2 Chronicles 12
Meaning of 2 Chronicles 12
2 Chronicles 12 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible that tells about the story of King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, who reigned as king of Judah. After Rehoboam and his kingdom had established themselves and grown strong, they strayed from the laws of God. In response, God allowed Shishak, the King of Egypt, to capture the fortified cities of Judah and march on Jerusalem.
Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is just.” Seeing their humility, the Lord’s anger turned away from them, and they were not totally destroyed.
Even though the Lord did not allow complete destruction, he allowed Shishak to become successful in his invasion as punishment. Shishak took away the treasures of the temple of the Lord and of the royal palace, including the gold shields Solomon had made. In place of the shields, Rehoboam made bronze ones.
The chapter ends with Rehoboam’s death after he ruled for 17 years. The people had been unfaithful to the Lord during his reign, and Rehoboam himself did evil by not setting his heart on seeking the Lord.
The chapter illustrates the theme of faithfulness and consequences of straying from God’s commandments in the Bible. It also reflects the understanding that humility and acknowledgment of wrongdoing can bring mercy.
2 Chronicles 12 kjv
2 Chronicles 12 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. In this passage, the reign of King Rehoboam is detailed, referring to the time when Israel’s dedication to God began to fade and they started to disobey the laws of God.
Below is a summary of the chapter:
At the start, it is stated that when Rehoboam’s kingdom was well established and strong, he (and all Israel with him) abandoned God’s Law. This abandonment led God to become angry, and out of his anger, he let Shishak, the king of Egypt, invade Jerusalem.
Shishak arrived with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops. Some of them were Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites, and they took over the fortified cities of Judah and came to take over Jerusalem.
Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and told him that God allowed the King of Egypt to invade them because they had forsaken him. When the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and claimed, “The Lord is just,” the Lord, via Shemaiah, said he would not destroy them by Shishak’s hand but that they would become his servants. However, the Lord would deliver them from destruction so that they may understand the difference between serving God and serving earthly kingdoms.
Shishak, King of Egypt, seized the treasures of God’s temple and the palace, including the gold shields Solomon had made.
The chapter ends by mentioning Rehoboam’s death and the ascension of his son Abijah as the next king.
Please note: while this is an interpretation from the King James Bible, versions and interpretations may slightly vary.
2 Chronicles 12 nkjv
2 Chronicles 12 in the New King James Version (NKJV) is part of the Old Testament in the Bible. This chapter revolves around the theme of King Rehoboam’s transgressions and its consequences.
The chapter begins with Rehoboam, the king of Judah, and the whole of Israel forgetting about the laws of God once they had established their kingdom and feeling secure within their reign. This disobedience angered the Lord, leading to Shishak, the king of Egypt, attacking Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign.
When Shemaiah the prophet informed Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel that they had neglected the Lord, causing Him to allow them to fall into the hands of Shishak, they confessed their sins and proclaimed the Lord is righteous. Upon their repentance, the Lord did not completely destroy them and granted them some deliverance, but they became servants to Shishak so they might learn the difference between serving God and serving earthly kingdoms.
Though the people of Judah were subdued, Rehoboam’s position in Jerusalem remained secured. He did evil by not setting his heart to seek the Lord.
The chapter’s later part provides a brief about Rehoboam’s reign such as his acts, his mother’s name, etc., and his death. Upon Rehoboam’s death, his son, Abijah, ascended to the throne.
This chapter reminds believers of the consequence of turning away from God and of the Lord’s mercy when people admit their sins and repent.
2 Chronicles 12 niv
2 Chronicles Chapter 12 from the New International Version (NIV) covers significant events that occurred during King Rehoboam’s reign over Judah. Here’s an outline of the chapter:
After King Rehoboam establishes his strength and authority as the king, he and the nation of Judah abandon God’s laws. In response, God allows Shishak, the king of Egypt, to attack Jerusalem.
Verses 1-4: The chapter begins by describing how Rehoboam and the people of Judah abandoned the law of the Lord once the kingdom was firmly in Rehoboam’s hands. When they stray from their fidelity to God, the fifth year King Rehoboam’s reign becomes marked by an invasion from Shishak King of Egypt. The Egyptian King captures the fortified cities of Judah and advanced as far as Jerusalem.
Verses 5-8: The prophet Shemaiah comes to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah who are in Jerusalem because they are scared of Shishak. He delivers word from the Lord saying that God has abandoned them because they have abandoned Him. The leaders and the King humble themselves and admit that God is just. When the Lord sees this, He decides not to allow complete destruction. However, He says they will become subjects of Shishak so they can learn the difference between serving themselves and serving God’s Kingdom. Shishak then plunders the temple and the royal palace, taking treasures including the gold shields Solomon had made.
