2 Chronicles 12:4

KJV

And he took the fenced cities which [pertained] to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he took {H3920} the fenced {H4694} cities {H5892} which pertained to Judah {H3063}, and came {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He captured the fortified cities of Y'hudah, then went to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And he took the fortified cities which pertained to Judah, and came unto Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse succinctly describes the successful military campaign of Shishak, King of Egypt, against the southern kingdom of Judah. It highlights his conquest of the fortified cities that Rehoboam, King of Judah, had painstakingly built and strengthened, culminating in Shishak's advance directly to Jerusalem. The fall of these seemingly impregnable defenses serves as a stark illustration of divine judgment upon Judah for their unfaithfulness to the Lord, demonstrating the futility of human reliance apart from God's protection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Rehoboam's reign following the division of the united monarchy. Chapters 10 and 11 detail the split of the kingdom and Rehoboam's initial efforts to fortify Judah, specifically listing the "fenced cities" he built and provisioned in [2 Chronicles 11:5-12](/2_chronicles/11-5 "2 Chronicles 11:5-12 - Rehoboam's Fortifications"). However, [2 Chronicles 12:1](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1 - Judah's Unfaithfulness") immediately shifts to Judah's widespread apostasy and abandonment of the Lord's law. The subsequent invasion by Shishak, introduced in [2 Chronicles 12:2-3](/2_chronicles/12-2 "2 Chronicles 12:2-3 - Shishak's Invasion"), is explicitly presented as a direct consequence of this unfaithfulness, a divine judgment to humble the people. Thus, [2 Chronicles 12:4](/2_chronicles/12-4 "2 Chronicles 12:4 - Shishak's Conquest") marks the devastating progress of this judgment, showing the collapse of Judah's human defenses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shishak, identified with Pharaoh Sheshonk I of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt, launched a historically attested campaign into Canaan around 925 BCE. This invasion was a significant geopolitical event, reasserting Egyptian influence in the region after the decline of the united Israelite monarchy. Fortified cities ("fenced cities") were crucial defensive strongholds in the ancient Near East, designed to withstand sieges and protect strategic routes and resources. Their construction required immense resources and labor, reflecting a king's power and foresight. The fact that Shishak could "take" these cities indicates a highly successful and overwhelming military campaign, underscoring the severity of the threat to Judah's sovereignty and very existence.
* **Key Themes:** The fall of Judah's "fenced cities" powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**: Judah's security, built on physical fortifications and military strength, crumbled rapidly when their spiritual foundation was compromised by forsaking the Lord. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**: Shishak's invasion was not merely a geopolitical event but an instrument of God's discipline, demonstrating that even powerful foreign kings are used by God to bring about His purposes and humble those who defy Him. Lastly, it powerfully conveys the **Futility of Human Reliance**: Despite Rehoboam's extensive efforts in fortifying the land (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 11](/2_chronicles/11 "2 Chronicles 11 - Rehoboam's Reign and Fortifications")), these "fenced cities" offered no ultimate protection against a divinely ordained judgment. This reinforces the biblical principle that "unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain that build it" ([Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")). Human strength and strategy are ultimately insufficient without God's blessing and protection, as also articulated in [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Horse is Prepared for Battle, but Victory Belongs to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fenced (Hebrew, _mibtsar'_):** This term, derived from the root `בָּצַר` (bāṣar), meaning "to cut off," "to fortify," or "to make inaccessible," refers to a "fortress," "stronghold," or "fortified city." Its use here emphasizes the substantial nature of these defenses—they were not mere villages but strategically important, heavily protected urban centers designed to resist attack. The KJV's "fenced" accurately conveys the sense of being enclosed and made secure, highlighting the irony of their fall.
* **Took (Hebrew, _lāqaḥ'_):** The verb `לָקַח` (lāqaḥ) is a common Hebrew verb meaning "to take," "to seize," "to capture," or "to acquire." In a military context, as here, it signifies conquest and possession. The simplicity of "took" belies the violent reality of siege warfare, battle, and occupation. Its directness underscores the swift and decisive nature of Shishak's campaign, indicating a complete and successful subjugation of these strongholds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took the fenced cities":** This phrase describes Shishak's military success in conquering the fortified towns of Judah. These were not minor skirmishes but the systematic dismantling of Judah's defensive infrastructure, which Rehoboam had invested heavily in building. The ease with which these strongholds fell underscores the overwhelming nature of the Egyptian invasion and, more importantly, the withdrawal of divine protection from Judah.
* **"which [pertained] to Judah":** This clarifies the geographical and political scope of the invasion. These were cities within the southern kingdom, directly under Rehoboam's authority. The loss of these cities represented a significant blow to Judah's territory, resources, and morale, directly impacting the very heart of the kingdom. It emphasizes that the judgment was specifically directed at Judah.
* **"and came to Jerusalem":** This final clause marks the culmination of Shishak's campaign, indicating that he had successfully cleared all major obstacles and was now at the gates of the capital city. Jerusalem, the city of David, the seat of the Davidic dynasty, and the location of the Temple, was now directly threatened. This signifies the ultimate vulnerability of Judah, as their last line of defense was now exposed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Progression**, moving from the general conquest of "fenced cities" to the specific and climactic arrival at "Jerusalem," building tension and emphasizing the escalating threat. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the narrative: Rehoboam's diligent efforts to fortify Judah (as detailed in [2 Chronicles 11](/2_chronicles/11 "2 Chronicles 11 - Rehoboam's Fortifications")) ultimately proved futile when divine favor was withdrawn. The very "fenced cities" intended to provide security became monuments to Judah's vulnerability. Furthermore, the "fenced cities" themselves serve as **Symbolism**, representing human reliance on physical strength and strategic planning. Their fall symbolizes the inadequacy of human efforts when God's protection is removed due to unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The fall of Judah's "fenced cities" serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true security and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It powerfully illustrates that physical fortifications, military might, or human ingenuity, no matter how impressive, offer no ultimate defense against divine judgment. When a people or individual turns away from God's law and covenant, they forfeit the divine protection that is far more potent than any earthly stronghold. God, in His sovereignty, can use even foreign powers as instruments of His discipline, reminding His people that their ultimate well-being is dependent on their relationship with Him, not on their material or strategic assets. This event underscores the Old Testament principle that blessings follow obedience, and curses follow disobedience, a theme found throughout the Deuteronomic history.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")
* [Psalm 33:16](/psalm/33-16 "Psalm 33:16-17 - No King is Saved by the Size of His Army")
* [Proverbs 21:31](/proverbs/21-31 "Proverbs 21:31 - The Horse is Prepared for Battle, but Victory Belongs to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Chronicles 12:4 offers a timeless lesson for individuals and communities alike. It compels us to examine where we place our ultimate trust and security. Are our "fenced cities" built on material wealth, professional achievements, social status, or even our own perceived wisdom and control? This verse starkly reminds us that such human-made defenses, while perhaps offering temporary comfort, are ultimately vulnerable when our spiritual foundation is compromised. Just as Judah's physical walls could not protect them from the consequences of their unfaithfulness, so too our earthly safeguards can fail if we neglect our relationship with God. True security, peace, and lasting prosperity are found not in what we can build or accumulate, but in humble reliance on the Lord, seeking His guidance, and obeying His commands. It calls us to regularly assess our hearts, repent of any spiritual drift, and re-anchor our lives in Christ, recognizing that He alone is our impregnable fortress.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fenced cities" or areas of perceived security do I rely on most heavily in my own life, apart from God?**
* **How does my daily life reflect where my ultimate trust is placed—in human effort or divine provision?**
* **In what ways might I be neglecting my spiritual foundation, and what are the potential consequences of such neglect?**
* **What steps can I take today to deepen my reliance on God and ensure my "security" is rooted in Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did God allow Shishak to conquer Judah's cities, especially after Rehoboam had fortified them so well?**

