2 Crônicas 12
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
2 Crônicas 12
NJB (LXX versing) Shishak of Egypt Invades Judah Egypt Attacks Judah Rehoboam's Sin; His Punishment and Death An Egyptian Invasion of Judah Rehoboam's Unfaithfulness 12:1-8 12:1-8 12:1-8 12:1-4 12:1-8 12:5 12:6 Plunder Impoverishes Judah 12:7-8 12:9-12 12:9-12 12:9-12 12:9-12 12:9-11 Summary of the Reign The End of Rehoboam's Reign Summary of Rehoboam's Reign 12:12-14 12:13-14 12:13-14 12:13-14 12:13-14 12:15-16 12:15-16 12:15-16 12:15-16 12:15-16 Etc.
2 Crônicas 12:1-8
12:1 Apparently Rehoboam, for a brief period of three years, was faithful to YHWH (cf. 2 Chr. 11:1-4,17). YHWH's blessing, seen in his large family (2 Chr. 11:18-21), may have become a temptation (like Solomon). The "he did evil" of 2 Chr. 12:14 usually denotes idolatry (cf. 1 Kgs. 14:25). "and all Israel" Here is the tragedy of unfaithful leadership. It causes an unfaithful populace! This "all Israel" may involve the once faithful of 2 Chr. 11:16. The Chronicler used "all Israel" in several senses (NASB Study Bible, p. 601). for both kingdoms ‒ 2 Chr. 9:30; 11:16 for the northern tribes who followed Jeroboam I ‒ 2 Chr. 10:16; 11:13 for Judah ‒ here and 2 Chr. 11:3 12:2 The nature of Rehoboam's unfaithfulness is not stated, but what a contrast occurred. "established and strong" (2 Chr. 12:1; aspect of the covenant blessings of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28) "forsook the law. . .," "they had been unfaithful to the Lord" (notice 2 Chr. 12:5) Some violations of the covenant resulted in the invasion of Egypt. YHWH allowed the temple and palace treasures to be taken as booty. This strongly implies idolatry on Israel's part, which polluted the temple. As #1 above was part of the "blessings" of Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28; the invasion and ruin were part of the "curses." "in the fifth year" The NASB Study Bible, p. 601, mentions that Chronicles often inserts time elements, which are not found in Kings (i.e., 2 Chr. 11:17; 15:10,19; 16:1,12-13; 17:7; 21:20; 25:15,17,23; 26:16; 27:5,8; 29:3; 34:3; 36:21). He is obviously using Samuel/Kings and another source. Most of his information came from the writings of prophets (i.e., here, Shemaiah, cf. 2 Chr. 11:2; 12:5,15). Since this invasion is mentioned in both Scripture and in secular sources, it becomes a crucial chronological marker for dating the events in Judah's history (similar to the battles of Charchemish and Qarqar). "unfaithful to the Lord" This VERB and NOUN (BDB 591, KB 612) are never used in Samuel or Kings but are crucial theological elements in Chronicles. 5 times in 1 Chronicles 12 times in 2 Chronicles 5 times in Ezra It is also very common in Ezekiel (13 times). Faithlessness is first a mental issue but quickly becomes an action issue. The covenant was conditional (cf. Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28; 30; Psalm 1). "Shishak" This Pharaoh (a Libyan title, like Pharaoh, they ruled Egypt in the 22nd dynasty) protected Jeroboam I from Solomon (cf. 1 Kgs. 11:40). This shows the growing power of Egypt. Earlier Egypt had given a royal daughter to seal a truce with Solomon and now an open act of defiance. Although the biblical account of this invasion is limited (cf. 1 Kgs. 14:25-28), there is an Egyptian inscription at the Temple of Amon at Karnack that describes this invasion. It claims he invaded as far north as Megiddo. SPECIAL TOPIC: KINGS OF EGYPT 12:3 This was a large multi-national army that invaded Judah from Lubim ‒ BDB 530, a people of NE Africa, also known as Lydia, cf. Gen. 22:10; 1 Chr. 1:17; Isa. 66:19; Dan. 11:43 Sukkiim ‒ BDB 696, KB 753, paid mercenaries apparently from north Africa, possibly migrant shepherds like the Bedouin of Canaan (i.e., tent-dwellers) Ehtiopia ‒ BDB 469, a Cushite military force from the area just south of Egypt. During this period a series of five non-Egyptian kings from the south ruled Egypt. 12:4 "the fortified cities of Judah" These are the very cities mentioned in 2 Chr. 11:5-12. These cities also were managed by Rehoboam's sons (cf. 2 Chr. 11:23). 