2 Chronicles 12:3

KJV

With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people [were] without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.

KJV (with Strong's)

With twelve hundred {H3967}{H505} chariots {H7393}, and threescore {H8346} thousand {H505} horsemen {H6571}: and the people {H5971} were without number {H4557} that came {H935} with him out of Egypt {H4714}; the Lubims {H3864}, the Sukkiims {H5525}, and the Ethiopians {H3569}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He came out of Egypt with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen and a numberless army including Luvim, Suki'im and Ethiopians.

Berean Standard Bible

with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites.

American Standard Version

with twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen. And the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt: the Lubim, the Sukkiim, and the Ethiopians.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 12:3 vividly details the overwhelming military might of Pharaoh Shishak's invading army, comprising twelve hundred chariots, sixty thousand horsemen, and an innumerable host of foot soldiers, including contingents from Lubim, Sukkiim, and Ethiopia. This formidable force, described as "without number," underscores the immense threat posed to Judah and Jerusalem during the fifth year of King Rehoboam's reign, serving as a tangible manifestation of divine judgment for the nation's apostasy and abandonment of the Lord's law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the Chronicler's account of King Rehoboam's reign, specifically detailing the immediate consequences of Judah's spiritual decline. [2 Chronicles 12:1](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1 - Rehoboam's Forsaking the Law") explicitly states that Rehoboam and all Israel "forsook the law of the Lord" after the kingdom was established and strengthened. [2 Chronicles 12:2](/2_chronicles/12-2 "2 Chronicles 12:2 - Shishak's Invasion of Jerusalem") then introduces Shishak's invasion as a direct result of this unfaithfulness, presenting it as divine judgment. The detailed enumeration of Shishak's army in [2 Chronicles 12:3](/2_chronicles/12-3 "2 Chronicles 12:3 - Shishak's Massive Army") serves to emphasize the overwhelming nature of this judgment, highlighting the dire straits Judah found itself in. The Chronicler consistently links national prosperity and security to faithfulness to God's covenant, and this invasion is a stark illustration of the consequences of disobedience, setting the stage for Judah's subsequent repentance and God's partial reprieve, as detailed later in [2 Chronicles 12:6-7](/2_chronicles/12-6 "2 Chronicles 12:6-7 - Judah's Humiliation and God's Mercy").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The invasion described in 2 Chronicles 12 occurred during the reign of Pharaoh Sheshonq I (biblical Shishak), the founder of Egypt's 22nd Dynasty (c. 945-924 BC). This period followed the glory days of Solomon's united kingdom, which had fractured into northern Israel and southern Judah under Rehoboam. Egypt, under Sheshonq I, was reasserting its influence in the Levant, aiming to restore its imperial prestige and control over trade routes. The composition of Shishak's army, as detailed in this verse, reflects the typical military structure of a major ancient Near Eastern power: a core of Egyptian forces augmented by numerous foreign auxiliaries. The "Lubims" were Libyans, inhabitants of the region west of Egypt, often serving as mercenaries or conscripted troops. The "Ethiopians" refer to the Cushites, from the powerful kingdom of Cush (modern Sudan) to Egypt's south, who frequently allied with or were subjugated by Egyptian pharaohs. The "Sukkiims" are less certainly identified but are often understood as a nomadic or tent-dwelling people (perhaps from the Egyptian root for "booths"), possibly from the eastern desert fringes or a specific auxiliary unit within the Egyptian military. Shishak's campaign is also attested in Egyptian inscriptions, notably on the Bubastite Portal at Karnak, which lists cities he conquered in Judah and Israel, providing extra-biblical confirmation of this significant historical event.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme underscored by this verse is **Divine Judgment** for covenant unfaithfulness. The overwhelming scale of Shishak's army is presented as a direct consequence of Rehoboam and Judah's abandonment of God's law, as stated in [2 Chronicles 12:1](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1 - Rehoboam's Apostasy"). This highlights the principle that disobedience brings severe consequences. Another prominent theme is **Overwhelming Adversity**. The detailed enumeration of chariots, horsemen, and countless foot soldiers from diverse nations emphasizes the seemingly insurmountable odds faced by Judah, illustrating the dire situation resulting from their spiritual decline. This overwhelming threat serves to humble Judah and prompt their repentance. Finally, the verse subtly touches upon **God's Sovereignty in Judgment**, demonstrating that even powerful foreign nations and their vast armies are ultimately instruments in God's hands to accomplish His purposes, whether to discipline His people or to execute His justice. The Chronicler consistently emphasizes that God is actively involved in the affairs of His people, rewarding obedience and punishing disobedience, as seen throughout the book, for example, in the prosperity under good kings and the calamities under unfaithful ones ([2 Chronicles 7:19-22](/2_chronicles/7-19 "2 Chronicles 7:19-22 - Consequences of Disobedience")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chariots (Hebrew, _rekeb_):** Refers to war chariots, which were the elite, shock-and-awe weapon of ancient warfare. A force of twelve hundred chariots was exceptionally large and formidable, indicating a major military power. Chariots were expensive to maintain and required specialized training, making their presence a clear indicator of a well-resourced and highly effective army, designed to break enemy lines and spread terror.
