Unwise Rulership and Divine Retribution: The Story of King Rehoboam

The chapter teaches us about the consequences of straying from God's laws and the mercy we can receive if we humble ourselves and repent. God's love and mercy are enduring, even when we falter and fail. Our acknowledgement of wrongdoing and commitment to change are the first steps towards divine mercy and protection.

Abandonment of the Law and Divine Retribution (Verses 1-4)

As soon as Rehoboam establishes his rule and power, he and Israel abandon the law of the Lord. As a result, King Shishak of Egypt invades Jerusalem in the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign. The Egyptian forces capture the fortified cities of Judah and approach Jerusalem.

The Prophet's Warning (Verses 5-6)

The prophet Shemaiah comes to Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel and says, "This is the Lord's word: 'You have abandoned me, so I also have abandoned you to Shishak.'" Stricken with fear, the leaders of Israel and the king humble themselves, acknowledging their wrongdoing.

Reprieve and Repentance (Verses 7-8)

Upon their humility and acknowledgment of their sins, God shows mercy and declares that He will not destroy them. However, they will become servants of Shishak, so they may learn the difference between serving God and serving earthly kingdoms.

Shishak's Plunder and Rehoboam's Humility (Verses 9-12)

Shishak seizes the treasures of the temple and the royal palace. Despite the situation, Rehoboam humbles himself, prompting the Lord's wrath to turn from him. Although he does evil, there are still some good things in Judah.

Rehoboam's Reign (Verses 13-16)

The chapter concludes with an account of Rehoboam's reign, his deeds, and his death.

2 Chronicles 12 tells the tale of King Rehoboam and the Israelites who forsake God's laws, leading to Shishak's invasion of Jerusalem. Amid their suffering, they are confronted by the prophet Shemaiah and their repentance stirs God's mercy, offering a reprieve from their dire circumstances.
Section

Human Fallibility
Divine Retribution
Repentance
National Identity and Cohesion
The Consequences of DisobedienceRehoboam's Abandonment of the Law
Shishak's Invasion of Jerusalem
The Prophet Shemaiah's Warning
The Repentance of Rehoboam and the Leaders of IsraelRehoboam
Shishak
Shemaiah
Leaders of IsraelJerusalem
Egypt

1. How does Rehoboam's abandonment of God's law apply to our lives today? Are there areas in your life where you've forsaken God's teachings?

2. Discuss the consequences of Rehoboam's actions. How do these consequences compare with outcomes of disobedience in modern times?

3. Why do you think it took an invasion for Rehoboam to realize his mistakes?

4. Discuss the role of the prophet Shemaiah in this chapter. How do prophetic voices manifest in today's society?

5. How can we apply the leaders' humble response to their wrongdoing in our own lives when confronted with our mistakes?

6. Why do you think God chose to make the Israelites Shishak's servants rather than destroy them entirely?

7. How does this chapter depict God's mercy and justice? How can we reconcile the two?

8. Shishak took treasures from the temple and the palace. Discuss the significance of these treasures and their loss.

9. In what ways did Rehoboam demonstrate humility, and how did this impact the course of events?

10. Despite his deeds, the text says there were still some good things in Judah. How does this speak to the possibility of redemption and positive qualities amidst failures?

11. Reflect on the statement, "they will learn the difference between serving me and serving earthly kingdoms." How does this resonate with your personal faith journey?

12. How might have Rehoboam's leadership been different if he had adhered to God's laws?

13. In what ways can the story of Rehoboam and Shishak guide our personal and collective actions?

14. How does the principle of divine retribution presented in this chapter apply to our world today?

15. Discuss how repentance is portrayed in this chapter and its importance in the Christian faith.

16. What can Rehoboam's reign teach us about the importance of a leader's spiritual life on their governance?

17. How does the story of Rehoboam's fall and partial redemption mirror our own spiritual journeys?

18. How does God's response to the humility and repentance of Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel affect your understanding of God's character?

19. How can we ensure that we learn from our mistakes, as the Israelites were meant to learn from their servitude?

20. How does this chapter shape your understanding of the relationship between obedience, sin, repentance, and divine mercy?