Verses 9-12: Despite King Rehoboam’s submission, his kingdom continues to weaken. He makes bronze shields to replace the ones taken by Shishak, and the guards bear these shields whenever they protect the king at the palace. When Rehoboam humbles himself, God’s wrath turns away from him, so not total destruction is brought. Rehoboam does what’s evil because he didn’t set his heart to seek the Lord.
Verses 13-16: These final verses provide a summary of Rehoboam’s reign, his age when he takes the throne, the length of his reign, and his mother’s name. It also mentions the ongoing warfare between him and Jeroboam. Finally, Rehoboam dies and is succeeded by his son Abijah.
In essence, this chapter stresses the theme of divine justice and retribution in that faithfulness to God brings security, while infidelity brings punishment and hardship. However, it also emphasizes God’s mercy in accepting Rehoboam’s humbled response and averts total destruction.
What is 2 Chronicles 12 all about?
2 Chronicles 12 focuses on the biblical figure King Rehoboam and the Kingdom of Judah which came under attack by Shishak, the King of Egypt in the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign.
At the beginning of Rehoboam’s reign, he and the people of Judah were faithful to the Lord and all His commands. However, once his kingdom was established, they turned away from the law of the Lord. Their disobedience led God to stop shielding them from their enemies. As a result, King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem.
Prior to the invasion, the prophet Shemaiah delivered a message from God: the people of Judah had abandoned Him, so He had abandoned them to Shishak. Struck by the prophecy, Rehoboam and the rulers of Judah humbled themselves and admitted that the Lord was just. Their repentance led God to deliver them, but with conditions. They would become servants of Shishak to learn the difference between serving God and serving earthly kings.
Shishak was successful in his attack and plundered the treasuries of the Lord’s temple and the royal palace. He infamously took away the gold shields Solomon had made. Rehoboam later replaced them with bronze shields.
The chapter concludes with the death of Rehoboam after he ruled for 17 years. His deeds and family details are documented in the records of Shemaiah the prophet and Iddo the seer. Rehoboam was succeeded by his son Abijah.
The chapter signifies the importance of humility and obedience to God’s commandments in the Bible.
What does 2 Chronicles 12 teaches?
2 Chronicles 12 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Bible that offers several key lessons.
1. Consequences of abandoning faith: King Rehoboam and the people of Judah, initially faithful to God, abandon faith after establishing their kingdom securely. Consequently, God allows Shishak, the king of Egypt, to attack Jerusalem as punishment. This teaches us about the repercussions of abandoning faith or straying off the righteous path.
2. The power of repentance: When confronted by the prophet Shemaiah, Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel admit their unfaithfulness towards God. Thereafter, God decides not to let them be completely destroyed. This highlights the importance of admitting mistakes, showing repentance, and the power of God’s mercy.
3. Material possessions vs spiritual wealth: Despite losing their wealth and becoming servants to Shishak, God’s words through Shemaiah remind people that it is better to be his servants than to reign without him. This teaches us the importance of spiritual growth and values over worldly possessions.
4. The importance of obedience: Rehoboam did evil because he had not set his heart to seek the Lord. This emphasizes the importance of setting your heart to seek the Lord and obeying His commandments to lead a righteous and successful life.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 12 is a reminder of the importance of faith, repentance, spiritual values, and obedience to the Lord.
A Sermon on 2 Chronicles 12
2 Chronicles 12 is a passage of the Bible in the Old Testament that can be interpreted in many ways depending on the context. Here’s a general overview of a sermon that could be based on this chapter:
Title: The Consequences of Forsaking God
1. Introduction
Introduce the book of 2 Chronicles as a historical account of the rule of Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, over the kingdom of Judah.
2. Background
Review the context leading up to chapter 12, explaining the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam reigns over the southern kingdom.
3. Forsaking the Law of God (2 Chronicles 12:1)
Discuss how Rehoboam and the Israelites abandoned the Law of the Lord after establishing themselves firmly in power. Draw modern parallels about the danger of becoming complacent in our christian lives once we feel secure or comfortable.
4. The Result of Disobedience (2 Chronicles 12:2-4)
Discuss how disobedience led to Shishak, king of Egypt, attacking Jerusalem. God allowed this as a form of discipline and consequence of their actions. Discuss the implications of disobedience to God’s commands in our own lives.
5. Repentance (2 Chronicles 12:5-6)
God sends a prophet, Shemaiah, to rebuke Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah. They acknowledged their sin, and repented. Talk about the incredible mercy of God that even in our disobedience, He provides a way back to Him through repentance.