* **Threescore thousand (Hebrew, _shishshim eleph_):** An archaic English translation for "sixty thousand." This immense number of horsemen (cavalry) signifies a massive mobile force, capable of rapid deployment, flanking maneuvers, and pursuit. Together with the chariots, this cavalry contingent would have constituted the spearhead of Shishak's invasion, capable of overwhelming most ancient defenses.
* **Lubims (Hebrew, _Lûbîm'_), Sukkiims (Hebrew, _Sukkîyîm'_), and Ethiopians (Hebrew, _Kûshîm'_):** These terms identify the foreign contingents within Shishak's army. The Lubims were Libyans, from North Africa west of Egypt. The Ethiopians were Cushites, from the region south of Egypt (modern Sudan). The Sukkiims are less certainly identified, possibly a nomadic or tent-dwelling people from the eastern desert, or a specific Egyptian military unit. Their inclusion highlights the composite, multi-ethnic nature of ancient imperial armies and the extensive reach of Shishak's military alliances or subjugations, demonstrating the truly international and overwhelming character of the force arrayed against Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With twelve hundred chariots":** This clause immediately establishes the elite and devastating component of Shishak's army. Twelve hundred chariots represented an enormous and highly effective strike force in ancient warfare, capable of rapid movement and breaking through enemy lines with overwhelming power. It signifies a military of the highest caliber.
* **"and threescore thousand horsemen":** This refers to sixty thousand cavalry troops. Such a massive number of horsemen would have provided immense mobility, reconnaissance capabilities, and flanking power to the army, complementing the chariots and demonstrating the sheer numerical superiority and tactical versatility of Shishak's forces.
* **"and the people [were] without number that came with him out of Egypt":** This phrase describes the infantry component of the army, emphasizing its immeasurable size. "Without number" is a hyperbole to convey an overwhelmingly vast multitude of foot soldiers, making the total force truly uncountable and insurmountable by conventional means. This highlights the sheer scale of the invasion.
* **"the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians":** This final clause specifies the diverse ethnic composition of Shishak's army. It indicates that the invasion force was not solely Egyptian but comprised various foreign auxiliaries and conquered peoples, underscoring the extent of Shishak's imperial power and the international nature of the threat facing Judah. These groups were known for their military prowess and would have added to the formidable nature of the invading host.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler employs several literary devices in 2 Chronicles 12:3 to convey the gravity of the situation. **Enumeration** is used to list specific numbers of chariots and horsemen, creating a vivid and concrete image of the army's size, while also lending a sense of historical precision. This is followed by **Hyperbole** with the phrase "without number" to describe the infantry, emphasizing the overwhelming, uncountable multitude of soldiers and intensifying the sense of dread and hopelessness for Judah. The detailed listing of foreign contingents—the **Lubims, Sukkiims, and Ethiopians**—serves as a form of **Merism** or **Synecdoche**, where specific parts (ethnic groups) represent the whole (the vast, diverse, and powerful Egyptian empire and its allies). This also functions as **Foreshadowing**, as the sheer scale of this army immediately signals the severity of the impending judgment and the desperate situation Judah will face, setting the stage for their subsequent humiliation and partial repentance. The army itself functions as a **Symbolism** of divine judgment, a tangible manifestation of God's wrath against Judah's unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The description of Shishak's overwhelming army in 2 Chronicles 12:3 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that disobedience to God's covenant commands brings severe and often overwhelming consequences. Just as the Law warned of foreign invasion and subjugation as a result of apostasy, this event serves as a stark historical fulfillment. The scale of the enemy force emphasizes that when God judges, He can bring about seemingly insurmountable adversity to humble His people and call them back to Himself. Yet, even in judgment, God's ultimate purpose is redemptive, as seen in Judah's subsequent repentance and God's mercy in not utterly destroying them ([2 Chronicles 12:6-7](/2_chronicles/12-6 "2 Chronicles 12:6-7 - Judah's Humiliation and God's Mercy")). This narrative highlights God's active sovereignty, using even pagan nations as instruments of His divine will to discipline His chosen people.

