diff --git a/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/12:1-16.md b/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/12:1-16.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..53c0618 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/2chronicles/12:1-16.md @@ -0,0 +1,32 @@ ++++ +title = "2 Chronicles 12:1–16" +date = "2025-01-04" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2Chronicles12.1-16) + +Though Rehoboam did well to fortify Judah's cities, he also allowed idolatry and immorality to spread in his kingdom. +After only a few years, the people had turned away from the Lord their God so much that He raised up Shishak of Egypt to chastise them. +Shishak, or Shoshenq I as he is known in other sources, founded the twenty-second dynasty of Egypt around 945 b.c., and his military campaigns extended up into the lands of Israel as well as Judah. +As his campaign threatened the capital Jerusalem, so Shemaiah the prophet again came before Rehoboam to give him a word from the Lord. + +When the king and princes of Judah hear that Shishak's military action is due to their unfaithfulness, they humble themselves before the Lord. (_v. 6_) +It is unclear just how far their repentance goes, in their own lives or in the country at large, but they are sincere enough that the Lord averts complete disaster. +Jerusalem is not sacked, but Judah pays tribute to Egypt. +Much of the wealth Solomon had accumulated is carted off, including the gold shields that adorn his house. +These shields are replaced with bronze replicas, which are not displayed all the time, but moved in and out of the secure guardroom as the king entered and exited the temple. + +Despite these trials, the Lord blesses Judah and the people prosper. (_v. 12_) +Rehoboam reigns as king for seventeen years before he dies. +He is reported as doing evil before the Lord, which surely includes the period before Shishak's invasion, but could indicate a less overt idolatry later in life as well. +Because "he did not set his heart to seek the Lord" (_v. 14_), he is not declared righteous. +We are not given details, but it is easy to imagine that he is just going through the motions of worship, especially later in life. +The conviction he felt to declare "The Lord is righteous" in the face of Egypt's threat wanes, and he no longer believes the Lord is watching or cares what he does. +Remember that the book of Proverbs, for the most part, are written by Solomon to his son: Rehoboam. +They are a call to seek after wisdom, fear the Lord, and remember to follow his ways. +If we do, there are blessings without number, but if we ignore the warnings, calamity will follow. +Rehoboam failed to heed the warnings. + +* * * + +Remind us that You are worthy of all praise. Your ways are right, and You give mercy to the humble.