2 Chronicles 12 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

2 Chronicles 12 Short Summary:

In 2 Chronicles 12, Rehoboam abandoned the Lord and His precepts. Consequently, God allowed Shishak, king of Egypt, to bring a massive military force against Judah and conquer much of Rehoboam’s territory. Rehoboam was able to save Jerusalem, but only by surrendering his autonomy and all the treasures in the Temple. Rehoboam died after reigning 17 years over Judah.

2 Chronicles 12 Extended Summary

WHEN:

• Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, became king in his father’s place in 975 B.C.

• Rehoboam reigned 17 years (1 Kings 14:21) in Judah, from approximately 975-958 B.C.

• When the kingdom of Israel and Judah divided, the people of Israel made Jeroboam their king.

• Jeroboam was king over Israel for 22 years (1 Kings 14:20), 975-953 B.C.

CHARACTERS:

• Rehoboam – The son of Solomon and the 4th king of Israel and Judah.

• Jeroboam – An Ephraimite who was originally a servant of Solomon. God selected him to be the king over Israel following the rebellion against Rehoboam.

• Abijah – Rehoboam’s son with Maacah.

WHERE:

• Rehoboam was made king in Shechem and reigned from Jerusalem.

• The king of Egypt brought his army north to fight against Judah.

OUTLINE:

• REHOBOAM REBELS AGAINST THE LORD AND IS PUNISHED BY EGYPT (12:1-11):

  • After Rehoboam established himself as king in Judah, he abandoned God and became wicked.

  • Because of Judah’s evil, God allowed Shishak, king of Egypt, to attack Judah.

  • Shishak brought 1,000 chariots and innumerable men on his campaign.

  • After defeating Judah’s fortified cities, Shishak’s army approached Jerusalem.

  • Shemaiah, the prophet of God, told Rehoboam God had abandoned him to his enemies because Rehoboam had abandoned the Lord.

  • Rehoboam and the princes of Judah humbled themselves and repented.

  • God acknowledged their repentance and spared the city of Jerusalem, but Rehoboam had to surrender to Shishak.

  • Shishak took away all the valuables in the Temple and in the King’s house, including all the gold shields made by Solomon during the years of his prosperity (1 Kings 10:16-17).

• SUMMARY OF THE REST OF REHOBOAM’S REIGN (12:12-16):

  • After the humbling experience of being invaded by Egypt, conditions improved in Judah.

  • Rehoboam reigned a total of 17 years in Judah.

  • Unfortunately, he was not always faithful to the Lord.

  • His son, Abijah, reigned after his death.
    

APPLICATION:

• How metaphorical the plundering of Solomon’s golden shields and the withdraw of God’s shield of protection of Judah.

• This should instruct all civil leader and citizens that a country, no matter how great in the past, is vulnerable to almost instant collapse when they walk away from God.

• Judah fell from world prominence in one generation.

• Don’t foolishly believe God lacks the tools to repeat the pattern in the modern day.

• This is why it is important for every generation to know the Lord. The best way to protect your nation is to instill a love for God in the future generation.

• Without God’s shield of protection, no constitution, no system of government, and no military force can prevent the downfall of a nation.