Analysis of 2 Chronicles Chapter 12
The twelfth chapter of 2 Chronicles presents a pivotal moment during the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and the king of Judah. It delves into the consequences of forsaking the Law of the Lord, the subsequent invasion by Shishak, king of Egypt, and the ultimate humbling and repentance of Rehoboam, which averts a complete disaster. This chapter is rich in themes of divine retribution, repentance, mercy, and the consequences of straying from faith. Here’s a detailed analysis of 2 Chronicles Chapter 12.
Verse 1: Forsaking the Law
“And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him.” (2 Chronicles 12:1)
Rehoboam, like his father Solomon, begins his reign by solidifying his power. However, unlike in the earlier part of Solomon’s reign, Rehoboam soon turns away from following God’s commandments. The action of forsaking the Law of the Lord indicates a deliberate abandonment of the covenantal relationship with Yahweh. This underscores a recurrent Biblical theme: complacency and pride often lead to spiritual downfall. Notably, Rehoboam’s actions influence the whole nation, pointing to the significant impact of leadership on the spiritual state of a people.
Verses 2-4: Divine Retribution
“And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD, with twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians. And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 12:2-4)
Within just five years of Rehoboam’s reign, the consequences of forsaking God’s law manifest in the form of an invasion by Shishak, the king of Egypt. This invasion is not merely a geopolitical event but a divine response to Judah’s unfaithfulness. The substantial military force led by Shishak portrays the severity of the threat. The mention of various groups (Lubims, Sukkiims, Ethiopians) emphasizes the formidable and diverse coalition against Judah. This is a moment of crisis where God permits external enemies to discipline His people, reiterating the notion that divine protection is conditional upon adherence to God’s commandments.
Verses 5-8: Prophetic Warning and Humbling
“Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous. And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. Nevertheless, they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.” (2 Chronicles 12:5-8)
God sends the prophet Shemaiah to deliver a clear message to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah: their current predicament is a direct result of their spiritual infidelity. This prophetic warning leads them to humble themselves before God, acknowledging His justice by proclaiming, “The LORD is righteous.” This act of humility is central to the theme of repentance. God, in his mercy, responds favorably to their contrition, deciding not to bring total destruction upon them. However, God allows them to become subservient to Shishak, serving as a living lesson on the consequences of their choices. The phrase “that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms” suggests an educational purpose behind this subjugation; it serves as a practical comparison between serving God and serving foreign powers, thereby highlighting the superiority and benevolence of divine kingship.
Verses 9-12: Shishak’s Spoils and Rehoboam’s Continued Rule
“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; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made. Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king’s house. And when the king entered into the house of the LORD, the guard came and fetched them, and brought them again into the guard chamber. And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy him altogether: and also in Judah things went well.” (2 Chronicles 12:9-12)
Shishak’s invasion results in the loss of significant treasures from both the temple and the royal palace, including the golden shields made by Solomon. This plundering symbolizes not just material loss but also spiritual and moral decline, as the splendor of Solomon’s era is tarnished. Rehoboam’s decision to replace the gold shields with brass ones can be seen as an act of pragmatic leadership; yet, it also underscores the loss of former glory and a shift to a more humble state. The use of brass instead of gold serves as a metaphor for the decline in Judah’s splendor due to their sins.
Nevertheless, Rehoboam’s act of humility mitigates God’s wrath, preventing the complete destruction of Judah. This section reinforces the theme of divine mercy: God responds positively to genuine repentance. “In Judah, things went well” suggests a period of relative stability and prosperity as a result of their repentance and renewed commitment to Him.
Verses 13-14: Rehoboam’s Strength and Failings
“So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name was Naamah an Ammonitess. And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 12:13-14)
Rehoboam’s age and the duration of his reign are specified, along with the significant detail that Jerusalem is the city chosen by God to place His Name. The mention of his mother, Naamah, an Ammonitess, subtly reflects the foreign influences that perhaps contributed to Rehoboam’s spiritual struggles. Despite the wisest heritage from Solomon, Rehoboam’s reign is marred by his failure to continually seek God. The phrase “he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD” implies that a persistent and intentional pursuit of God was lacking. This encapsulation of Rehoboam’s reign offers a sobering reflection on the importance of sustained faith and dedication to God. It highlights that spiritual leadership requires ongoing devotion and not just occasional acts of repentance.
Verses 15-16: Historical Records and Succession
“Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead.” (2 Chronicles 12:15-16)
The chapter concludes by directing readers to other prophetic and historical records that document Rehoboam’s reign. The continuous conflict with Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom of Israel, is noted, highlighting the enduring division and strife that marked the period. Rehoboam’s death and burial in the city of David, and the ascension of his son Abijah, point to the cyclical nature of kingship and the continuity of Davidic line despite the hardships.
In summary, 2 Chronicles Chapter 12 serves as a powerful narrative on the rise and fall of leaders, the impact of their spiritual choices on the nation, and the enduring mercy of God in response to genuine repentance. Rehoboam’s reign is a testament to the complexities of leadership and the dire consequences of forsaking God’s commandments. Yet, it is also a story of hope, illustrating that humility and repentance can restore divine favor, even in the face of great trials.
The chapter encapsulates deeper theological principles about divine justice, human agency, and the transformative power of repentance. It is a poignant reminder that while human leaders are fallible, God’s covenantal faithfulness remains steadfast, offering redemption and healing for those who turn back to Him with sincere hearts.