What does 2 Chronicles 12:7 mean?
"And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak." - 2 Chronicles 12:7

2 Chronicles 12:7 (KJV) reads: "And when the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak."
This verse is part of the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles, which focuses on the history of the kings of Judah, particularly their relationship with God and the temple. In this chapter, we see the aftermath of King Rehoboam's apostasy and how God dealt with the consequences of his actions.
The context of this verse is crucial for understanding its deeper meaning. Prior to this verse, King Rehoboam and the people of Judah had abandoned God's law, leading to the invasion of the Egyptian king Shishak. In response, God sent the prophet Shemaiah to deliver a message to Rehoboam.
The primary theme of 2 Chronicles 12:7 is the importance of humility and repentance. Despite their disobedience, the people of Judah humbled themselves, and this act of humility did not go unnoticed by God. The verse reflects the compassionate nature of God, who is always willing to grant mercy and deliverance to those who genuinely repent and turn back to Him.
The symbolism in this verse is rich and profound. The fact that God "saw that they humbled themselves" suggests that God is attentive to the state of our hearts and responds to genuine repentance. The word "humbled" carries with it the idea of acknowledging one's sin and turning away from it, seeking reconciliation with God. This lines up with the biblical concept that "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).
Additionally, the mention of "deliverance" underscores God's willingness to rescue His people from the consequences of their sins. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance that comes through Jesus Christ, who offers salvation to all who humbly repent and believe in Him.
The verse also highlights the role of the prophet Shemaiah as a mediator between God and the people. In the Old Testament, prophets served as messengers of God, delivering His words and providing guidance for the people. Shemaiah's role in this verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in sending messengers to warn and instruct His people.
In a broader theological context, the events described in 2 Chronicles 12:7 serve as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and mercy, as well as the consequences of disobedience. The verse illustrates the dynamic relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the need for repentance and the gracious response of God when His people turn back to Him.
Ultimately, 2 Chronicles 12:7 serves as a reminder of the timeless truths found in Scripture – that God is compassionate and merciful, that repentance and humility are key to experiencing His deliverance, and that God's faithfulness endures in every generation. It is a powerful testament to the redemptive nature of God and His desire to reconcile with His people.
Have questions about 2 Chronicles 12:7?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
2 Chronicles 12:7 Artwork
2 Chronicles 12:7 - "And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak."
"And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak." - 2 Chronicles 12:7
2 Chronicles 7:12 - "¶ And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice."
1 Chronicles 12:7 - "And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor."
1 Chronicles 7:12 - "Shuppim also, and Huppim, the children of Ir, and Hushim, the sons of Aher."
2 chronicles 13:12
2 chronicles 7:14
2 chronicles 7:14
"And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor." - 1 Chronicles 12:7
2 Chronicles 11:7 - "And Beth-zur, and Shoco, and Adullam,"
1 Chronicles 2:12 - "And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat Jesse,"
2 Corinthians 12:7
2 Corinthians 12:7
2 Corinthians 12:7
2 Corinthians 12:7
2 Chronicles 7:4 - "¶ Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD."
2 Chronicles 7:2 - "And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD'S house."
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."
Humble ourselves and pray 2 Chronicles 7:14
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."
1 Chronicles 2:7 - "And the sons of Carmi; Achar, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the thing accursed."
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 12:8 - "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 26:7 - "And God helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal, and the Mehunims."