2 Chronicles 12:12

KJV

And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy [him] altogether: and also in Judah things went well.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he humbled {H3665} himself, the wrath {H639} of the LORD {H3068} turned {H7725} from him, that he would not destroy {H7843} him altogether {H3617}: and also in Judah {H3063} things {H1697} went well {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After he humbled himself, the anger of ADONAI turned away from him, so that he did not altogether destroy him; moreover, some good things were found in Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the anger of the LORD turned away from him, and He did not destroy him completely. Indeed, conditions were good in Judah.

American Standard Version

And when he humbled himself, the wrath of Jehovah turned from him, so as not to destroy him altogether: and moreover in Judah there were good things found.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 12:12 encapsulates a pivotal moment in King Rehoboam's reign, demonstrating the transformative power of genuine humility before God. Following Judah's widespread apostasy and the subsequent divine judgment manifested through the invasion of Shishak, king of Egypt, Rehoboam and the nation's leaders responded with contrition. This act of self-abasement prompted the LORD to mitigate His full wrath, preventing total destruction and allowing a measure of well-being and stability to remain in Judah, thereby powerfully illustrating God's responsive mercy to sincere repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative detailing the consequences of Rehoboam's and Judah's unfaithfulness. The preceding chapters, [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - The Kingdom Divides") and [2 Chronicles 11](/2_chronicles/11 "2 Chronicles 11 - Rehoboam Fortifies Judah"), describe the tragic division of the united monarchy and Rehoboam's initial efforts to fortify his southern kingdom. However, [2 Chronicles 12:1](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1 - Rehoboam's Apostasy") reveals a critical turning point: "when Rehoboam's royal power was established and he had become strong, he abandoned the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him." This abandonment provokes God's righteous judgment, which arrives swiftly in the form of Shishak's Egyptian invasion, meticulously described in [2 Chronicles 12:2-4](/2_chronicles/12-2-4 "2 Chronicles 12:2-4 - Shishak's Invasion of Judah"). The prophet Shemaiah then delivers a direct divine message in [2 Chronicles 12:5](/2_chronicles/12-5 "2 Chronicles 12:5 - Shemaiah's Prophecy to Rehoboam"), explicitly linking the invasion to their forsaking the LORD. Critically, [2 Chronicles 12:6-7](/2_chronicles/12-6-7 "2 Chronicles 12:6-7 - Humility and God's Compassion") recount Rehoboam and the princes humbling themselves, leading directly to God's compassionate decision to not utterly destroy them, thus setting the immediate stage for the summary statement in verse 12.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Rehoboam's reign, spanning approximately 931-913 BC, marked a significant decline from the Solomonic golden age, culminating in the permanent schism of Israel. The invasion by Shishak I of Egypt (Sheshonq I), mentioned in the biblical text, is a well-attested historical event, corroborated by Egyptian inscriptions, notably on the Bubastite Portal at Karnak, which lists cities conquered in Judah and Israel. This invasion was a major geopolitical tremor, signifying Egypt's resurgence as a regional power and its renewed influence in the Levant. Culturally, the act of "humbling oneself" in the ancient Near East was a profound demonstration of submission, often involving outward expressions such as prostration, wearing sackcloth, fasting, and lamentation. These actions were not merely performative but signified an internal acknowledgment of guilt, a surrender of pride, and an appeal for mercy from a superior authority—in this case, the sovereign God of Israel. The Israelite understanding of divine judgment for covenant disobedience was deeply ingrained, and the principle of God's turning away wrath in response to genuine repentance was a foundational theological concept, frequently illustrated throughout their history.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme permeating [2 Chronicles 12](/2_chronicles/12 "2 Chronicles 12 - Rehoboam's Reign and Shishak's Invasion"), and powerfully encapsulated in verse 12, is the direct and undeniable correlation between **obedience or disobedience and divine blessing or judgment**. Rehoboam's initial abandonment of the LORD's law directly precipitates the severe judgment of the Egyptian invasion. However, the narrative pivots to introduce the profound theme of **divine mercy and God's responsiveness to sincere repentance**. God's character is revealed not merely as a righteous judge but as one who is "compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness" ([Psalm 86:15](/psalm/86-15 "Psalm 86:15 - God's Compassion")). The verse also underscores the **corporate impact of a leader's spiritual condition**. Rehoboam's personal act of humility had far-reaching consequences, extending a measure of reprieve and well-being to the entire nation of Judah. This highlights the theological principle that the spiritual health and moral choices of those in authority can profoundly influence the destiny and welfare of the community they govern, echoing the Chronicler's consistent emphasis on the importance of righteous kingship for national prosperity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Humbled (Hebrew, _kânaʻ'_):** This verb (H3665, כָּנַע) is a primitive root meaning "to bend the knee," and by extension, "to humiliate" or "vanquish." In this context, it signifies a deep, internal submission and a bowing down, not merely an external act. It implies a recognition of one's own weakness, sinfulness, and utter dependence on a higher power. For Rehoboam and the princes, it meant acknowledging God's righteous judgment and their own culpability, leading to a profound change of heart and posture before the LORD. It represents a surrender of pride and an embrace of penitence.
