2 Chronicles 12:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Whereupon the princes {H8269} of Israel {H3478} and the king {H4428} humbled {H3665} themselves; and they said {H559}, The LORD {H3068} is righteous {H6662}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In response, the leaders of Isra'el and the king humbled themselves; they said, "ADONAI is right."

Berean Standard Bible

So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is righteous.”

American Standard Version

Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, Jehovah is righteous.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 12:6 captures a pivotal moment in King Rehoboam's reign, where the leaders of Judah, including the king, respond to divine judgment. Following their widespread apostasy and the subsequent Egyptian invasion under King Shishak, and in the wake of a prophetic message from Shemaiah, the princes and the king collectively humble themselves before the Lord. This profound act of contrition is accompanied by a powerful theological confession, acknowledging God's perfect righteousness even in His disciplinary actions. This genuine repentance averts the full measure of God's wrath, demonstrating God's compassionate response to contrite hearts and highlighting His desire for restoration over complete destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of King Rehoboam's reign, specifically detailing the immediate and crucial turning point following Judah's unfaithfulness and the resulting divine discipline. The preceding verses establish the context: Rehoboam and all Israel had "forsaken the law of the LORD" after establishing the kingdom's strength ([2 Chronicles 12:1](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1 - Rehoboam's Apostasy")). This apostasy directly led to God raising up Shishak, king of Egypt, to invade Judah, bringing them to the brink of utter destruction ([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 God's explicit message, clarifying that the invasion is a direct consequence of their abandonment of the Lord ([2 Chronicles 12:5](/2_chronicles/12-5 "2 Chronicles 12:5 - Shemaiah's Prophecy of Judgment")). Verse 6, therefore, marks the immediate and profound response to this divine word, where the leaders acknowledge their sin and God's justice, which directly precedes God's decision to not utterly destroy them ([2 Chronicles 12:7](/2_chronicles/12-7 "2 Chronicles 12:7 - God's Mercy on Judah")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Rehoboam's reign (c. 931-913 BC) followed the unified kingdom of David and Solomon, but was tragically marked by the division of Israel into the northern (Israel) and southern (Judah) kingdoms. The invasion by Shishak (Sheshonk I), the founder of Egypt's 22nd Dynasty, is a historically verifiable event, corroborated by Egyptian inscriptions, including a relief at the Temple of Karnak. Shishak's campaign against Judah and Israel was likely driven by a desire to reassert Egyptian hegemony in the Levant and to plunder wealth, including the treasures of the temple and royal palace ([2 Chronicles 12:9](/2_chronicles/12-9 "2 Chronicles 12:9 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem")). Culturally, the concept of divine judgment through foreign invasion was a pervasive motif in the ancient Near East, often interpreted as a deity's displeasure. For Israel, this was understood within the framework of the Mosaic Covenant, where obedience brought blessings and disobedience brought curses, including defeat by enemies and potential exile, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses for Obedience and Disobedience"). The act of "humbling oneself" was a culturally recognized posture of submission and repentance before a deity or a superior, often involving prostration, wearing sackcloth, or fasting, signifying a deep internal contrition.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine retribution and mercy**, demonstrating God's just punishment for sin alongside His profound compassion when there is genuine repentance. The invasion is a direct consequence of Judah's unfaithfulness, yet their humility leads to a mitigation of the threatened judgment. Secondly, it highlights the **sovereignty of God** over all nations and kings; even a powerful foreign ruler like Shishak is depicted as an instrument in God's hand to accomplish His divine purposes ([Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Instrument of Judgment")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **critical importance of humility and repentance** as prerequisites for divine favor and restoration. The leaders' confession, "The LORD is righteous," is a profound theological statement affirming God's character even in judgment, a recurring theme in biblical wisdom and prophetic literature ([Psalm 145:17](/psalm/145-17 "Psalm 145:17 - The Lord is Righteous in All His Ways")). Finally, it reinforces the **covenantal relationship** between God and Israel, where faithfulness brings protection and unfaithfulness brings discipline, all within the framework of God's enduring commitment to His people and His ultimate desire for their reconciliation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **humbled (Hebrew, _kânaʻ_):** This verb (H3665) signifies a profound and comprehensive act of submission, both internal and external. Derived from a root meaning "to bend the knee," it extends to "to humiliate," "to vanquish," "to bring down (low)," "to bring into subjection," or "to humble oneself." In this context, it denotes more than mere outward show; it implies a sincere admission of guilt, a turning away from pride and self-reliance, and a posture of complete dependence upon God. This act of humbling is presented as the necessary precursor to God's relenting from full judgment.
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar_):** This primitive root (H559) is highly versatile, meaning "to say," but used with great latitude to include "to declare," "to avouch," "to confess," or "to utter speech." Here, it signifies a deliberate and public declaration. The leaders' "saying" is not a casual remark but a formal, theological confession that accompanies their physical act of humbling, giving voice to their internal repentance and understanding of God's character.
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq_):** This adjective (H6662) describes God's character as just, upright, vindicated, and lawful. When the leaders declare, "The LORD is righteous," they are acknowledging that God's actions, even His severe disciplinary judgment through the Egyptian invasion, are perfectly fair, consistent with His holy nature, and entirely deserved given their unfaithfulness. This is a profound theological affirmation that God is not arbitrary or capricious but acts according to His perfect moral standard, implying that the consequences they face are not unjust but a direct and appropriate response to their rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves;":** This clause describes the immediate and collective response of Judah's leadership—King Rehoboam and the leading officials—to the prophet Shemaiah's message of impending divine judgment. The act of "humbled themselves" signifies a profound shift from their previous pride, self-sufficiency, and disobedience. It indicates a genuine recognition of their sin and a submission to God's authority. This corporate act of repentance is crucial, as it represents the turning point that prompts God's mercy and mitigation of the full judgment.
* **"and they said, The LORD [is] righteous.":** This second clause articulates the theological confession that accompanies and validates their act of humility. By declaring "The LORD is righteous," they are not only admitting their own guilt and culpability but also affirming God's perfect justice, integrity, and moral uprightness. They acknowledge that the impending judgment is not arbitrary or unfair but a just and deserved consequence of their rebellion against His covenant and law. This statement is an act of worship, submission, and profound theological insight, recognizing God's sovereignty and His inherent right to discipline His people when they stray from His established ways. It reveals a correct understanding of God's character even in the face of severe adversity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. **Irony** is powerfully present in the fact that it takes a foreign invasion, a direct consequence of their disobedience, to bring the leaders of God's chosen people to a posture of humility and an acknowledgment of His righteousness. Their initial strength and establishment, as mentioned in [2 Chronicles 12:1](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1 - Rehoboam's Apostasy"), paradoxically proved to be their spiritual downfall, whereas their weakness and impending defeat lead to their spiritual awakening. The declaration "The LORD is righteous" functions as a profound **confession**, a verbal articulation of their internal state of repentance, standing in stark contrast to their earlier forsaking of God's law. This confession also serves as a form of **theodicy**, a justification of God's actions in the face of suffering, affirming His justice even when His people experience hardship. Furthermore, the narrative structure itself exhibits clear **cause and effect**, meticulously linking their unfaithfulness to God's judgment, and their subsequent humility to God's mercy ([2 Chronicles 12:7](/2_chronicles/12-7 "2 Chronicles 12:7 - God's Mercy on Judah")), thereby reinforcing the Deuteronomic theology of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience, a central tenet of the Chronicler's message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a profound illustration of God's covenant faithfulness and His method of redemptive discipline. It powerfully demonstrates that while God is unswervingly just in His judgment of sin, He is also boundless in mercy toward those who genuinely humble themselves and acknowledge His righteousness. The leaders' confession is not merely an admission of guilt but a deep theological affirmation that God's character remains unimpeachable and perfect, even when He brings suffering as a consequence of sin. This dynamic of divine discipline leading to repentance and subsequent mercy is a recurring pattern throughout biblical history, highlighting God's ultimate desire for His people's restoration and reconciliation rather than their utter destruction. It underscores that true repentance involves both a contrite heart and a right understanding of God's holy, just, and loving nature, paving the way for His grace to intervene.

