invasion of Judah by the Egyptian king Shishak is also described in 1 Kings 14:25-26, highlighting the consequences of idolatry and the importance of seeking God. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 12:13 → 1 Kings 14:21-31 | Rehoboam's reign is also described in 1 Kings 14:21-31, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two accounts. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 12:14 → Matthew 6:33 | The importance of seeking God and prioritizing one's relationship with Him is emphasized in Matthew 6:33, highlighting the need for believers to seek God above all else. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 12:1 → Proverbs 11:14 | The importance of seeking godly counsel is emphasized in Proverbs 11:14, highlighting the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God and seek His counsel. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 12:5 → Isaiah 30:1 | The warning against forming alliances with other nations is emphasized in Isaiah 30:1, highlighting the importance of trusting in God and seeking His counsel. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 12:9 → Jeremiah 25:9 | The judgment of God on Judah is also described in Jeremiah 25:9, highlighting the consequences of idolatry and the importance of seeking God. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 12:13 → Luke 15:11-32 | The importance of repentance and seeking God is emphasized in Luke 15:11-32, highlighting the need for believers to prioritize their relationship with God and seek His forgiveness. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 12:14 → Hebrews 11:6 | The importance of faith and seeking God is emphasized in Hebrews 11:6, highlighting the need for believers to trust in God and seek His counsel. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Prepared Heart by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the word of God to bring hope and transformation to broken hearts. He shares the story of a young man who, despite being surrou |
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He Did Not Set His Heart by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and his reign as king. The sermon emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and th |
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Falling Into the Hand of God by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, Joshua Daniel discusses the consequences of forsaking God and turning to worldly kings. He references the story of Shishak, the king of Egypt, invading Judah becaus |
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Only Those Prepared Here by Thomas Shepard | Thomas Shepard preaches about the importance of being ready and prepared in this life for Christ to enjoy eternal communion with Him. He emphasizes that men are naturally unfit for |
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He Did Evil, Because He Prepared Not His Heart by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of preparing one's heart to seek the Lord, as illustrated in 2 Chronicles 12:14. He warns that without a fixed determination to follow God's wil |
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Ii Chronicles 12:14 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the failures of King Rehoboam, emphasizing that his downfall stemmed from a failure to seek the Lord for wisdom and guidance. Instead of relying on God's coun |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12
In 2 Chronicles 12, we see the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and how his actions led to the division of the kingdom. The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God and prioritizing one's relationship with Him, as seen in 2 Chronicles 12:14. The prophet Shemaiah's warning to Rehoboam serves as a call to repentance and faithfulness, highlighting the need for believers to trust in God and seek His counsel. The chapter also shows the consequences of idolatry, as seen in Rehoboam's failure to remove the high places and his allowance of idolatrous practices in Judah. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The way to prevent divisions and to preserve peace is to keep close to God and to be faithful to Him.' The chapter concludes with a summary of Rehoboam's reign, highlighting both his foolishness and his occasional glimpses of faithfulness, serving as a reminder to believers to prioritize their relationship with God and seek His counsel above all else. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Seeking God
The chapter highlights the importance of seeking God and prioritizing one's relationship with Him. Rehoboam's failure to do so leads to a series of foolish decisions and consequences.
The Danger of Idolatry
The chapter shows the dangers of idolatry and its consequences, as seen in Rehoboam's failure to remove the high places and his allowance of idolatrous practices in Judah.
The Role of Prophets
The chapter highlights the important role of prophets in calling God's people to repentance and faithfulness. The prophet Shemaiah serves as a voice of warning and guidance for Rehoboam.