2 Chronicles 12:5

KJV

Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and [to] the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then came {H935} Shemaiah {H8098} the prophet {H5030} to Rehoboam {H7346}, and to the princes {H8269} of Judah {H3063}, that were gathered together {H622} to Jerusalem {H3389} because {H6440} of Shishak {H7895}, and said {H559} unto them, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Ye have forsaken {H5800} me, and therefore have I also {H637} left {H5800} you in the hand {H3027} of Shishak {H7895}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now Sh'ma'yah the prophet came to Rechav'am and the leaders of Y'hudah who had gathered in Yerushalayim because of Shishak and said to them, "Here is what ADONAI says: 'Because you have abandoned me, I have abandoned you to the hands of Shishak.'"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and he said to them, “This is what the LORD says: ‘You have forsaken Me; therefore, I have forsaken you into the hand of Shishak.’”

American Standard Version

Now Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, Ye have forsaken me, therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 12:5 captures a critical moment in the reign of King Rehoboam, where the prophet Shemaiah delivers a severe divine oracle. In the midst of Jerusalem's siege by the Egyptian King Shishak, Shemaiah confronts Rehoboam and the princes of Judah, revealing that their current distress is a direct consequence of their apostasy. God explicitly declares that because they have "forsaken" Him, He has, in turn, "left" them vulnerable to their enemies, underscoring the principle of divine justice and the direct link between covenant unfaithfulness and its resulting judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the early reign of Rehoboam, following the catastrophic division of the kingdom (2 Chronicles 10-11). After an initial period of strengthening his kingdom and building fortified cities, Rehoboam and all Israel (referring to Judah, as the northern kingdom had already separated) "abandoned the law of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 12:1). This spiritual decline immediately precedes the invasion by Shishak, king of Egypt, which is presented as a direct divine consequence (2 Chronicles 12:2-4). Shemaiah, the prophet, has previously appeared to prevent Rehoboam from waging war against Jeroboam and the northern tribes, delivering a similar "Thus saith the LORD" message (2 Chronicles 11:2-4, paralleled in [1 Kings 12:22-24](/1_kings/12-22 "1 Kings 12:22-24 - Shemaiah's Prophecy Against War")). His appearance here, in the face of a foreign invasion, serves to interpret the national crisis not as mere political misfortune, but as a direct act of divine judgment in response to Judah's unfaithfulness. The verse sets the stage for the leaders' humbling and God's subsequent partial relenting (2 Chronicles 12:6-7).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Chronicles 12:5 occurred around 925 BC, roughly five years after the division of the united monarchy. Shishak, identified with Pharaoh Sheshonk I, was a powerful Egyptian monarch of the 22nd Dynasty. His invasion of Judah is well-attested historically, including a detailed relief at the Karnak Temple in Egypt listing conquered cities, some of which are in Judah. For Rehoboam and the princes to be "gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak" signifies a moment of extreme national crisis, as Jerusalem, the capital and the city of God's temple, was under direct threat. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, military defeat was often interpreted as the gods of the vanquished being weaker than the gods of the victors. However, within Israelite theology, such defeats were understood through the lens of covenant: God's people were subject to divine discipline for their disobedience to the covenant stipulations (as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). The role of the prophet, like Shemaiah, was crucial in interpreting these events, ensuring the people understood that their suffering was not due to God's weakness, but His righteous judgment and faithfulness to His covenant warnings.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua-Kings, and implicitly Chronicles). Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Fidelity and Consequence**. The explicit statement, "Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you," directly links Judah's spiritual abandonment of God to God's reciprocal withdrawal of protection, leading to their vulnerability to Shishak. This highlights the principle that obedience brings blessing, and disobedience brings curses, a foundational concept found in [Leviticus 26](/leviticus/26 "Leviticus 26 - Blessings for Obedience, Curses for Disobedience") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Another key theme is **Divine Sovereignty in Judgment**: God is not a passive observer but actively intervenes in human history, even using foreign powers like Shishak as instruments of His righteous judgment. The verse also underscores the **Indispensable Role of the Prophet** as God's mouthpiece, providing divine interpretation of national events and calling the people back to covenant loyalty. Finally, while this verse is a declaration of judgment, it implicitly sets the stage for the theme of **Divine Mercy in Response to Humility**, as the subsequent verses demonstrate God's willingness to relent when His people humble themselves (see [2 Chronicles 12:6-7](/2_chronicles/12-6 "2 Chronicles 12:6-7 - Rehoboam's Humbling and God's Relenting")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shemaiah (Hebrew, _Shəma‘yah'_):** Meaning "Heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard." The name itself is significant, suggesting that this prophet is one through whom Yahweh's voice is heard, or perhaps that Yahweh has heard the cries of His people, even in their apostasy, and responds with a message of truth. His appearance signifies that God is not silent in their distress but actively communicating the reason for their suffering.