12:5 YHWH revealed to Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel the theological reason for this successful invasion. Israel's covenant disobedience caused the curses of Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 to come into effect! It was not a lack of power on YHWH's part but sin on Israel's part. "You have forsaken Me, so I also have forsaken you" What a terrible cause and effect. It reminds me of Rom. 1:24,26,28. This is the direct opposite of "seek" (see 2 Chr. 11:16 vs. 2 Chr. 12:14). The Tyndale OT Commentary by Martin Selman, p. 372, makes this excellent comment that the violation of covenant law mentioned in 2 Chr. 12:1 was in reality a rejection of YHWH Himself (i.e., "Me"). There is always the tension between obedience (i.e., legalism) vs. heart faith (i.e., a circumcised heart; with all their heart, cf. Lev. 26:41; Deut. 10:16; 30:6; 1 Kgs. 8:61; 2 Kgs. 20:3; 1 Chr. 28:9; 29:19; 2 Chr. 12:4; Jer. 4:4). Attitude and motive, not just actions, are crucial in biblical faith. God sees the heart (cf. 1 Chr. 28:9; 2 Chr. 6:30; 12:14; 15:12,15,17; 16:9; 19:3,9; 28:2; 30:19; 34:31). 12:6,7 YHWH desires faithfulness but even after disobedience there is a spiritual remedy (i.e., true repentance and obedience). Both the people and the king "humbled" themselves and prayed (2 Chr. 7:14). Leviticus 26:41 mentions "humble" as the key to forgiveness and restoration, but not without consequences. Even forgiven sin runs its course (cf. 2 Chr. 12:8,9). 2 Chronicles 12:12 is a summary to emphasize the power of repentance (i.e., the people of Nineveh in Jonah's day). SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE (OT) 12:6 "the princes of Israel" Obviously the Chronicler believed Judah was the only legitimate covenant nation. The northern tribes may have the name as the descendants of Jacob but Judah has the reality. "The Lord is righteous" This was a faith affirmation (cf. Neh. 9:8; Ps. 119:137; 129:4) related to the character of YHWH. His judgments are true and fair (cf. Exod. 34:6-7). See SPECIAL TOPIC: RIGHTEOUSNESS SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT) 12:7 NASB, NJB, JPSOA "some measure of deliverance" NKJV, NRSV, Peshitta "some deliverance" "some measure of relief" "a small degree of deliverance" "I will deliver them soon" JB, NIV, Barnes' Notes "for a short space" The MT has "some deliverance" or "escape" (BDB 812), which is usually used of a remnant. Many Judeans died in this invasion (cf. 2 Chr. 12:4, probably some royal princes, cf. 2 Chr. 11:23). The military menace of Egypt was not removed! SPECIAL TOPIC: THE REMNANT 12:8 Historical events involving YHWH's people are an opportunity to teach and reveal YHWH's will and plan. History is in the hand of God. This is the Bible's revelatory worldview.
2 Crônicas 12:9-12
12:9 All of the treasures accumulated by David and Solomon are taken to Egypt. Shishak is succeeded by his son, Osorkon I. There is an inscription at Bubastis which says he contributed large amounts of gold and silver to the temples of Egypt (ABD, vol. 5, p. 1222). This was probably from Israel! 12:10-11 Rehoboam tried to compensate for the loss by making shields of bronze. 12:12 There is a word play on "turned away." This word (BDB 996, KB 1427) is also commonly used for repentance. Rehoboam "humbled" himself, YHWH "repented" of His judgment and spared Jerusalem but, not without cost. fortified cities destroyed royal sons probably died Jerusalem's temple and royal palace emptied of treasure Israel served Egypt for a period of time (cf. 2 Chr. 12:8) YHWH wants to bless His people. He has provided three ways for sinful people in the OT to come into fellowship with Himself and stay in fellowship. the sacrifice system the Mosaic regulations (feast days, social laws, etc) repentance
2 Crônicas 12:13-14
12:13-16 This is a typical summary conclusion to a king's life. It follows a set pattern of information (cf. 1 Kgs. 14:29-31). 12:13 "And his mother's name was Naamah the Ammonitess" This is a subtle hint at the problems caused by Solomon's foreign wives (cf. 1 Kgs. 11:1-8). 12:14 What a terrible recurrent pattern in the line of David. A few good kings, but mostly "evil." Shockingly the earthly representatives of YHWH were unfaithful to the covenant.
2 Crônicas 12:15-16
12:15 "prophet. . .seer" There are two different Hebrew words which denote a person who reveals YHWH's message. SPECIAL TOPIC: OT PROPHECY "And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually" What a terrible situation — covenant brothers fighting and killing covenant brothers! There is no OT evidence of a full war but this probably refers to ongoing border skirmishes and raids (cf. 2 Chr. 13:4-20). 12:16 See note at 2 Chr. 9:31. "Abijah" This was Rehoboam's favorite son (cf. 2 Chr. 11:21-22). In 1 Kgs. 14:31 he is called "Abijam," possibly the name in Chronicles was his throne name. Often there was a name change at the coronation. Uzziah ‒ Azariah Eliakim ‒ Jehoiakim Shallum ‒ Jehoahaz Jeconiah ‒ Jehoiachin Mattaniah ‒ Zedekiah