Context and Background:

2 Chronicles 12:3 is situated within the narrative of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, who became king of Judah after Solomon's death. This period marks a significant transition in the history of Israel, as the united monarchy under David and Solomon divides into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Rehoboam's reign is characterized by a departure from the ways of the LORD, leading to divine judgment upon Judah.

Verse Text :

"With twelve hundred chariots, sixty thousand horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites—"

Analysis:

This verse describes the formidable military force assembled by Shishak, the king of Egypt, as he advanced against Jerusalem. The passage highlights the vastness and diversity of Shishak's army, which included not only Egyptians but also Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. This coalition underscores the threat posed to Judah and serves as a tangible expression of God's judgment against Rehoboam's kingdom due to their unfaithfulness.

Historical and Theological Significance:

1. Historical Context:
· Shishak's invasion occurred in the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign (circa 926 BC). This event is corroborated by Egyptian records, notably the Bubastite Portal at Karnak, which lists the cities conquered by Shishak.
· The inclusion of Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites indicates the extensive reach of Shishak's influence and the strategic alliances he formed to strengthen his military campaign.

2. Theological Implications:
· The invasion is depicted as a direct consequence of Judah's abandonment of the LORD's commandments. Earlier in 2 Chronicles 12, it is noted that "because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 12:2).
· This event serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where obedience brings blessing, and disobedience invites discipline and correction.

3. Moral and Spiritual Lessons:
· The passage calls believers to reflect on the importance of faithfulness to God. Rehoboam's failure to lead Judah in the ways of the LORD resulted in vulnerability and defeat.
· It also illustrates the sovereignty of God over nations and leaders, using even foreign powers to accomplish His purposes and bring His people back to Himself.

Conclusion:

2 Chronicles 12:3 is a vivid portrayal of the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a historical account of Shishak's invasion and a theological lesson on the importance of covenant faithfulness. The diverse and powerful army of Shishak stands as a testament to the seriousness of divine judgment, urging readers to remain steadfast in their commitment to the LORD.1200 (1 Occurrence)

2 Chronicles 12:3
with twelve hundred chariots, and sixty thousand horsemen. The people were without number who came with him out of Egypt: the Lubim, the Sukkiim, and the Ethiopians.
(See NAS)

1200 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 1200 (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 12:3 with twelve
hundred chariots, and sixty thousand horsemen. The people ...
/num/1200.htm - 6k

Since (1200 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Since (1200 Occurrences). Since occurs 1200 times in 12
translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. ...
/s/since.htm - 7k

Jericho (59 Occurrences)
... This is accounted for by the depression of the plain, which is about 1,200 feet
below the level of the sea.". ... Here there is a mound 1,200 ft. long and 50 ft. ...
/j/jericho.htm - 38k

Noah (55 Occurrences)
... Berosus, the Greek historian, represents it to have been five stadia (3,000 ft.)
long and two stadia (1,200 ft.) broad, while Origen, in order to confound ...
/n/noah.htm - 66k

Quarantania
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A mountain some 1,200 feet high, about 7 miles north-west
of Jericho, the traditional scene of our Lord's temptation (Matthew 4:8). ...
/q/quarantania.htm - 6k

1222 (1 Occurrence)

/num/1222.htm - 6k

1052 (2 Occurrences)

/num/1052.htm - 6k

Journey (214 Occurrences)
... This would make the distance of the Sabbath day's journey from 1,000 to 1,200
yards, the first agreeing very closely with the 2,000 cubits. ...
/j/journey.htm - 42k

Levites (267 Occurrences)
... LEGAL PROVISIONS LITERATURE In some Minaean inscriptions found at El-`Ola, dating
back about 1200-800 BC (Hommel in Hilprecht, Explorations in Bible Lands, 719 ...
/l/levites.htm - 72k

Gothic
... in proportion to the wall spaces, and, generally, great height in proportion to
the other dimensions -- prevalent in Western Europe from about 1200 to 1475 ad ...
/g/gothic.htm - 13k

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