2 Chronicles 12:3
“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.”
Context:This verse is part of the historical account of the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and the division of the kingdom of Israel. Rehoboam became king after Solomon’s death and faced opposition from Jeroboam, who led the northern tribes to rebel against the house of David. This verse describes an attack on Rehoboam by King Shishak of Egypt.
Historical Background:To fully understand this verse, it’s important to have some historical context. After the reign of Solomon, the kingdom of Israel was divided into two: the northern kingdom of Israel (with ten tribes) and the southern kingdom of Judah (with two tribes). Rehoboam reigned over Judah, and Jeroboam ruled over Israel.
Shishak’s Invasion:During the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem. Shishak had a powerful army consisting of twelve hundred chariots, sixty thousand horsemen, and a massive number of soldiers from Egypt, Libya (Lubims), Sukkiim, and Ethiopia. The purpose of this invasion was to punish Rehoboam for abandoning the laws of God and turning away from the Lord (2 Chronicles 12:1).
Consequences of Rehoboam’s Actions:The invasion by Shishak was a direct consequence of Rehoboam’s disobedience to God. After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the elders who advised him to lighten the burden placed on the people, and instead, he chose to increase their burden (2 Chronicles 10:1-15). As a result, the people rebelled against him, and God allowed Shishak to invade Judah.
God’s Warning and Grace:Before the invasion, the prophet Shemaiah delivered a message from the Lord to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, warning them of the impending attack (2 Chronicles 12:5-8). They were told that because of their disobedience, they would be punished. However, the Lord also showed His grace by promising not to destroy them completely but to subject them to Shishak’s rule temporarily (2 Chronicles 12:7).
Repentance and Mercy:Upon hearing the warning, Rehoboam and the leaders humbled themselves and acknowledged their sin. They repented before the Lord, which led God to respond with mercy. He declared that Shishak’s invasion would not destroy Jerusalem but would serve as a means to discipline the people and bring them back to Him (2 Chronicles 12:6,12).
Lessons to Learn:
The consequences of disobedience: Rehoboam’s disobedience to God’s commandments had serious consequences not only for him but also for the nation. It serves as a reminder that disobedience to God’s Word can lead to undesirable outcomes.
The importance of humility and repentance: When Rehoboam and the leaders humbled themselves, acknowledged their sin, and repented, God responded with mercy. This teaches us the significance of genuine repentance and humility before God, which can lead to His forgiveness and restoration.
God’s discipline and grace: Despite disciplining the people through the invasion, God showed His grace and did not completely abandon them. He preserved Jerusalem and promised not to destroy them utterly. This highlights God’s faithfulness even in times of discipline.
