2 Chronicles 12
-Rehoboam inexplicitly forsakes the law of the LORD, which
had been so good to his father and grandfather, a few years into his reign when
he was established and strong (in his own eyes, not God’s). The LORD stirred up
and sent Shishak king of Egypt with men too numerous to count against the
fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem when there came a
repentant turning to the LORD by the king and his princes of Israel. Shemaiah
the prophet was instrumental in bringing the word of the LORD, which was, “You
have forsaken Me, so I also have forsaken you to Shishak (2 Chronicles
12:1-5).” At this point, in desperation and facing annihilation, they humbled themselves before the LORD
declaring Him righteous (2 Chronicles 12:6). When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, He sent word again
to the prophet that He would not destroy them but grant them some measure of
deliverance from His wrath, which was by means of the Egyptians (2 Chronicles
12:7).
-However, the children of Israel did become Shishak’s slaves
for the purpose of discipline by the LORD. This was done so that they would
learn the difference between the LORD’s service and the kingdoms of the
countries (2 Chronicles 12:8). *Application* Hebrews 12, the LORD always
chastises those whom He loves with a corrective purpose. We need to realize His
righteousness and His rule is always for our best well-being. God is not trying
to sap our blessing and joy. He instead wants to multiply it. It’s sad how we
often forsake His law ourselves when we feel strong and established. This can
have to do with ease, rebellion, self-sufficiency, complacency, apathy, pride,
and a host of other things contrary to the Word of God. The most dangerous time
for us can be when we forget about the goodness of God and His provision in our
sustenance and stability. Always rely on Him and depend on His strength, not
your own. This is the lesson from this king and this time in Israel’s history.
-What was left was a hollow reminder of the riches of David
and Solomon. The gold turned to bronze, as with the shields and armor. While
conditions returned to good in the land of Judah, it was never the same as it
had been. Rehoboam successfully reigned in Jerusalem for seventeen years after
he learned his lessons and humbled
himself before God. Nevertheless, his lasting legacy read like this, “He did
evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD (2 Chronicles 12:9-14).”
He slept with his fathers in the city of David and Abijah became king in his place
in Judah as a descendant of David (2 Chronicles 12:16). *Application* To leave a
lasting legacy of righteousness and goodness seek the LORD with a whole heart (2
Chronicles 16:9). This becomes a major overriding theme of the Scripture, and it
should be indicative of our lives before Him. It’s all about the heart. Is yours
for God or other things? Humble yourself before Him that He might exalt you (1 Peter
5:5-6).
Verse to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 12:2
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