* [Leviticus 26:40-42](/leviticus/26-40-42 "Confession, Humility, and Remembering the Covenant")
* [Psalm 106:6-7](/psalm/106-6-7 "Israel's Disobedience and God's Enduring Mercy")
* [Lamentations 3:39-40](/lamentations/3-39-40 "Why Should a Living Man Complain? Repentance and Return to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Chronicles 12:6 offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today concerning our response to God's discipline and the path to spiritual restoration. In our lives, difficulties, setbacks, or even profound crises can often be God's sovereign way of calling us back to Himself, prompting us to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and align our wills more fully with His divine purposes. Just as Rehoboam and the princes humbled themselves in the face of impending doom, we are called to embrace humility when confronted with the consequences of our own sin, disobedience, or spiritual complacency. This involves more than just an outward acknowledgment; it requires a deep, internal submission to God's authority, a willingness to admit our faults without excuse, and a sincere desire for change. Furthermore, their declaration, "The LORD is righteous," is a powerful model for us. Even when circumstances are painful, confusing, or challenging, we are called to affirm God's perfect justice, goodness, and wisdom, trusting that His ways are always right and ultimately for our good, even when we don't fully comprehend them. This posture of humility and unwavering affirmation of God's character is the foundational prerequisite for experiencing His mercy, grace, and leading to profound spiritual growth and renewed fellowship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when faced with difficult circumstances or the natural consequences of my choices? Do I tend to blame others or external factors, or do I first examine my own heart and actions before God?**
* **What does genuine humility before God truly look like in my daily life, beyond mere words? How can I cultivate a consistent spirit of submission and dependence on Him, especially when I am tempted to rely on my own strength, wisdom, or resources?**
* **In what specific ways can I affirm God's righteousness and justice, even when His discipline feels uncomfortable, painful, or when I don't fully understand His purposes in my life or in the world?**
* **Are there specific areas in my life where the Holy Spirit is prompting me to humble myself, confess sin, and repent, trusting that God's mercy will faithfully follow genuine contrition?**

