2 Chronicles 12:6

So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, "The LORD is righteous."

Study Bible

So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, 'The LORD is righteous.'
So the leaders of Israel and the king
This phrase highlights the collective leadership of Israel, including both the political and spiritual heads. The Hebrew word for "leaders" here is "שָׂרִים" (sarim), which often refers to princes or officials. This indicates that the decision to humble themselves was not just a personal act by the king but a unified response by the nation's leadership. Historically, this reflects a moment of national crisis where the leaders recognized their need for divine intervention. The inclusion of both "the leaders" and "the king" underscores the importance of unity in leadership, especially in times of repentance and seeking God's favor.

humbled themselves
The Hebrew root for "humbled" is "כָּנַע" (kanah), which means to be subdued or to bring oneself low. This act of humbling is significant in the biblical context as it represents a turning point from pride and self-reliance to submission and dependence on God. In the historical context of 2 Chronicles, this humbling was a response to the threat posed by Shishak, king of Egypt, and it demonstrates a recognition of their own inadequacy and the need for God's mercy. Theologically, this act of humility is a prerequisite for receiving God's grace, as echoed in James 4:6, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

and said
The act of speaking or declaring is crucial in the biblical narrative. The Hebrew word "אָמַר" (amar) implies not just speaking but making a declaration or confession. This verbal acknowledgment is an essential part of repentance, as it involves not only an internal change of heart but also an outward confession of truth. In the context of this verse, the leaders' declaration is a public acknowledgment of God's character and their own failings.

The LORD is righteous
This phrase is a profound theological statement. The Hebrew word for "righteous" is "צַדִּיק" (tsaddiq), which denotes justice, rightness, and moral integrity. By declaring "The LORD is righteous," the leaders are acknowledging God's perfect justice and their own unrighteousness. This confession is central to the biblical understanding of repentance, where recognition of God's holiness and justice leads to a realization of human sinfulness. Historically, this acknowledgment would have been a powerful reminder to the people of Israel of their covenant relationship with God, who is always just and faithful, even when they are not. This statement serves as an inspiration for believers today to trust in God's righteous character, knowing that He is always just and fair in His dealings with humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The king of Judah, son of Solomon, whose reign is marked by a division of the kingdom and subsequent invasion by Egypt.

2. Leaders of Israel
The officials and elders who served under King Rehoboam and were responsible for guiding the nation.

3. Shishak
The king of Egypt who invaded Judah during Rehoboam's reign, as a consequence of the nation's unfaithfulness.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, which faced the threat of invasion and plundering by Shishak.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is acknowledged as righteous by Rehoboam and the leaders in their moment of humility.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Humility
Rehoboam and the leaders' acknowledgment of God's righteousness came through their humility. In times of crisis, recognizing our dependence on God is crucial.

God's Righteousness
The declaration "The LORD is righteous" serves as a reminder of God's just nature. Even in judgment, His actions are fair and aimed at bringing His people back to Him.

Consequences of Disobedience
The invasion by Shishak was a direct result of Judah's unfaithfulness. This serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God's commands.

Repentance Leads to Restoration
The humility and repentance of Rehoboam and the leaders led to a measure of deliverance. God responds to genuine repentance with mercy and grace.

Leadership and Accountability
The leaders' role in acknowledging God's righteousness highlights the responsibility of those in authority to lead by example in spiritual matters.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the humility of Rehoboam and the leaders in 2 Chronicles 12:6 serve as a model for us when facing personal or communal crises?

2. In what ways can we acknowledge God's righteousness in our daily lives, especially when we experience His discipline?

3. How does the account of Rehoboam and Shishak illustrate the principle found in James 4:6 about humility and grace?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that our leadership, whether in family, church, or community, aligns with God's righteous standards?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How did humility and repentance play a role in your restoration process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 14:25-28
This passage parallels the account of Shishak's invasion, providing additional context to the events in 2 Chronicles 12.

James 4:6
This New Testament verse emphasizes the principle that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, which is demonstrated in Rehoboam's account.

Psalm 145:17
This verse declares the righteousness of the LORD, echoing the acknowledgment made by Rehoboam and the leaders.

Proverbs 3:34
This proverb highlights the importance of humility before God, a key theme in 2 Chronicles 12:6.