Why did Rehoboam forsake the law of the Lord after becoming strong?

Rehoboam turned from the law of the Lord after his kingdom was settled and secure. At first, he and the people had followed God, but once he felt safe on the throne, he began to trust his own strength instead of God. This pattern shows how comfort and success can lead to carelessness toward God. As the king drifted, many of the people followed him into sin. The story warns that a stable life and outward strength do not replace daily trust and obedience to God.

Why did God allow Shishak king of Egypt to attack Jerusalem?

The passage clearly says Shishak came against Jerusalem because they had transgressed against the Lord. Rehoboam and the people had forsaken God’s law and fallen into sin, so God allowed a strong foreign king to invade as discipline. Shishak’s huge army, the loss of fortified cities, and the threat to Jerusalem show how serious their sin was. This trouble was not random war but God’s way of waking them up, so they would see what turning from Him led to and be moved to repent.

Who was Shemaiah in this passage and what did he say?

Shemaiah was a prophet sent by God to speak to Rehoboam and the princes of Judah when Shishak’s army threatened Jerusalem. He told them the reason for their trouble: “You have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.” Later, after they humbled themselves, God’s word came again through Shemaiah, saying that because they had humbled themselves, God would not destroy them but would grant them some deliverance. Shemaiah’s message explains both the judgment and the mercy they experienced.

What does it mean that Rehoboam and the princes humbled themselves?

When Rehoboam and the princes humbled themselves, they admitted they were wrong and that God was right. They said, “The Lord is righteous,” which means they accepted that God’s judgment on them was fair. This humility was likely both in their words and in their attitude before God. God noticed this change of heart and responded with mercy. The passage shows that when leaders and people bow themselves under God’s hand and confess His justice, He is ready to lessen judgment and show kindness.

What does God mean by granting Judah "some deliverance"?

“Some deliverance” means God did not let Shishak completely destroy Jerusalem, even though He allowed the invasion. God held back His full wrath and spared the city from total ruin. At the same time, Judah still had to serve Shishak. So the rescue was real but limited. They were not wiped out, but they were not fully free either. This shows how God can be both just and merciful, easing the punishment when people humble themselves, yet still leaving enough hardship to teach them and draw them back to faithful service.

Why did God say Judah would serve Shishak so they would know His service?

God said, “They shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.” By serving Shishak, Judah would feel the difference between serving God and serving a foreign ruler. Under God’s rule, they had His care without harsh demands from a conqueror. Under Shishak, they would bear the burden and loss that come with foreign control. This comparison was meant to teach them that God’s service is far better, and that turning away from Him leads to a much heavier yoke.

What does this passage teach about God’s character in judgment and mercy?

This passage shows that God is both just and merciful. He does not overlook sin, so when Rehoboam and Judah forsook Him, He allowed a painful invasion. Their strong enemy and lost cities were the result of their own choices. Yet when they humbled themselves and said, “The Lord is righteous,” God noticed and responded. He did not allow full destruction and granted them some deliverance. So God’s judgment is real, but His heart is ready to show mercy when people turn back and bow before Him.

How can the story of Rehoboam and Shishak guide believers today?

This story warns against growing careless toward God when life feels secure. Rehoboam fell after he felt established and strong, and many people followed him. It also shows that when God uses hardship to correct us, the right response is to humble ourselves, admit our sin, and say that God is right. The passage encourages believers not to treat God’s discipline as random bad luck, but as a call to return to Him. It also gives hope, because God listens when people humble themselves and He mixes mercy with discipline.

2Chr.12.1

2 Chronicles 12:1

KJV

And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him.

Shishak of Egypt Invades Judah

And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him.

And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the Lord,

With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.

And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.

¶ Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.

Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The Lord is righteous.

And when the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.

Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.

Cross References

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