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _ʼaph'_):** This noun (H639, אָף) literally refers to the "nose" or "nostril," but by extension, it signifies the "face" and, most commonly, "ire" or "anger" due to the rapid breathing associated with passion. "The wrath of the LORD" (חֲרוֹן יְהוָה, _ḥārôn YHWH_) refers to God's holy indignation against sin, a righteous anger that justly responds to covenant breaking and rebellion. Its presence indicates divine displeasure and the impending consequences of disobedience.
* **Turned (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725, שׁוּב) means "to turn back" or "turn away," transitively or intransitively. Here, it describes God's active decision to withdraw or redirect His impending, full judgment. The turning away of God's wrath signifies His mercy and willingness to relent when genuine repentance is offered, demonstrating His sovereignty over judgment and His compassionate nature. It implies a change in the course of divine action due to a change in human posture.
* **Altogether (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** This noun (H3617, כָּלָה) means "a completion" or "consummation," and by extension, "destruction." Used adverbially here, it means "completely" or "utterly." The phrase "would not destroy him altogether" emphasizes that while judgment was severe, it was not total. God's mercy prevented the complete annihilation or utter ruin that their sins deserved, preserving a remnant and demonstrating His restraint even in discipline.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he humbled himself":** This clause refers primarily to King Rehoboam, but it also implicitly encompasses the princes of Israel who humbled themselves alongside him, as explicitly stated in [2 Chronicles 12:6](/2_chronicles/12-6 "2 Chronicles 12:6 - Rehoboam and the Princes Humble Themselves"). Their act of humbling was a direct, penitent response to the prophet Shemaiah's declaration of God's impending judgment through the Egyptian invasion. It signified a recognition of their sin, an admission of God's just hand in their affliction, and a crucial shift from defiance to submission.
* **"the wrath of the LORD turned from him":** This signifies God's immediate and merciful response to their repentance. The LORD, who had brought the invasion as a form of disciplinary wrath for their covenant breaking, now chose to mitigate its full destructive power. This turning away of wrath is not a sign of God's weakness or indecisiveness, but rather a profound demonstration of His covenant faithfulness and His readiness to extend mercy to those who genuinely seek Him with a contrite heart.
* **"that he would not destroy [him] altogether":** This phrase clarifies the precise extent and nature of God's mercy. While judgment was indeed executed (Shishak plundered Jerusalem and took treasures, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 12:9](/2_chronicles/12-9 "2 Chronicles 12:9 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem")), the ultimate, total destruction that could have befallen Judah was averted. God's restraint prevented the complete annihilation of the kingdom or the dynasty, preserving a remnant in accordance with His larger redemptive plan for His people.
* **"and also in Judah things went well":** This final clause indicates the positive, albeit partial, outcome of Rehoboam's and Judah's humility. Despite the plundering and the subsequent subjugation to Egypt (as mentioned in [2 Chronicles 12:8](/2_chronicles/12-8 "2 Chronicles 12:8 - Judah Becomes Shishak's Servants")), the nation experienced a measure of reprieve, stability, and continued existence. "Things went well" suggests that the worst of the judgment was averted, allowing for a degree of recovery and continued function, a direct consequence of God's compassionate intervention.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs **Cause and Effect**, establishing a clear and direct link between Rehoboam's act of **humility** and God's subsequent **averted wrath** and the resulting measure of well-being in Judah. This highlights a foundational biblical principle that divine judgment, while just, can be mitigated or turned away by genuine repentance. There is also a strong element of **Divine Retribution and Mercy**, where God's just response to sin (His wrath) is balanced by His compassionate willingness to relent when His people humble themselves. The narrative further presents a profound **Contrast** between the deserved total destruction ("destroy him altogether") and the actual partial preservation ("would not destroy him altogether" and "things went well"). This contrast underscores the redemptive and restorative character of God, who desires not to utterly destroy but to offer a path to restoration, even amidst necessary discipline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 12:12 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over nations and His unwavering commitment to justice, yet always tempered by boundless mercy. It reinforces the theological truth that while God's wrath is a righteous and just response to sin and covenant unfaithfulness, His nature is also one of profound compassion, always open to genuine repentance. This narrative serves as a powerful testament to the efficacy of humility before God, demonstrating that a sincere change of heart, even from a national leader, can alter the course of divine judgment. It underscores the covenant principle that God responds dynamically to His people's posture, offering reprieve and restoration even when they have justly earned severe consequences.

