2 Chronicles 12:7

KJV

And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; [therefore] I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the LORD {H3068} saw {H7200} that they humbled {H3665} themselves, the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came to Shemaiah {H8098}, saying {H559}, They have humbled {H3665} themselves; therefore I will not destroy {H7843} them, but I will grant {H5414} them some {H4592} deliverance {H6413}; and my wrath {H2534} shall not be poured out {H5413} upon Jerusalem {H3389} by the hand {H3027} of Shishak {H7895}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When ADONAI saw that they had humbled themselves, this word of ADONAI came to Sh'ma'yah: "Because they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will grant them a measure of deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Yerushalayim through Shishak.

Berean Standard Bible

When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, “They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them, but will soon grant them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak.

American Standard Version

And when Jehovah saw that they humbled themselves, the word of Jehovah came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves: I will not destroy them; but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 12:7 reveals God's immediate and merciful response to the genuine humility of King Rehoboam and the princes of Judah. After facing divine judgment through the invasion of Shishak, King of Egypt, due to their unfaithfulness, their act of humbling themselves before the Lord prompted a divine decree. God, through the prophet Shemaiah, declared that He would not utterly destroy them, but would grant a measure of deliverance, thereby preventing His full wrath from being poured out upon Jerusalem at the hands of the Egyptian king.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the early reign of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, specifically following Judah's abandonment of the Law of the LORD and the subsequent divine judgment manifested through Shishak's invasion. The narrative in [2 Chronicles 12](/2_chronicles/12 "2 Chronicles 12 - Shishak's Invasion and Rehoboam's Reign") highlights the Chronicler's theological agenda: demonstrating God's consistent and immediate response to the obedience or disobedience of His people. Prior to this verse, the prophet Shemaiah had delivered God's initial message, explaining that the invasion was a direct consequence of their forsaking the Lord ([2 Chronicles 12:5](/2_chronicles/12-5 "2 Chronicles 12:5 - Shemaiah's Prophecy of Judgment")). In a pivotal moment, Rehoboam and the princes responded to this prophetic word and the looming threat by humbling themselves, acknowledging God's righteousness in their affliction ([2 Chronicles 12:6](/2_chronicles/12-6 "2 Chronicles 12:6 - Rehoboam and the Princes Humble Themselves")). Verse 7, therefore, records God's swift and compassionate reply to their repentance, once again communicated through His prophet Shemaiah, underscoring the direct correlation between human action (humility) and divine reaction (mercy).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [2 Chronicles 12](/2_chronicles/12 "2 Chronicles 12 - Shishak's Invasion of Judah") take place around 925 BCE, during the fifth year of Rehoboam's reign, shortly after the division of the united kingdom of Israel. Shishak, identified with Pharaoh Sheshonq I of the 22nd Dynasty of Egypt, was a formidable military power, and his campaign into Judah and Israel is attested by both biblical accounts and Egyptian historical records, including a relief on the temple of Amun at Karnak. Judah, having recently lost the northern tribes, was politically and militarily vulnerable. Jerusalem, though the capital and the site of the Temple, was not impregnable. The cultural context reveals a society where political and military fortunes were deeply intertwined with perceived divine favor or disfavor. Kings were expected to uphold the covenant, and deviation often led to national calamity, understood as divine judgment. The act of "humbling oneself" involved not just a physical posture but a profound internal acknowledgment of guilt, submission to a higher authority, and a plea for mercy, a common practice in the ancient Near East when seeking to appease an offended deity or sovereign.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several core themes central to the book of Chronicles and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Mercy**, demonstrating that while God is just in bringing judgment upon sin, He is also abundantly merciful and responsive to genuine repentance. His judgment is not absolute if humility is demonstrated, showcasing His desire for restoration rather than annihilation. Secondly, the verse highlights **The Power of Humility and Repentance**. Humility is presented as a potent catalyst for averting complete destruction, an act of submission to God's will and an acknowledgment of one's own sin and dependence on Him. This resonates deeply with the principle found throughout Scripture that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, as articulated in [Proverbs 3:34](/proverbs/3-34 "Proverbs 3:34 - God Opposes the Proud") and [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud, Gives Grace to the Humble"). Thirdly, the concept of **Consequences of Sin** is evident; while destruction was averted, the phrase "grant them some deliverance" indicates that the people would still experience repercussions for their unfaithfulness. Jerusalem would suffer loss and tribute, serving as a tangible reminder of their rebellion, illustrating that repentance may mitigate the severity of judgment but does not always erase all consequences. Lastly, the verse affirms **God's Sovereignty over Nations**, as even the actions of foreign kings like Shishak are ultimately under God's control. He uses them as instruments of judgment but also limits their power according to His purposes and the people's response, ensuring His ultimate plan for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Humbled themselves (Hebrew, _kāna'_)**: The Hebrew verb כנע (_kāna'_) means "to bow down, subdue, be brought low, or be humbled." In this context, it signifies a voluntary act of submission, self-abasement, and acknowledgment of one's dependence on God. It implies a change of heart and attitude, moving from pride and rebellion to a posture of contriteness and recognition of God's righteousness in His judgment. This is not merely an external act but a profound internal disposition.
