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
This phrase indicates a significant moment of repentance and acknowledgment of wrongdoing by the leaders and the king, Rehoboam. In the context of 2 Chronicles 12, Rehoboam had led Judah into sin, which resulted in Shishak, the king of Egypt, attacking Jerusalem. The act of humbling themselves is a response to the prophetic warning given by Shemaiah, a prophet of the Lord. This humility is a key theme throughout the Bible, as seen in passages like 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God promises to heal the land if His people humble themselves. The leaders' and king's humility is a turning point that averts complete destruction, showing the importance of repentance and submission to God's will.

and said, “The LORD is righteous.”
This declaration acknowledges God's justice and righteousness in allowing Shishak's invasion as a consequence of their unfaithfulness. It reflects an understanding that God's actions are always just, even when they involve discipline. This acknowledgment is crucial in the biblical narrative, as it aligns with the broader scriptural theme that God is righteous in all His ways (Psalm 145:17). The leaders' confession mirrors the sentiments found in Daniel 9:14, where Daniel acknowledges God's righteousness in allowing Israel's exile. This phrase also points to the character of God as a righteous judge, a theme that is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who embodies God's righteousness and offers redemption.

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.