* **Forsaken (Hebrew, _‘azav'_):** This verb means to abandon, desert, or leave behind. When applied to God, as in "Ye have forsaken me," it denotes a profound and deliberate breach of covenant loyalty, a turning away from His commands, worship, and relationship. It implies a conscious act of spiritual infidelity, rather than mere negligence.
* **Left (Hebrew, _‘azav'_):** The use of the identical Hebrew root for God's reciprocal action, "I have also left you," creates a powerful literary and theological parallel. It emphasizes the direct, just, and proportional consequence of their actions. God's "leaving" is not an act of abandonment in the sense of ceasing to care, but a withdrawal of His protective hand and favor, allowing them to experience the natural and divine consequences of their chosen path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and [to] the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak,"**: This clause establishes the setting and the audience. The timing is crucial: Shemaiah arrives precisely when the nation's leaders are united in fear and desperation due to the imminent threat of Shishak's invasion. Their gathering in Jerusalem suggests a defensive posture, a search for security, or perhaps a council of war. Shemaiah's arrival is God's timely intervention, providing divine interpretation for a human crisis.
* **"and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD,"**: This phrase is a classic prophetic formula, unequivocally declaring that the message is not Shemaiah's own opinion but a direct, authoritative word from Yahweh. It lends immense weight and infallibility to the pronouncement that follows, demanding immediate and serious attention from the king and his officials.
* **"Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak."**: This is the core of the divine oracle, a clear and concise statement of cause and effect. "Ye have forsaken me" refers to Judah's deliberate turning away from covenant obedience and the worship of Yahweh, as described in 2 Chronicles 12:1. The consequence, "therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak," means God has withdrawn His protective presence and handed them over to the power of their enemy. This is divine judgment, demonstrating God's justice and His commitment to upholding the terms of His covenant, even when it involves disciplinary action against His own people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent **Literary Devices**. Foremost is **Direct Discourse**, as God's exact words are quoted through the prophet Shemaiah, lending immediate authority and impact to the message. The structure of the divine statement itself is a powerful example of **Cause and Effect**, explicitly linking Judah's "forsaking" of God to God's "leaving" them in Shishak's hand. This clear causal relationship underscores the principle of divine justice and accountability. Furthermore, the repetition of the root word for "forsake/leave" (Hebrew _‘azav_) creates a striking **Reciprocity** or **Lex Talionis** (law of retaliation) in divine judgment, where the punishment mirrors the crime: they abandoned God, so God abandoned them to their enemies. This is delivered in the form of a **Prophetic Oracle**, a divinely inspired pronouncement intended to reveal God's will and interpret current events from a divine perspective.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the consistent biblical principle that divine judgment is a direct consequence of covenant unfaithfulness. God's "leaving" His people is not an act of capricious abandonment, but a just and often redemptive withdrawal of His protective hand, allowing the natural and spiritual consequences of sin to manifest. This discipline is designed to bring about repentance and a return to Him, demonstrating His enduring commitment to His covenant. It underscores God's sovereignty over nations and history, using even pagan kings as instruments of His will. The message of Shemaiah serves as a stark reminder that God takes His covenant seriously, and His people are held accountable for their choices.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Judges 2:11-15](/judges/2-11 "Judges 2:11-15 - Israel's Cycle of Apostasy and Oppression")
* [Isaiah 1:28](/isaiah/1-28 "Isaiah 1:28 - Destruction of Transgressors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The message of 2 Chronicles 12:5 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It calls us to a deep spiritual accountability, reminding us that our choices have consequences, and drifting from God's commands or prioritizing other allegiances can lead to a withdrawal of His protective hand, allowing us to experience the difficulties that come from living outside His will. This is not arbitrary punishment, but often a loving discipline intended to get our attention and draw us back into a right relationship with Him. When we face trials or feel vulnerable, this verse prompts us to examine our hearts and ask if there are areas where we have "forsaken" the Lord. It encourages us to recognize divine discipline not as an end, but as a call to humility and repentance, knowing that God is always ready to show mercy to those who turn back to Him, just as He did for Rehoboam and the princes in the verses that follow.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might I, or my community, be subtly "forsaking" God by neglecting His Word, prayer, or service, or by prioritizing worldly pursuits over Him?**
* **How do I typically interpret difficult circumstances or periods of vulnerability in my life – as random misfortune, or as potential opportunities for divine correction and a call to deeper reliance on God?**
* **What is my immediate response when confronted with a challenging truth from God's Word or through a "prophetic" voice (e.g., a sermon, a wise friend) that exposes my spiritual drift?**