* **Deliverance (Hebrew, _peliṭah_)**: The noun פליטה (_peliṭah_) refers to an "escape, survival, or remnant." It denotes a rescue from danger or destruction, often implying that only a portion or a few are spared. In 2 Chronicles 12:7, it underscores that the rescue is partial, not a complete restoration to their former prosperity or an eradication of all consequences. They would survive, but not without suffering losses and enduring the effects of Shishak's invasion.
* **Wrath (Hebrew, _qeṣeph_)**: The term קצף (_qeṣeph_) signifies "indignation, anger, or fury." When applied to God, it refers to His righteous displeasure and judgment against sin and rebellion. The phrase "my wrath shall not be poured out" indicates a mitigation of the full, destructive force of God's anger, which would have resulted in complete annihilation, had they not humbled themselves.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves,"**: This opening clause emphasizes God's omniscience and His attentiveness to the internal posture of the heart. It highlights that God's response is contingent upon genuine human action, specifically their humility, rather than merely external rituals or superficial gestures. His seeing implies a deep understanding of their contrite spirit.
* **"the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; [therefore] I will not destroy them,"**: This segment underscores the crucial role of the prophet Shemaiah as God's messenger, confirming the divine communication. God's direct affirmation, "They have humbled themselves," validates the sincerity of their repentance. The immediate consequence is the divine promise, "I will not destroy them," signifying a reversal or mitigation of the previously threatened complete annihilation, demonstrating God's mercy in the face of genuine contrition.
* **"but I will grant them some deliverance;"**: This clause specifies the nature of God's mercy: it is a "some" or partial deliverance. It implies that while the worst of the judgment (total destruction) is averted, the consequences of their sin will still be felt. This partial rescue serves as a reminder of their transgression and God's justice, preventing a full return to their previous state of prosperity without any repercussions.
* **"and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak."**: This final phrase clarifies the specific nature of the averted judgment. God's full, destructive "wrath" would not be unleashed upon Jerusalem, the holy city, through Shishak. While Shishak would still plunder and impose tribute (as seen in [2 Chronicles 12:9-10](/2_chronicles/12-9 "2 Chronicles 12:9-10 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem")), the city itself would not be utterly destroyed or its inhabitants annihilated, preserving a remnant and the sacred space.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful theological message. **Divine Observation** is prominent as the text begins with "when the LORD saw," emphasizing God's active engagement and perceptive awareness of human actions and heart conditions. This sets up a clear cause-and-effect relationship, where God's response is directly tied to the people's humility. **Prophetic Mediation** is central, with Shemaiah serving as the conduit for God's word, highlighting the importance of divine communication through chosen individuals in the Chronicler's narrative. There is a clear **Contrast** or **Juxtaposition** between what could have been (total destruction) and what was granted ("some deliverance"), illustrating the mitigating power of repentance. The phrase "I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance" effectively uses this contrast to show God's balanced approach of justice and mercy. Furthermore, the concept of God's "wrath" being "poured out" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human action (pouring out) to God to vividly describe the intensity and totality of His judgment. This imagery underscores the severity of the impending doom that was ultimately averted. The entire verse functions as a powerful example of **Conditional Covenant**, where God's actions are directly conditioned by the people's faithfulness and response to His warnings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the biblical principle that God is both just and merciful, and that genuine repentance has the power to alter the course of divine judgment. It reveals that God's primary desire is not annihilation but restoration, even if that restoration involves enduring consequences for past sin. The immediate response of God to Rehoboam and the princes' humility underscores His attentiveness to the heart's posture and His readiness to relent from full wrath when His people turn back to Him. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that while God's discipline is certain for disobedience, His compassion is equally certain for those who humble themselves under His mighty hand. It teaches that acknowledging one's sin and submitting to God's righteousness is the pathway to mitigating judgment and experiencing a measure of His saving grace.