* [2 Chronicles 7:14](/2_chronicles/7-14 "God's Promise of Healing")
* [Jonah 3:10](/jonah/3-10 "God Relents from Disaster")
* [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "The LORD's Character Revealed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers timeless spiritual lessons for individuals, families, and communities alike. It serves as a powerful reminder that our posture before God in times of difficulty, consequence, or correction is of paramount importance. When we face the natural or divine consequences of our choices—whether personal sin, corporate rebellion, or societal decay—the most potent and redemptive response is not defiance, self-justification, or despair, but genuine humility. This humility involves acknowledging our sin, taking full responsibility for our actions, and submitting to God's righteous hand. In doing so, we open ourselves to God's profound mercy, which possesses the power to turn away impending judgment and bring about a measure of peace, healing, and restoration, even if not a complete reversal of all consequences. The passage calls us to cultivate a spirit of brokenness and contrition, trusting that God is always ready to meet us in our repentance, just as He graciously did for Rehoboam and the nation of Judah.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life might God be calling you to humble yourself, and what practical steps might that involve?**
* **How does this passage deepen your understanding of God's character, particularly His perfect balance of justice and profound mercy?**
* **Can you recall a situation, either personally or communally, where genuine humility in the face of consequences brought about unexpected relief or restoration?**

### FAQ
**Did Rehoboam's humility lead to a complete reversal of all negative consequences for Judah?**

Answer: No, Rehoboam's humility did not lead to a complete reversal of all negative consequences for Judah. While the verse states that "the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy [him] altogether," and "also in Judah things went well," the preceding verses clarify that significant judgment was still executed. Shishak did indeed plunder the treasures of the house of the LORD and the king's house, including Solomon's golden shields, which had to be replaced with bronze ones ([2 Chronicles 12:9-10](/2_chronicles/12-9-10 "2 Chronicles 12:9-10 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem's Treasures")). Furthermore, [2 Chronicles 12:8](/2_chronicles/12-8 "2 Chronicles 12:8 - Judah Becomes Shishak's Servants") explicitly states that Judah became Shishak's servants, so "they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kingdoms of other lands." This demonstrates that while God's ultimate destructive wrath was averted, and a measure of well-being and continued existence was granted, the nation still experienced significant discipline, lost some of its former glory, and suffered a reduction in autonomy. God's mercy is profound and powerful, but it does not always negate all the painful or instructive consequences of sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Chronicles 12:12, with its powerful depiction of a leader's humility averting divine wrath and bringing a measure of well-being, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Rehoboam's act of humbling himself was a temporary and imperfect turning away of judgment for a specific nation; Christ's humility, however, is the eternal and perfect means by which the wrath of God is turned away from all who believe. The "wrath of the LORD" that justly falls upon all humanity for its sin ([Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Against Unrighteousness")) was fully borne by the Son of God on the cross. Jesus, "who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he emptied himself, by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" ([Philippians 2:6-8](/phillipians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Through His ultimate act of humility and perfect obedience, Christ became the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby turning God's righteous wrath from His people forever. While "things went well" for Judah in a temporal and limited sense, for believers, in Christ, "things go well" eternally, as we are fully reconciled to God and receive the ultimate well-being of eternal life, peace with God, and adoption into His family ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Faith")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 19:3

Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

2 Chronicles 12:6

Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD [is] righteous.

2 Chronicles 12:7

And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; [therefore] I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.

1 Kings 14:13

And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found [some] good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.

2 Chronicles 33:12

And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

2 Chronicles 33:13

And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he [was] God.

Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.