2 Chronicles 12:5

Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and he said to them, "This is what the LORD says: 'You have forsaken Me; therefore, I have forsaken you into the hand of Shishak.'"

Study Bible

Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah
Shemaiah was a prophet during the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon's son. Prophets in Israel served as God's messengers, often delivering warnings or guidance. Rehoboam, the king of Judah, was facing a crisis due to his earlier decision to increase the burdens on the people, which led to the division of the kingdom. The leaders of Judah were gathered, indicating a council or assembly to address the threat posed by Shishak, the king of Egypt. This gathering in Jerusalem, the political and spiritual center of Judah, underscores the gravity of the situation.

who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak
Shishak, also known as Sheshonq I, was the first king of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt. His invasion of Judah is historically corroborated by Egyptian records, including a relief at the Karnak Temple. This event occurred around 925 BC, shortly after the division of the united monarchy. The gathering at Jerusalem highlights the city's significance as a fortified refuge and a place of decision-making. Shishak's campaign is seen as a divine judgment against Judah for their unfaithfulness.

and he said to them, “This is what the LORD says:
The phrase "This is what the LORD says" is a common prophetic formula, emphasizing that the message is not from the prophet himself but from God. It underscores the authority and divine origin of the message. The use of the covenant name "LORD" (YHWH) reminds the audience of their special relationship with God, which they have neglected.

‘You have forsaken Me;
This accusation points to the spiritual apostasy of Judah under Rehoboam's leadership. Forsaking God often involved idolatry and neglect of the covenantal laws given through Moses. The spiritual decline began with Solomon's later years and continued under Rehoboam, as the people turned to other gods and practices contrary to the covenant.

therefore, I have forsaken you into the hand of Shishak.’”
The principle of divine retribution is evident here: as Judah forsook God, He allowed them to face the consequences of their actions. Being "forsaken" into the hand of Shishak implies military defeat and subjugation. This reflects the covenantal curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28 for disobedience. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the seriousness of covenant faithfulness and the reality of divine judgment. This event foreshadows the ultimate exile of Judah, pointing to the need for a faithful king, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who perfectly obeys and restores the covenant relationship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shemaiah the Prophet
A prophet of God who delivered messages to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah. His role was to communicate God's will and warnings.

2. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah. His reign was marked by division and conflict, partly due to his failure to follow God's commandments.

3. Leaders of Judah
The officials and elders who were responsible for guiding the people of Judah. They gathered in Jerusalem during the crisis with Shishak.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, a central place of worship and governance for the Israelites.

5. Shishak
The king of Egypt who invaded Judah. His invasion was a consequence of Judah's abandonment of God.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Abandoning God
When we turn away from God, we open ourselves to negative consequences. Just as Judah faced invasion due to their abandonment of God, we too can face spiritual and practical challenges when we stray from His path.

The Role of Prophets and God's Messengers
God often uses individuals to deliver His messages and warnings. We should be attentive to those who speak truth into our lives, as they may be conveying God's will.

The Importance of Leadership in Faithfulness
Leaders have a significant impact on the spiritual direction of a community. Rehoboam's failure to lead according to God's commandments had dire consequences for Judah. This underscores the importance of godly leadership.

Repentance and Restoration
Although the passage highlights abandonment, it also implies the possibility of repentance. Turning back to God can restore our relationship with Him and bring about His favor.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of Shemaiah as a prophet in this passage challenge us to listen to God's messengers today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we do not abandon God in our daily lives, and what practices can help us stay faithful?

3. How does the account of Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah illustrate the importance of godly leadership in our communities and churches?

4. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for straying from God's path. How did you find your way back to Him?

5. How can the principles found in Deuteronomy 28:15 and James 4:8 guide us in understanding the relationship between obedience, consequences, and drawing near to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 14:25-26
This passage provides a parallel account of Shishak's invasion, emphasizing the consequences of Rehoboam's actions.

Deuteronomy 28:15
This verse outlines the curses for disobedience to God's commandments, which is relevant to the situation in 2 Chronicles 12:5.

James 4:8
This New Testament verse encourages believers to draw near to God, contrasting with the abandonment seen in 2 Chronicles 12:5.