### FAQ

**Who was Shishak and why was his invasion significant?**

Answer: Shishak was the Egyptian Pharaoh Sheshonk I, a powerful ruler of the 22nd Dynasty (c. 945-924 BC). His invasion of Judah, described in [2 Chronicles 12](/2_chronicles/12 "2 Chronicles 12 - Rehoboam's Reign and Shishak's Invasion"), is historically attested by his own monumental inscriptions at the Karnak Temple in Egypt, which list cities he conquered in the Levant, including many in Judah. His invasion was significant for several reasons: it was a major geopolitical event demonstrating Egypt's renewed power; it resulted in the plundering of the treasures of the Temple and the royal palace in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 12:9), a major blow to Judah's wealth and prestige; and most importantly, from a biblical perspective, it served as God's direct instrument of judgment against Rehoboam and Judah for their unfaithfulness, as explicitly stated in [2 Chronicles 12:5](/2_chronicles/12-5 "2 Chronicles 12:5 - Shemaiah's Prophecy to Rehoboam").

**How does God "leave" His people, and is this abandonment permanent?**

Answer: When God says, "I have also left you," it signifies a withdrawal of His special protection, favor, and blessing, allowing His people to experience the natural and divine consequences of their disobedience. It doesn't mean God ceases to exist or care, but rather that He lifts the hedge of protection that previously shielded them, exposing them to the pressures and dangers of a fallen world, often through the agency of their enemies. This "leaving" is a form of divine discipline, not permanent abandonment. The very next verses in [2 Chronicles 12:6-7](/2_chronicles/12-6 "2 Chronicles 12:6-7 - Rehoboam and the Princes Humble Themselves") demonstrate that upon Rehoboam and the princes humbling themselves, God relented and did not allow Jerusalem to be utterly destroyed. This illustrates that God's discipline is always intended to bring about repentance and restoration, never ultimate destruction for His covenant people. His faithfulness endures even in judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The declaration in 2 Chronicles 12:5, "Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you," powerfully foreshadows humanity's universal condition of sin and God's ultimate response. All humanity, through Adam's fall and our own rebellion, has "forsaken" God, turning away from His righteous rule and perfect fellowship. The ultimate consequence of this cosmic forsaking is spiritual death and separation from God (Romans 6:23). Yet, in the profound mystery of the cross, God did not permanently "leave" humanity to its fate. Instead, He "left" His own Son, Jesus, to bear the full weight of that abandonment. On the cross, Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46), experiencing the ultimate separation from the Father so that those who believe in Him would never be truly forsaken. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the covenant curses for forsaking God were fulfilled in Him, and believers are now brought into an unbreakable new covenant relationship where God promises, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5, echoing [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God Will Not Fail You")). Jesus is the true Prophet who delivers God's final and complete word (Hebrews 1:1-2), not of judgment for those in Him, but of eternal life and reconciliation, secured by His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice.

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 11:2

But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

2 Chronicles 15:2

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

1 Kings 12:22

But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

Jeremiah 4:18

Thy way and thy doings have procured these [things] unto thee; this [is] thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.

Deuteronomy 28:15

¶ But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee:

Deuteronomy 28:68

And the LORD shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy [you].

1 Chronicles 28:9

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.