2 Chronicles 12:13

So king Rehoboam strengthened himselfe in Ierusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one and fourty yeeres olde when hee began to reigne, and he reigned seuenteen yeeres in Ierusalem, the citie which the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his Name there: and his mothers name was Naamah an Ammonitesse. 2 Chronicles 12:13 (KJV)

Context: The book of 2 Chronicles provides a historical account of the kings of Judah. In this particular verse we see the conclusion of the account of King Rehoboam’s reign. Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and the grandson of David, and he reigned over the southern kingdom of Judah.

Historical Background: Rehoboam’s reign: Rehoboam became king after the death of his father, Solomon. Initially, he faced a rebellion from the northern tribes of Israel, led by Jeroboam, which resulted… the division of the kingdom. Rehoboam ruled over the southern kingdom of Judah, while Jeroboam became the king of the northern kingdom of Israel.

Shishak’s invasion: Earlier in 2 Chronicles 12, the Egyptian pharaoh Shishak invaded Judah as a consequence of Rehoboam and the people of Judah turning away from the Lord and forsaking His commandments (2 Chronicles 12:1). The invasion is described in verses 1‑12 of the chapter, not in verse 13.

Rehoboam’s response: Strengthening himself: After acknowledging his sin and the severity of the situation, Rehoboam took steps to strengthen himself and the kingdom. This likely involved consolidating his authority and organizing defenses to protect Jerusalem. After the invasion by Shishak, he and the leaders humbled themselves before the Lord, and God spared them from destruction.

Continued reign: Despite the invasion and the consequences of his disobedience, Rehoboam remained king of Judah. He reigned for a total of seventeen years.

The significance of Jerusalem: City chosen by the LORD: Jerusalem was the city the Lord had selected as the place for His name among the tribes of Israel. Its status as the capital and the site of the temple gave it special religious significance.

Symbol of God’s presence: Jerusalem housed the temple, the central place of worship for the Israelites and the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people. The choice of Jerusalem reflected God’s favor and His desire for a covenantal relationship with His people.

Naamah the Ammonitess: Rehoboam’s mother: The verse also mentions Rehoboam’s mother, Naamah, who was an Ammonitess, indicating her origin from the neighboring nation of Ammon.

Foreign connections: The mention of Naamah’s identity reminds readers of Rehoboam’s connection to foreign nations through marriage. Intermarriage with foreign women was often discouraged in Scripture because it could lead to compromise and idolatry.

Lessons and Applications: Consequences of disobedience: Rehoboam’s reign was marred by his failure to follow the ways of the Lord, leading to the invasion by Shishak. This serves as a reminder that there are consequences for turning away from God and forsaking His commandments. God’s choice and presence: Jerusalem being chosen by the Lord as the city for His name reflects His sovereignty and desire to dwell among His people. It teaches the importance of seeking God’s presence and aligning our lives with His purposes. Caution against compromise: The reference to Naamah the Ammonitess serves as a cautionary reminder about the dangers of compromising faith through alliances or relationships that can draw believers away from God’s ways.

In summary, 2 Chronicles 12:13 provides a brief conclusion to the account of King Rehoboam’s reign, highlighting his response to the challenges he faced and the significance of Jerusalem as the chosen city of God. It also reminds us of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining faithful to God’s ways.