2 Chronicles 12

Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

12:1-2 The book of Kings states no theological reason for Egypt’s invasion, but the Chronicler does: The Egyptians attacked Jerusalem because Rehoboam had abandoned the covenant and rebelled against the Lord.

Verse 2

12:2-4 Shishak, also known as Shoshenq I (945–924 BC), ruled a reunited Egypt and founded the 22nd dynasty.

Verse 3

12:3 Sukkites are not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible but are known from Egyptian history as Libyans from the oases of the western desert. • and Ethiopians: Shishak was an Ethiopian from southern Egypt.

Verse 6

12:6-7 Shemaiah’s speech expresses the elements required in Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple (7:14). The leaders of Israel . . . humbled themselves, and the wrath of judgment was removed from Jerusalem.

Verse 9

12:9-11 The looting of the royal treasuries and of the Temple were the punishment Rehoboam received for his disobedience. The gold shields were ritually carried by the guard accompanying the king when he moved from the palace to the Temple. The royal processionals lost much of their splendor with the bronze shields (cp. 9:15-16), which were safely stored in the huge armory Solomon had built (8:6).

Verse 12

12:12 When Rehoboam repented, God allowed good things to remain in Jerusalem: the repentance of the people, their resolve to seek the Lord, and the preservation of worship (see 19:3).