2 Chronicles 12

2 Chronicles 12:1

12:1-4 Whereas 1Ki_14:22-24 mentions some of the details of Rehoboam’s apostasy, Chronicles simply says that “he forsook the law of the LORD” and “did not prepare his heart to seek the LORD” (v. 14). Now five short years after the powerful monarch Solomon had died, the Egyptians were at Jerusalem’s gates to carry away her treasures. Rehoboam’s fortified cities availed nothing. Shishak subdued Judah not because of Egypt’s military superiority but because of Judah’s unfaithfulness to Jehovah. 12:5-8 When Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam a second time (see 2Ch_11:2) and delivered his message of doom, the king and the princes of Judah humbled themselves before the Lord and acknowledged His righteousness in the coming judgment. Instantly the Lord’s mercy and grace provided deliverance, but not without a painful lesson on the difference between serving Jehovah and serving their captors. 12:9-12 The people were spared but the kingdom was spoiled. Rehoboam tried to adjust as much as possible. He substituted bronze shields for gold, unwittingly illustrating that God’s presence and favor (gold) were being replaced by His judgment (bronze). 12:13-16 The story of Rehoboam concludes with the statement that he did evil and rested with his fathers. The difference between Rehoboam and his grandfather David can be seen by comparing Psa_27:8 with verse 14. David sought the Lord’s face. Rehoboam did not.