6. God’s Mercy in Judgment (2 Chronicles 12:7-8)
Even though God allowed Shishak to defeat Judah, He still shows them mercy because of their repentance. He did not allow a total destruction, showing that God disciplines but He remembers mercy. His love and grace are still present even in times of hardship and discipline.
7. Rehoboam’s Rule (2 Chronicles 12:13-16)
Rehoboam didn’t fully turn his heart to God even after all these. The sermon could conclude with a call to learning from Rehoboam’s mistakes – to be wholly devoted to God and consistent in obedience.
8. Conclusion
We are reminded through Rehoboam’s story that disobedience has consequences, but God is always ready to forgive when we repent. We also see God’s mercy, even in His discipline, and His constant call for His people to return to Him fully, not half heartedly.
This is a basic outline and can be expanded based on what specific application or teaching the preacher wants to bring out.
Key people in 2 Chronicles 12
1. Rehoboam: He was the son of Solomon and the king of Judah. His reign started well, but he later abandoned the Law of the Lord, leading to his people doing the same. As a punishment, God allowed Shishak king of Egypt to attack Jerusalem.
2. Shemaiah the prophet: He was a man of God who delivered God’s messages to Rehoboam and the princes of Judah. Once they humbled themselves, the wrath of God turned from them, and they were not completely destroyed. His prophecy also explained the cause of the invasion.
3. Shishak: He was the king of Egypt who invaded Jerusalem because Rehoboam and the people of Judah had been unfaithful to the Lord. He captured the fortified cities of Judah before advancing to Jerusalem.
4. The leaders of Israel: The officers, or leaders, of Israel also played a role in this narrative. When Shemaiah the prophet delivered God’s message, they humbled themselves.
5. The Princes of Judah: They were the leading men in Judah during Rehoboam’s reign. When the prophet Shemaiah declared God’s will, they humbled themselves, acknowledging that the Lord is just.
Understanding these key figures in 2 Chronicles 12 can help to clarify the events and the shifts in power during this significant period in the history of Judah.
Real world examples on 2 Chronicles 12
2 Chronicles 12 recounts the story of Rehoboam, King of Judah, who strays from God’s laws and, as a result, his kingdom is invaded by Shishak, the king of Egypt. Nevertheless, when Rehoboam and his officials humble themselves, saying that the Lord is righteous when He brings judgment, God shows mercy and does not completely destroy them as a result.
1. Lack of adherence to moral and ethical instructions: Like Rehoboam, people who ignore ethical guidelines or moral values often find themselves in adverse situations. For instance, a corporate leader not following ethical business practices might end up facing legal troubles, tarnishing the reputation of the company and leading to financial losses.
2. Consequences of Pride and Arrogance: Rehoboam’s arrogance led to a downfall, resembling personalities in history and in our contemporary world who have allowed pride to cloud their judgment, leading to personal and professional ruin.
3. Humility and Recognition of Wrongdoings: The story also illustrates the importance of humility and acknowledging one’s mistakes. In real life, when one accepts their mistakes, apologizes, and seeks remedial action, they are often given chances to correct their wrongs and recover from their failures. This can be seen in personal relationships, politics, and even in businesses where leaders have admitted their mistakes publicly.
4. Divine Intervention/Hope: The story also demonstrates a belief in divine mercy and intervention. In many cultures and religions, believers pray for divine intervention during difficult times, much like the King Rehoboam and his officials in the story.
5. Invasions due to Weakness: On a more historical note, the invasion of Judah by Egypt can reflect how countries and kingdoms have been invaded when they’ve shown weakness, be it economical, political, or military, across history.
Remember, using biblical stories as examples can be subjective as it often depends on one’s religious beliefs and interpretation of the scriptures.
Brief Explanation of 2 Chronicles 12
2 Chronicles 12 is about the reign of Rehoboam, the king of Judah. After Rehoboam established his kingdom and had fortified his rule, he and all of Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD. Because of their unfaithfulness, God allowed Egypt, under King Shishak, to invade Jerusalem. Shishak took away the treasures of the Lord’s temple and the royal palace, including the golden shields Solomon had made.
When Shemaiah the prophet delivered God’s message to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah who had retreated to Jerusalem, stating that they had abandoned God, therefore God had abandoned them to Shishak, they humbled themselves and said the Lord is righteous. Upon their repentance, God decided not to destroy them entirely and granted them some deliverance. Jerusalem hence became subject to Shishak.
