2 Chronicles 12:2

KJV

And it came to pass, [that] in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD,

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, that in the fifth {H2549} year {H8141} of king {H4428} Rehoboam {H7346} Shishak {H7895} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714} came up {H5927} against Jerusalem {H3389}, because they had transgressed {H4603} against the LORD {H3068},

Complete Jewish Bible

In the fifth year of King Rechav'am, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Yerushalayim, because they had acted faithlessly toward ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem

American Standard Version

And it came to pass in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had trespassed against Jehovah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the fifth year of King Rehoboam's reign over Judah, the kingdom faced a severe crisis as Shishak, the powerful king of Egypt, launched a devastating invasion against Jerusalem. This military incursion was not merely a geopolitical event but is explicitly presented by the Chronicler as a direct divine consequence, a judgment from the LORD upon Rehoboam and the people of Judah "because they had transgressed against the LORD." This verse vividly illustrates the immediate and tangible repercussions of covenant unfaithfulness, serving as a stark reminder of God's justice and His active involvement in the affairs of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the Chronicler's crucial theological statement in [2 Chronicles 12:1](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1 - Rehoboam's Apostasy") that "when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him." Thus, [2 Chronicles 12:2](/2_chronicles/12-2 "2 Chronicles 12:2 - Shishak's Invasion") serves as the direct and swift consequence of this widespread apostasy. The narrative then progresses to describe the scale of Shishak's invasion ([2 Chronicles 12:3-4](/2_chronicles/12-3-4 "2 Chronicles 12:3-4 - Details of Shishak's Army and Conquest")), the prophet Shemaiah's divine message of judgment ([2 Chronicles 12:5](/2_chronicles/12-5 "2 Chronicles 12:5 - Shemaiah's Prophecy")), and the subsequent humbling of Rehoboam and the princes, which leads to God's partial mercy and the averting of complete destruction ([2 Chronicles 12:6-7](/2_chronicles/12-6-7 "2 Chronicles 12:6-7 - Judah's Humiliation and God's Mercy")). This immediate cause-and-effect relationship between sin and judgment, followed by repentance and mercy, is a hallmark of the Chronicler's theological agenda, emphasizing the direct consequences of covenant fidelity or infidelity, particularly for the Davidic line and the people of Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The invasion by Shishak, king of Egypt, is a significant historical event, widely corroborated by extra-biblical sources. Shishak is identified with Pharaoh Shoshenq I, the founder of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt, who reigned from approximately 945-924 BC. His campaign into Canaan, dated to around 925 BC (the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign), is recorded on the Bubastite Portal at the Temple of Amun in Karnak, Egypt, which lists many conquered cities in Judah and Israel. This invasion occurred relatively soon after the death of Solomon and the division of the united kingdom, indicating Egypt's resurgence as a regional power and its readiness to exploit the political instability in Canaan. Culturally, the invasion would have been perceived not only as a military threat but also as a profound humiliation for Judah, particularly Jerusalem, the city where God's temple resided. The covenant framework, deeply embedded in Israelite culture, taught that such national calamities were often direct results of breaking faith with Yahweh, as outlined in the blessings and curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses of the Covenant").
* **Key Themes:** [2 Chronicles 12:2](/2_chronicles/12-2 "2 Chronicles 12:2 - Shishak's Invasion") powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Chronicles. Foremost is the **Consequences of Disobedience**: The verse explicitly states that Shishak's invasion occurred "because they had transgressed against the LORD," establishing a direct causal link between national sin and divine judgment. This reinforces the Chronicler's emphasis on immediate retribution for unfaithfulness, a principle seen throughout the historical narratives (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")). Secondly, the theme of **Divine Justice and Discipline** is prominent. The invasion is not random but a purposeful act of God's justice, a form of discipline intended to bring His people back to repentance and renewed covenant loyalty, rather than utter destruction ([2 Chronicles 12:6-7](/2_chronicles/12-6-7 "2 Chronicles 12:6-7 - Judah's Humiliation and God's Mercy")). Finally, the verse underscores the **Sovereignty of God** over all nations and kings. Even a powerful foreign monarch like Shishak is ultimately an instrument in God's hands, used to accomplish His divine purposes concerning His covenant people, demonstrating that God rules over the affairs of men and nations ([Psalm 103:19](/psalm/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - God's Sovereignty")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Transgressed (Hebrew, _mâʻal'_):** This Hebrew verb (H4603) carries significant theological weight. It denotes an act of unfaithfulness, treachery, or a breach of trust, particularly in the context of a covenant relationship. It is more than just a casual sin; it implies a profound act of disloyalty, a betrayal of allegiance to God, who had faithfully established His covenant with Israel and brought them into the land. The use of _mâʻal_ here highlights the seriousness of Judah's turning away from the LORD, indicating a deliberate and deep-seated rejection of His law and covenant.
* **Shishak (Hebrew, _Shîyshaq'_):** This refers to Pharaoh Shoshenq I (H7895), the founder of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt. His appearance in the biblical narrative, alongside archaeological and historical records confirming his campaign, lends strong credibility to the historical accuracy of the biblical account. His name signifies a powerful, historical adversary, whose invasion was a tangible and devastating consequence for Judah, yet ultimately an instrument of divine purpose.
