Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

2 Chronicles 12 Devotional

The Difference in Masters

“When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, “They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them, but will soon grant them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak.”2 Chronicles 12:7 (BSB)

Once Rehoboam feels secure, he and all Israel abandon the law of the LORD (12:1). Within a few years Shishak of Egypt sweeps through Judah's fortified cities and reaches Jerusalem (12:2-4). Then Shemaiah the prophet brings the LORD's verdict. Because they have forsaken him, he has handed them over to Shishak (12:5).

The response is brief but real. The king and the leaders humble themselves and confess that the LORD is righteous (12:6). And the LORD answers at once. Because they have humbled themselves, he will not destroy them, and deliverance will come soon (12:7). Yet they will serve Shishak for a time, so they may learn the difference between serving God and serving the kings of other lands (12:8). Every other master takes. The LORD shows mercy the moment his people bow. The final verdict on Rehoboam is that he never set his heart to seek the LORD (12:14), yet God still answered his humbling. You need not wait until your repentance feels complete before coming to him.

To think about: Which other masters have you been serving lately, and what does God's quick mercy to Rehoboam invite you to do?

About 2 Chronicles 12: Shishak Invades and Rehoboam Humbles Himself

Once secure, Rehoboam and the people abandon God’s law, and Shishak of Egypt invades. When Shemaiah announces God’s judgment, the leaders humble themselves, so God spares them from destruction but makes them Shishak’s servants. Shishak takes the temple treasures, and Rehoboam’s reign is judged evil.

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