Tyndale Open Study Notes2 Chronicles 12

The book of Kings does not give a religious reason for Egypt's invasion. However, the Chronicler explains that the Egyptians attacked Jerusalem because Rehoboam broke the covenant and defied the Lord.

Shishak, also called Shoshenq I, ruled a unified Egypt from 945 to 924 BC and started the 22nd dynasty.

• Sukkites are not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. However, Egyptian history identifies them as Libyans from the western desert oases.

• Cushites: Shishak was an Ethiopian from southern Egypt.

Shemaiah's speech outlines the elements needed in Solomon's prayer during the temple's dedication (2 Chronicles 7:14). The leaders of Israel humbled themselves, and Jerusalem was spared from judgment.

Rehoboam faced punishment for his disobedience through the looting of the royal treasuries and the temple. The guard used to carry gold shields when accompanying the king from the palace to the temple. The royal processions lost much of their splendor when they replaced the gold shields with bronze ones (compare 2 Chronicles 9:15–16). These bronze shields were safely stored in the large armory Solomon had built (2 Chronicles 8:6).

When Rehoboam repented, God allowed good things to stay in Jerusalem:

• The people's repentance

• Their decision to seek the Lord

• The continuation of worship (see 2 Chronicles 19:3)