What does 2 Chronicles 12:2 mean?
"And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD," - 2 Chronicles 12:2
2 Chronicles 12:2 (KJV) reads, "And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the Lord." This verse is part of a larger passage that recounts the early reign of Rehoboam, the son of King Solomon, and the consequences that befell the kingdom of Judah as a result of their sins against God.
The context of this verse is situated in the period following the division of the united kingdom of Israel under King Solomon. Rehoboam, who succeeded Solomon as the ruler of the southern kingdom of Judah, is portrayed as a king who did evil in the sight of the Lord. The verse indicates that in the fifth year of his reign, the Egyptian pharaoh Shishak launched an attack against Jerusalem. This attack was a direct result of Judah's transgressions and disobedience to God's laws. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites' relationship with God is depicted as conditional on their obedience to His commandments. When they fail to uphold their covenant with God, they incur His wrath and face the consequences of their actions.
The theme of divine judgment and repentance is central to this passage. The actions of Rehoboam and the people of Judah are shown to have provoked the anger of the Lord, leading to the invasion by Shishak. This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of straying from God's path and the importance of remaining faithful to His word. The narrative also underscores the necessity of repentance and seeking forgiveness from God in the face of adversity. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the redemptive nature of God and His willingness to extend mercy to those who turn back to Him.
The symbolism in this verse is rich and multi-faceted. Shishak's invasion is not merely a historical event, but also serves as a symbolic representation of the consequences of sin. Egypt, a recurring symbol of bondage and oppression in the Bible, represents the spiritual enslavement that results from turning away from God. The attack on Jerusalem can be seen as a manifestation of the chaos and destruction that accompany disobedience to God's will. Furthermore, the invasion serves as a powerful symbol of God's discipline and chastisement of His people when they stray from righteousness.
The broader message of this verse extends beyond the historical account of Rehoboam and Shishak's invasion. It serves as a timeless reminder of the eternal principles of divine justice and the enduring need for repentance and obedience. The consequences faced by Judah and their eventual repentance and restoration underscore the overarching theme of God's faithfulness and willingness to forgive those who humbly seek His mercy. This verse encapsulates the cyclical nature of Israel's relationship with God, characterized by disobedience, judgment, repentance, and ultimately, divine restoration.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 12:2 (KJV) conveys a powerful message about the consequences of sin, the importance of repentance, and the enduring faithfulness of God. The historical context, themes, and symbolism in this verse converge to offer a profound spiritual lesson that resonates across generations. It serves as a poignant reminder of the need for faithfulness and obedience to God, as well as the reality of divine judgment and the redemptive power of repentance.
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2 Chronicles 12:2 - "And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD,"
"And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD," - 2 Chronicles 12:2
2 chronicles 13:12
1 Chronicles 2:12 - "And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse,"
2 Chronicles 12:6 - "Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous."
2 Chronicles 12:4 - "And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem."
2 Chronicles 17:12 - "¶ And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store."
2 Chronicles 14:12 - "So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled."
2 Chronicles 15:12 - "And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul;"
2 Chronicles 12:14 - "And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD."
2 Chronicles 12:8 - "Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries."
2 Chronicles 22:12 - "And he was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land."
2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?"
2 Chronicles 26:12 - "The whole number of the chief of the fathers of the mighty men of valour were two thousand and six hundred."
2 Chronicles 12:12 - "And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy him altogether: and also in Judah things went well."
2 Chronicles 12:16 - "And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead."
2 Chronicles 6:12 - "¶ And he stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands:"
2 Chronicles 8:12 - "¶ Then Solomon offered burnt offerings unto the LORD on the altar of the LORD, which he had built before the porch,"
2 Chronicles 30:12 - "Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD."
2 Chronicles 12:11 - "And when the king entered into the house of the LORD, the guard came and fetched them, and brought them again into the guard chamber."
2 Chronicles 23:12 - "¶ Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the LORD:"
2 Chronicles 33:12 - "And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,"
2 Chronicles 31:12 - "And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next."
2 Chronicles 2:12 (KJVA) 12 Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.
2 Chronicles 2:12 - "Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom."
2 Chronicles 10:12 - "So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day."
"And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse," - 1 Chronicles 2:12
2 Chronicles 12:10 - "Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king's house."
2 Chronicles 11:12 - "And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side."
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."