Main Highlights
Rehoboam and Judah forsake the Lord, leading to an invasion by Shishak, king of Egypt. Rehoboam humbles himself, and God tempers the punishment.
Key Verses
As soon as the kingdom of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him."— 2 Chronicles 12:1
"Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and to the officials of Judah, who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, 'Thus says the Lord, "You have abandoned me, so I have abandoned you to the hand of Shishak."'''— 2 Chronicles 12:5
"When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: 'They have humbled themselves. I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.'"— 2 Chronicles 12:7
Related Scripture
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."— 2 Chronicles 7:14
Scholar Insight
"Rehoboam's partial reformation shows that outward acts of humility are insufficient without a corresponding change of heart." - Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Treasury of David"
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is just and punishes sin, but He is also merciful and responds to genuine repentance. "When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: 'They have humbled themselves. I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.'" 2 Chronicles 12:7
Christological Connection
The deliverance granted to Judah foreshadows the ultimate deliverance from sin offered through Jesus Christ.
Systematic Theology
The Consequences of Sin and Repentance and Forgiveness.
Law & Grace
Law is shown to come to pass because Rehoboam abonded the law and was shown Judgement. Then Grace and love is shown when Rehoboam humbles himself and asks for forgiveness. God is merciful and listens to Rehoboam.
Personal Application
We should be vigilant against spiritual complacency, confess our sins, and turn back to God in humility. We should not rely on our own strength or righteousness, but seek God's forgiveness and guidance. "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16