### FAQ

**Why did God allow Shishak to invade Judah if He is merciful?**

God allowed Shishak's invasion not out of a lack of mercy, but as a severe yet redemptive form of divine discipline, meticulously intended to bring Judah back to repentance and covenant faithfulness. The biblical text explicitly states that Rehoboam and Judah had "forsaken the law of the LORD" ([2 Chronicles 12:1](/2_chronicles/12-1 "2 Chronicles 12:1 - Rehoboam's Apostasy")), thereby breaking their covenant obligations. God, in His unwavering covenant faithfulness, often uses challenging circumstances and even foreign powers as instruments of His judgment to call His people to account and restore their relationship with Him. This is a consistent pattern throughout the Old Testament ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria as God's Instrument")). The fact that God relented from full destruction immediately after their humility ([2 Chronicles 12:7](/2_chronicles/12-7 "2 Chronicles 12:7 - God's Mercy")) powerfully demonstrates His ultimate desire for their restoration and spiritual health rather than their annihilation.

**What is the profound significance of the leaders saying, "The LORD is righteous"?**

This declaration is profoundly significant because it signifies a deep theological understanding and a genuine, corporate act of repentance. Instead of blaming God, complaining about their circumstances, or seeking to justify themselves, the leaders humbly acknowledge that God's actions, even His severe judgment through the Egyptian invasion, are perfectly just, holy, and deserved. They admit their own guilt and affirm God's impeccable, holy character. This confession indicates that they understood the invasion was not an arbitrary act of aggression but a direct, righteous, and necessary consequence of their unfaithfulness to God's covenant. It is an act of worship, submission, and profound theological insight that paves the way for God's mercy, as clearly seen in the subsequent verse ([2 Chronicles 12:7](/2_chronicles/12-7 "2 Chronicles 12:7 - God's Mercy")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The humbling of Rehoboam and the princes, and their subsequent confession of God's righteousness in 2 Chronicles 12:6, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate and perfect act of humility found in the person of Jesus Christ. While the leaders of Judah humbled themselves in response to their own sin and the resulting divine judgment, Christ, though utterly sinless, "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Their declaration that "The LORD is righteous" finds its fullest expression, vindication, and ultimate satisfaction in the cross of Calvary. On the cross, God's perfect righteousness is both supremely demonstrated and fully satisfied, as He justly judges sin, yet simultaneously provides a way for unrighteous sinners to be declared righteous through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed in Christ Jesus")). The mercy shown to Judah in [2 Chronicles 12:6-7](/2_chronicles/12-6-7 "2 Chronicles 12:6-7 - Humility and God's Mercy"), where judgment was mitigated due to their repentance, points to the infinitely greater and complete mercy available in Christ, where the full judgment for sin was borne by Him, allowing for complete forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life for all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, this Old Testament narrative serves as a powerful testament to God's enduring character, ultimately and perfectly revealed and fulfilled in the person and redemptive work of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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

Exodus 9:27

And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said unto them, I have sinned this time: the LORD [is] righteous, and I and my people [are] wicked.

Daniel 9:14

Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God [is] righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.

Jeremiah 44:10

They are not humbled [even] unto this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in my law, nor in my statutes, that I set before you and before your fathers.

Jeremiah 13:18

Say unto the king and to the queen, Humble yourselves, sit down: for your principalities shall come down, [even] the crown of your glory.

Luke 18:14

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

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,