2 Chronicles 12:6

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

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

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

So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, β€œThe LORD is righteous.”

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

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:6 KJV

2 Chronicles 12:6 records a pivotal moment during the reign of King Rehoboam, son of Solomon. Following a period where Rehoboam and Judah had "forsaken the law of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 12:1), God permitted Shishak, king of Egypt, to invade Judah. This verse captures the response of the Israelite leadership to a prophetic message from Shemaiah (2 Chronicles 12:5), who declared God's judgment upon them for their unfaithfulness.

Context

After the glory days of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne. However, his reign was marked by a turning away from God's commands. The kingdom of Judah, facing a formidable Egyptian invasion under King Shishak, was in dire straits. This military threat served as a divine chastisement, intended to call the people back to repentance. The prophet Shemaiah delivered God's explicit message, linking their distress directly to their abandonment of the Lord. In response to this clear divine intervention and the impending doom, the leaders and the king acted.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Humility and Repentance: The phrase "humbled themselves" (Hebrew: kana') signifies a genuine bowing down of the heart, an admission of wrongdoing, and a turning away from pride. This is a crucial step in seeking God's favor and avoiding His full wrath. This act of humility is often highlighted in scripture as a prerequisite for God's mercy (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6).
  • God's Righteousness in Judgment: Their declaration, "The LORD is righteous," is a profound acknowledgment that God's actions, even disciplinary ones, are always just and fair. They understood that the troubles they faced were not arbitrary but a direct and deserved consequence of their sin. This affirmation of God's character (Hebrew: Yahweh tsaddiq) speaks to His unwavering justice and holiness, even when it brings discomfort or suffering (Psalm 145:17).
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The narrative clearly illustrates that departing from God's law has real and tangible consequences. The invasion was a direct result of their spiritual decline, demonstrating God's principle of sowing and reaping.
  • Divine Mercy and Averted Judgment: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, their humility immediately leads to God's mercy. The very next verse (2 Chronicles 12:7) shows that because they humbled themselves, God promised not to destroy them completely, only to make them servants to Shishak. This demonstrates God's willingness to relent from full judgment when there is genuine repentance.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "humbled themselves" is kana' (Χ›Χ Χ’), which means to bend the knee, to be subdued, or to be brought low. It implies a genuine internal submission, not just an outward show.
  • "The LORD is righteous" translates Yahweh tsaddiq (Χ™Χ”Χ•Χ” Χ¦Χ“Χ™Χ§). Yahweh is God's covenant name, emphasizing His faithfulness. Tsaddiq means just, righteous, or vindicated. It's an affirmation of God's perfect justice and integrity, even when His actions are severe.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today. When faced with difficulties or consequences, our first response should not be to blame others or deny responsibility, but to examine our own hearts.

  • Acknowledge God's Hand: Recognize that God is sovereign and often uses challenging circumstances to bring us back to Him.
  • Embrace Humility: Genuine humility before God is essential for spiritual growth and restoration. It involves admitting our faults and acknowledging His rightful authority over our lives.
  • Affirm God's Justice: Even when we face the consequences of our actions, we must affirm that God is just and righteous in all His dealings. His judgment is not arbitrary but flows from His perfect character.
  • Seek Repentance: The example of Rehoboam and the princes shows that genuine repentance can lead to divine mercy and a mitigation of judgment.

In essence, 2 Chronicles 12:6 is a powerful reminder that humility and an acknowledgment of God's righteousness are critical steps towards experiencing His grace and avoiding the full weight of His disciplinary hand.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 9:27 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 33:12 (2 votes)

    And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,