The chapter concludes illustrating that Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his heart on seeking God and his infamous reign ended without honor. However, there was constant warfare between Rehoboam and Jeroboam throughout their reigns.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Chronicles 12
1. Who was Shishak, the king of Egypt in 2 Chronicles 12?
Shishak, also known as Sheshonk I, was a Pharaoh of Egypt during the 22nd Dynasty. He reigned around the 10th century BC. In 2 Chronicles 12, he invaded the Kingdom of Judah during Rehoboam’s reign.
2. Why did Shishak attack Jerusalem in 2 Chronicles 12?
Shishak attacked Jerusalem because Rehoboam and the people of Judah had abandoned the law of the LORD.
3. Who was Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 12?
Rehoboam was a king of Judah, the son of Solomon and grandson of David. His reign began after the death of his father, Solomon.
4. What was the role of the prophets in 2 Chronicles 12?
The role of the prophets, in particular, Shemaiah in this chapter, was to communicate God’s will to the king and the people of Judah. Shemaiah told them that they would become subjects of Shishak because they had abandoned God.
5. What were the consequences of King Rehoboam’s actions?
Due to King Rehoboam’s abandonment of God’s laws, Shishak, the king of Egypt, invaded Jerusalem and took away the treasures of the LORD’s temple and the royal palace. He also took the golden shields that Solomon had made. After humbling himself, the LORD’s anger turned from Rehoboam, and he was not totally destroyed.
6. In 2 Chronicles 12:12, it is mentioned that there were some good things in Judah. What were they?
The scriptures do not elaborate on the specifics of the “good things” in Judah. But it likely means there were some people who remained faithful to God, some positive actions by the king or the people, or God’s continued grace despite the people’s rebellion.
7. What does this chapter teach about leadership?
2 Chronicles 12 teaches that a leader’s spiritual state can significantly influence the people they are leading. King Rehoboam’s rejection of God’s law led to the downfall of the entire Kingdom of Judah. However, his act of humility saved the kingdom from complete destruction.
Please note that interpretations of biblical texts can vary among different religious groups.
Possible References for 2 Chronicles 12
“2 Chronicles 12” is a chapter found in the Christian Bible. The Book of Chronicles is part of the Old Testament and concerns the history of Israel as a nation.
The chapter specifically narrates the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, after he abandoned the law of the Lord. It states that Shishak, the king of Egypt, invaded Israel with a large army because they had been unfaithful to God. When the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah explaining that the Israelites will become the servants of Shishak since they have chosen to abandon Him, the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves saying that the Lord is just. When the Lord saw their humility, He gave them a deliverance but they were made to serve Shishak, so that they may learn the difference between serving God and serving earthly kings.
The main references and themes in 2 Chronicles 12 include:
1. Unfaithfulness to God: The chapter underscores the unfaithfulness of Israel under the leadership of Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 12:1-2).
2. consequence of abandoning God: When Rehoboam and Israel abandon God, God, in turn, lets them face consequences by allowing Shishak, the Kin of Egypt to attack Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 12:3-4).
3. Repentance: Rehoboam and the princes of Israel humble themselves before God, acknowledging His justice (2 Chronicles 12:6).
4. God’s mercy: Despite their unfaithfulness, God is merciful enough to not allow complete destruction. Yet, He ensures they bear consequences that form lessons to them (2 Chronicles 12:7-8).
5. Historical account: Like most of the book of Chronicles, this chapter includes historical details, such as the account of Rehoboam and the shields of gold (2 Chronicles 12:9-16).
The chapter thus serves as a moral and religious lesson on faithfulness and the difference between serving God and earthly kings. It teaches on humility, repentance, and receiving God’s mercy.
Please consult a Bible or speak to a religious leader if you would like an exact quote or further interpretation.
Conclusion on 2 Chronicles 12
The conclusion of 2 Chronicles 12 in the Bible reveals a period of decline for King Rehoboam and the Kingdom of Judah. In verses 9-12, Shishak, the king of Egypt, invades Jerusalem because they have abandoned the laws of God. The king and the leaders of Israel repent and humble themselves, acknowledging their sins after the prophet Shemaiah delivers God’s message. God then decides not to destroy them and grants them some deliverance, but they become servants to Shishak.
The rest of Chapter 12 gives a summary of the reign of Rehoboam. Despite the humbling experience, Rehoboam and his kingdom did not turn wholeheartedly to the Lord. His reign overall was characterized by evil because he did not set his heart on seeking the Lord.
The chapter concludes with the death of Rehoboam, noting that he was succeeded by his son Abijah. The record of Rehoboam’s reign, his family, and his accomplishments are stated to be written in the “annotations of the prophet Shemaiah” and the “record of the seer Iddo”. The chapter doesn’t provide a positive ending and indicates a period of decline for the people of Judah who strayed away from God’s laws.