* **Fifth year (Hebrew, _chămîyshîy'_):** The precise dating of the event to "the fifth year" (H2549) of King Rehoboam is crucial. It emphasizes the swiftness of divine judgment following Rehoboam's apostasy, which is stated to have occurred after he "had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself" ([2 Chronicles 12:1](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1 - Rehoboam's Apostasy")). This rapid succession of events underscores the Chronicler's theological point: God's response to covenant infidelity is both certain and often immediate, demonstrating His active governance over His people's history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, [that] in the fifth year of king Rehoboam":** This opening clause establishes the precise historical timing of the event. The "fifth year" indicates a relatively short period after Rehoboam's initial establishment of his kingdom and his subsequent turning away from the Lord, highlighting the swiftness of divine response to unfaithfulness and setting the stage for the unfolding judgment.
* **"Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem":** This identifies the agent of the judgment (Shishak, a powerful foreign king) and the primary target (Jerusalem, the capital city and center of worship). The phrase "came up against" signifies a military campaign, an act of aggression and invasion, underscoring the severity of the impending crisis for Judah and the direct threat to the heart of their national and religious identity.
* **"because they had transgressed against the LORD":** This is the pivotal theological statement of the verse, providing the explicit divine reason for Shishak's invasion. It unequivocally attributes the national calamity not to geopolitical forces alone, but to the spiritual condition of Rehoboam and the people of Judah. Their "transgression" (Hebrew _ma'al_, unfaithfulness, breach of covenant) is presented as the direct cause of God's allowing this foreign power to invade, thereby demonstrating His justice and sovereignty over historical events.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in [2 Chronicles 12:2](/2_chronicles/12-2 "2 Chronicles 12:2 - Shishak's Invasion") to convey his profound theological message. Most prominent is **Causality**, where the verse explicitly links the invasion of Shishak directly to Judah's "transgression against the LORD." This clear cause-and-effect relationship underscores the Chronicler's didactic purpose: to demonstrate that covenant faithfulness leads to blessing, while unfaithfulness leads to judgment. This also functions as a form of **Theodicy**, explaining why God's people suffer; it is not arbitrary, but a just consequence of their actions. The narrative also utilizes **Historical Narrative** to present events as factual occurrences, yet imbues them with profound theological meaning, showcasing God's active involvement in human history. The specific mention of "the fifth year" and "Shishak king of Egypt" adds a layer of **Verisimilitude**, grounding the theological interpretation in concrete, verifiable historical details and lending authority to the Chronicler's divinely inspired message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The invasion of Shishak, explicitly attributed to Judah's "transgression against the LORD," serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of God's covenant with His people and the consequences of breaking it. It underscores God's holiness, His unwavering commitment to justice, and His active involvement in the affairs of nations. This event is not an isolated incident but a recurring pattern throughout Israel's history, demonstrating that God holds His people accountable for their fidelity to His commands. While God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also just, and His discipline is often a means to bring His people back to Himself, preventing their complete destruction and preserving a remnant. This narrative reminds us that spiritual realities have tangible consequences in the physical world, and that national well-being is intrinsically linked to corporate obedience to God.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Judges 2:11-15](/judges/2-11-15 "Judges 2:11-15 - Cycle of Apostasy and Oppression")
* [Lamentations 3:39](/lamentations/3-39 "Lamentations 3:39 - Why Complain for Sins?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Shishak's invasion in [2 Chronicles 12:2](/2_chronicles/12-2 "2 Chronicles 12:2 - Shishak's Invasion") offers a timeless principle for individuals and communities today: there are real and often tangible consequences for turning away from God and His revealed will. Just as Judah's "transgression" led to external hardship, so too can our personal or corporate neglect of spiritual faithfulness open the door to difficulties, both internal (e.g., spiritual barrenness, relational strife) and external (e.g., financial struggles, societal decay). This verse calls us to a deep self-examination, prompting us to consider areas where we might be unfaithful to God's covenant, whether in our personal walk, family life, or corporate church body. It serves as a stark reminder that God is not indifferent to our choices; He is sovereign, just, and actively involved in disciplining those whom He loves. However, the subsequent verses in [2 Chronicles 12](/2_chronicles/12 "2 Chronicles 12 - Rehoboam's Reign and Shishak's Invasion") also offer profound hope, showing that God's discipline is often a call to repentance and humility, leading to His mercy and restoration when people acknowledge their sin. Our spiritual condition truly has real-world implications, and God remains faithful even when we are not, working to draw us back to Himself for our ultimate good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's justice and discipline in the face of personal and corporate sin?**
* **In what specific areas of my personal or communal life might I be "transgressing" against the Lord, and what might be the potential consequences of such unfaithfulness?**
* **How does the immediate and tangible consequence depicted in this account encourage a deeper commitment to covenant faithfulness and obedience in my own life today?**