Answer: God allowed Shishak's conquest as a direct consequence and instrument of divine discipline for Judah's unfaithfulness. As [2 Chronicles 12:1](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1 - Judah's Unfaithfulness") states, "when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him." The "fenced cities" that Rehoboam built (see [2 Chronicles 11:5-12](/2_chronicles/11-5 "2 Chronicles 11:5-12 - Rehoboam's Fortifications")) were impressive human defenses, but they could not withstand God's judgment. This event underscores the principle that true security comes from obedience and reliance on God, not from human strength or fortifications alone. God used Shishak to humble Judah and bring them back to repentance, as seen later in [2 Chronicles 12:6-7](/2_chronicles/12-6 "2 Chronicles 12:6-7 - Judah Humbles Itself").

**What is the significance of Shishak "coming to Jerusalem" after taking the fenced cities?**

Answer: Shishak's advance to Jerusalem signifies the culmination of his successful campaign and the ultimate vulnerability of Judah. Jerusalem was not just the capital; it was the city of David, the location of the Temple, and the symbol of God's covenant with His people. The fall of the "fenced cities" meant that there were no more significant obstacles between Shishak's army and the heart of the kingdom. His arrival at Jerusalem's gates represented the most severe threat to the Davidic dynasty and the very existence of Judah as a distinct kingdom, highlighting the depth of God's disciplinary action against His unfaithful people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Judah's "fenced cities" falling to Shishak, a consequence of their unfaithfulness, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate futility of human attempts to secure salvation or protection apart from God. Just as Rehoboam's physical strongholds proved inadequate against divine judgment, so too all human efforts, good works, or self-righteousness are utterly insufficient to stand against the righteous judgment for sin. However, in Christ, we find the true and eternal "fenced city," an impregnable fortress that no enemy can breach. He is our ultimate security, the one in whom "we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins" ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Unlike the temporary, earthly defenses that failed Judah, Christ offers a salvation that is "eternal" ([Hebrews 5:9](/hebrews/5-9 "Hebrews 5:9 - Author of Eternal Salvation")) and a security from which we "shall never perish" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). He is the true 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")), removing the very cause of divine judgment that afflicted Judah. In Him, we are "complete" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Him")), finding our refuge and strength not in our own works or fortifications, but in His finished work on the cross.

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 11:5

And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.

2 Chronicles 11:12

And in every several city [he put] shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.

2 Kings 18:17

¶ And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to king Hezekiah with a great host against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which [is] in the highway of the fuller's field.

Jeremiah 5:10

¶ Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they [are] not the LORD'S.

Isaiah 36:1

¶ Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah, [that] Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the defenced cities of Judah, and took them.

Isaiah 8:8

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

Isaiah 10:11

Shall I not, as I have done unto Samaria and her idols, so do to Jerusalem and her idols?