2 Chronicles 12:4
2 Chronicles 12:4 in Multiple Translations
He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.
And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.
And he took the fortified cities which pertained to Judah, and came unto Jerusalem.
And he took the walled towns of Judah, and came as far as Jerusalem.
He conquered the fortified towns of Judah and then approached Jerusalem.
And he tooke the strong cities which were of Iudah, and came vnto Ierusalem.
and he captureth the cities of the bulwarks that [are] to Judah, and cometh in unto Jerusalem.
He took the fortified cities which belonged to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.
And he took the fortified cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.
And he took the strongest cities in Juda, and came to Jerusalem.
They captured many of the cities in Judah that had walls around them, and they came as far as Jerusalem.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 12:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 12:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֛ד
אֶת
עָרֵ֥י
הַ/מְּצֻר֖וֹת
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
לִֽ/יהוּדָ֑ה
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
עַד
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֛ד
lâkad
H3920
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
N-fp
הַ/מְּצֻר֖וֹת
mᵉtsûwrâh
H4694
fortress
Art | N-fp
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לִֽ/יהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
Prep | N-proper
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 12:4
וַ/יִּלְכֹּ֛ד
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עָרֵ֥י
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
הַ/מְּצֻר֖וֹת
mᵉtsûwrâh
H4694
"fortress"
Art | N-fp
This word means a fortress or stronghold, like a protected city or rampart. It's used in the Bible to describe a fortified place, such as in Psalm 31:21. It's about a safe and secure location.
Definition: 1) siege-works, stronghold, rampart 1a) siege-works 1b) rampart
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: fenced (city, fort, munition, strong hold. See also: 2 Chronicles 11:10; 2 Chronicles 14:5; Isaiah 29:3.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לִֽ/יהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
Prep | N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 12:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 12:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 12:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 12:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:4
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 12:4
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 12:4
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 12:4
Context — Shishak Raids Jerusalem
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, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites.
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.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 11:5–12 | Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah. He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, the fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin. He strengthened their fortresses and put officers in them, with supplies of food, oil, and wine. He also put shields and spears in all the cities and strengthened them greatly. So Judah and Benjamin belonged to him. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 18:17 | Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. |
| 3 | Isaiah 8:8 | It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover your entire land, O Immanuel! |
| 4 | Jeremiah 5:10 | Go up through her vineyards and ravage them, but do not finish them off. Strip off her branches, for they do not belong to the LORD. |
| 5 | Isaiah 36:1 | In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. |
| 6 | Isaiah 10:11 | and as I have done to Samaria and its idols, will I not also do to Jerusalem and her idols?” |
2 Chronicles 12:4 Summary
This verse, 2 Chronicles 12:4, tells us that Shishak, the king of Egypt, captured the strong cities of Judah and then came to Jerusalem, which shows how God allowed a foreign power to discipline His people for their disobedience, similar to the pattern seen in Leviticus 26:16-20. When we disobey God, He sometimes allows difficult circumstances into our lives to correct us, as mentioned in Proverbs 3:12. The good news is that, like Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, we can humble ourselves and turn back to God, and He will forgive us and restore us, as promised in 1 John 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to Shishak's attack on Jerusalem as described in 2 Chronicles 12:4?
The attack was a result of the people's unfaithfulness to the Lord, as stated in 2 Chronicles 12:2, which says they had been unfaithful to the Lord, prompting God to allow Shishak to come against them, similar to how God allowed the Midianites to oppress Israel in Judges 6:1 for their disobedience.
Who was Shishak and why was he important in this context?
Shishak was the king of Egypt who came against Jerusalem with a large army, as described in 2 Chronicles 12:3, and his invasion was a significant event in the history of Judah, serving as a judgment from God for their disobedience, much like the judgments seen in Isaiah 39:6.
What were the fortified cities of Judah that Shishak captured?
The fortified cities of Judah were likely strategic military outposts and strongholds that protected the kingdom, similar to those mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:9, and their capture by Shishak weakened Judah's defenses and paved the way for his approach to Jerusalem.
How does this event relate to God's sovereignty and judgment?
This event demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and His willingness to use foreign powers to execute judgment on His people when they are disobedient, as seen in Isaiah 10:5-6, where God used Assyria as a rod of judgment against Israel.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which we, like Judah, might be forsaking God and inviting His judgment into our lives?
- How can we, as believers, discern when God is allowing difficulties or challenges into our lives as a form of discipline or judgment, as in Hebrews 12:11?
- In what ways can we humble ourselves, as Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah did in 2 Chronicles 12:6, when faced with the consequences of our disobedience?
- What role does repentance play in restoring our relationship with God when we have been unfaithful, as seen in 1 John 1:9?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 12:4
And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah,.... Which Rehoboam had lately built, and placed his sons in them, 2 Chronicles 11:5, these he took without any opposition: and came to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 12:4
And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:4
2 Chronicles 12:4 And he took the fenced cities which [pertained] to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.Ver. 4. And he took the fenced cities.] There is no fence against God; no shielding ourselves against his fire. The Turks do so in Hungary and other parts of Christendom for the punishment of Popish artolatry and other abominations.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:4
(4) He took the fenced cities.—Those very cities which Rehoboam had fortified as bulwarks against Egypt (2 Chronicles 11:5-12). Fourteen names of cities have disappeared from the Karnak inscription, but Socho, Adoraim, and Ajalon, are still read there. Came to (so far as to) Jerusalem.—Comp. Isaiah 36:1-2. The verse is not in Kings. Thenius (on 1 Kings 14:26) says that the chronicler has here made use of “really historical notices.” It is self-evident.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 12:4
4. the fenced cities] Cp. 2 Chronicles 11:5.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 12:4
See 1 the Kings 14:25 note.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 12:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Satan Uses Subtle Devices by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson warns about the subtle devices of Satan, who uses powerful and seemingly successful figures to instill doubt in believers' commitment to trust God. He highlights ho |
|
The Folly of Ahaz by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the historical context of the reign of King Ahaz and the events that occurred during a 16-year period. He emphasizes the importance of underst |
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Jeremiah the Weeping Prophet by Philip Powell | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how Jeremiah was supernaturally equipped and commissioned by God to carry out his mission. Jeremiah was sent to root out, pull down, destroy, |
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Studies in Isaiah - Part 1 by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing a message from the Lord about a coming battle and the loss of possessions. He then transitions to a section of the book of Isaiah, |
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God Will Come Through for You by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that God will come through for us, even in the face of discouragement and trials, as illustrated by the story of King Hezekiah and the Assyrian siege. He |
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1 Peter 4:17 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes that judgment begins at the house of God, referring to either the temple in Jerusalem or the church, where God’s presence dwells. He explains that this judgmen |