### FAQ
**Who was Shishak, and what was the broader significance of his invasion beyond the biblical narrative?**

Answer: Shishak is identified with Pharaoh Shoshenq I, the founder of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt, who reigned from approximately 945-924 BC. His invasion, described in [2 Chronicles 12:2-4](/2_chronicles/12-2-4 "2 Chronicles 12:2-4 - Shishak's Invasion and Conquests"), was a major geopolitical event in the ancient Near East. Beyond the biblical account, which attributes the invasion to Judah's transgression against the LORD, Shoshenq I's campaign is well-documented in Egyptian history, notably on the Bubastite Portal at the Temple of Amun in Karnak. This portal lists numerous cities in Judah and Israel that he conquered or plundered, including Megiddo, Gezer, and others. The invasion signified Egypt's reassertion of power in Canaan after a period of relative weakness, exploiting the political fragmentation of the Israelite kingdom following Solomon's death. For Judah, it was a devastating military defeat and a profound humiliation, resulting in the loss of treasures from the Temple and the royal palace ([2 Chronicles 12:9](/2_chronicles/12-9 "2 Chronicles 12:9 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem")). Historically, it provides a crucial synchronism between biblical events and external ancient Near Eastern records, affirming the historicity of the biblical narrative. Theologically, it serves as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty over nations and His use of foreign powers as instruments of His divine judgment and discipline upon His unfaithful people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The account of Judah's transgression and the subsequent judgment through Shishak's invasion in [2 Chronicles 12:2](/2_chronicles/12-2 "2 Chronicles 12:2 - Shishak's Invasion") finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament consistently demonstrates that "transgression" (Hebrew _ma'al_), a breach of covenant faithfulness, inevitably leads to consequences, both temporal and eternal. Humanity's deepest transgression is against a holy God, resulting in separation and the just condemnation of sin ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). However, Jesus Christ, the perfect Son of God, came not to bring judgment upon those who believe, but to bear the judgment for all who would trust in Him. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), becoming the ultimate sacrifice for our transgressions ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Jesus' Atoning Sacrifice")). While the Old Covenant often saw immediate, tangible consequences for national sin, the New Covenant, established through Christ's blood, offers complete forgiveness and reconciliation for individual believers, removing the ultimate sting of judgment ([Hebrews 8:12](/hebrews/8-12 "Hebrews 8:12 - God's Forgiveness in the New Covenant")). For those in Christ, God's discipline is no longer punitive judgment leading to destruction, but rather a loving, sanctifying process designed to conform us to His image ([Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - The Lord's Discipline")). Thus, while [2 Chronicles 12:2](/2_chronicles/12-2 "2 Chronicles 12:2 - Shishak's Invasion") highlights the severity of sin and its consequences, it ultimately points us to the profound grace found in Christ, who bore the full weight of our transgression so that we might receive eternal life and an unshakeable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - Receiving an Unshakeable Kingdom")).

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

1 Kings 11:40

Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.

2 Chronicles 7:19

But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

2 Chronicles 7:20

Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it [to be] a proverb and a byword among all nations.

Jeremiah 44:22

So that the LORD could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, [and] because of the abominations which ye have committed; therefore is your land a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without an inhabitant, as at this day.

Jeremiah 44:23

Because ye have burned incense, and because ye have sinned against the LORD, and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, nor walked in his law, nor in his statutes, nor in his testimonies; therefore this evil is happened unto you, as at this day.

2 Chronicles 36:14

Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 36:19

And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.