* [1 Kings 14:25-26](/1_kings/14-25 "1 Kings 14:25-26 - Shishak's Invasion in Kings")
* [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Rod of Anger")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of Shishak's formidable army in 2 Chronicles 12:3 serves as a profound reminder that spiritual decline often precipitates tangible, overwhelming challenges in our lives. Just as Judah's internal apostasy led to an external, seemingly insurmountable threat, so too can our personal or collective drift from God's commands invite overwhelming adversities. This verse compels us to consider the gravity of our obedience and the potential consequences of our unfaithfulness. It calls for humility and self-examination, urging us to recognize that the "overwhelming" challenges we face might, at times, be a divine discipline intended to draw us back to repentance and reliance on God. Even when faced with seemingly countless "chariots and horsemen" in our own lives—whether they be financial crises, relational breakdowns, health struggles, or spiritual battles—this narrative reminds us that God remains sovereign. His purpose, even in allowing such adversity, is ultimately for our good and His glory, prompting us to seek His face and find His mercy, as Rehoboam and the princes did later in the chapter.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sheer scale of Shishak's army in this verse underscore the gravity of Judah's spiritual condition and the seriousness of God's judgment?**
* **In what areas of our lives might we be experiencing "overwhelming adversity" that could be a call to examine our own faithfulness and obedience to God?**
* **Considering that God used a foreign army as an instrument of discipline, how does this perspective shape our understanding of difficult circumstances or external pressures we might face?**

### FAQ
**Who was Shishak, and why did he invade Judah?**

Answer: Shishak was Pharaoh Sheshonq I, the founder of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt. He invaded Judah in the fifth year of King Rehoboam's reign (c. 925 BC). The biblical text explicitly states that the invasion was a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness to the Lord, as Rehoboam and the people had "forsaken the law of the Lord" ([2 Chronicles 12:1-2](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1-2 - Judah's Apostasy and Shishak's Invasion")). Historically, it was also part of Egypt's broader geopolitical strategy to reassert its influence and control over the Levant after the decline of Solomon's unified kingdom.

**What is the significance of the "Lubims, Sukkiims, and Ethiopians" being mentioned?**

Answer: The mention of these groups highlights the diverse, multi-ethnic composition of Shishak's army, demonstrating the vastness and imperial reach of Egyptian military power. The Lubims were Libyans, the Ethiopians were Cushites (from modern Sudan), and the Sukkiims, though less certain, were likely a nomadic or specialized military contingent. Their inclusion underscores that the threat to Judah was not merely from Egypt but from a formidable coalition of forces under Shishak's command, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the divine judgment.

**How does this account relate to the broader message of 2 Chronicles?**

Answer: This account is central to the Chronicler's theological message, which consistently emphasizes the principle of immediate divine retribution for disobedience and blessing for obedience. Rehoboam's unfaithfulness directly leads to this overwhelming judgment, serving as a stark warning and illustrating God's active involvement in the affairs of His people. The subsequent repentance of Rehoboam and the leaders ([2 Chronicles 12:6](/2_chronicles/12-6 "2 Chronicles 12:6 - Judah's Humiliation")) and God's partial mercy ([2 Chronicles 12:7](/2_chronicles/12-7 "2 Chronicles 12:7 - God's Mercy and Deliverance")) further reinforce this theme, showing that even in judgment, God provides a path to restoration through humility and repentance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The overwhelming force of Shishak's army, described in 2 Chronicles 12:3, serves as a powerful Old Testament picture of the overwhelming power of sin and its consequences. Just as Judah faced an insurmountable external threat due to their internal apostasy, humanity faces an even greater, spiritual "army" of sin, death, and the devil, which we are powerless to overcome on our own. The "judgment" that fell upon Judah for their unfaithfulness foreshadows the ultimate judgment due to all humanity for its rebellion against God. However, the good news of the Gospel is that God, in His infinite mercy, did not send another invading army against us, but sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to conquer this spiritual foe. Christ, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's wrath and judgment on the cross. His sacrifice was the ultimate and perfect response to our "unfaithfulness," providing a deliverance far greater and more eternal than Judah's temporal reprieve. Through His death and resurrection, Christ disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), conquering sin and death, and offering true freedom and reconciliation with God. Our victory over the "overwhelming adversity" of sin is found not in our own strength or repentance alone, but in the finished work of Christ, who is our [Savior and Lord](/acts/5-31 "Acts 5:31 - Jesus, Prince and Savior").

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

Nahum 3:9

Ethiopia and Egypt [were] her strength, and [it was] infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers.

2 Chronicles 16:8

Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.

Daniel 11:43

But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians [shall be] at his steps.

2 Chronicles 14:9

¶ And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.

Isaiah 43:3

For I [am] the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt [for] thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.

2 Chronicles 14:12

So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.

Revelation 9:16

And the number of the army of the horsemen [were] two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.