* [1 Kings 21:27-29](/1_kings/21-27 "1 Kings 21:27-29 - Ahab's Humility and God's Response")
* [Joel 2:12-14](/joel/2-12 "Joel 2:12-14 - Call to Repentance and God's Mercy")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God Opposes the Proud, Gives Grace to the Humble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 2 Chronicles 12:7 offers a timeless and deeply relevant lesson for believers today: God remains profoundly responsive to genuine humility and repentance. In a world that often values pride and self-sufficiency, this verse calls us to embrace a counter-cultural posture of dependence on God. When we face the consequences of our own sin, or when we perceive God's corrective hand in our lives, our most potent response is not to resist or rationalize, but to humble ourselves before Him. This involves acknowledging our wrongdoing, confessing our sins, and submitting to His righteous judgment, trusting in His compassionate nature. While God may not always remove all difficulties or erase every consequence of our choices, sincere repentance can lead to His mercy, preventing complete ruin and granting a measure of deliverance. It encourages us to take responsibility for our actions, turn back to the Lord, and remember that His justice is always balanced by His profound and redemptive mercy, offering hope even in the midst of discipline.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the example of Rehoboam and the princes challenge our understanding of repentance in the face of consequences?**
* **In what specific areas of your life might God be calling you to humble yourself before Him, trusting in His mercy and not just seeking escape from consequences?**
* **How can we discern the difference between God's full wrath and His corrective discipline in our lives or in society, and what is our appropriate response to each?**

### FAQ
**Why did God not completely remove Shishak's threat and restore Judah to its former glory immediately?**

Answer: God's decision to grant "some deliverance" rather than total restoration or the complete removal of Shishak's threat highlights a crucial aspect of divine justice and mercy. Even after genuine repentance, consequences for sin often remain. These lingering consequences serve multiple purposes: they act as a tangible reminder of the seriousness of disobedience, a deterrent against future rebellion, and a means for further humbling and reliance on God. While God's mercy averted the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem, the plundering of the Temple treasures and the imposition of tribute ([2 Chronicles 12:9-10](/2_chronicles/12-9 "2 Chronicles 12:9-10 - Shishak Plunders Jerusalem")) served as a severe, yet limited, judgment. This partial deliverance ensured that Judah understood the cost of forsaking the Lord, preventing them from taking His grace for granted. It demonstrated that while God is quick to forgive, His righteous order still requires a reckoning for sin, even if mitigated. This principle is consistent with God's character throughout Scripture, where even after forgiveness, discipline or natural consequences may persist to foster deeper faithfulness, as seen in [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience").

**What does "humbled themselves" truly mean in this context, and how is it demonstrated?**

Answer: In 2 Chronicles 12:7, "humbled themselves" (Hebrew: _kāna'_) signifies more than a superficial act or a mere physical posture. It denotes a genuine, internal turning away from pride, self-reliance, and rebellion, acknowledging God's righteousness and their own sinfulness. It is a heart posture of submission, contrition, and dependence on God. This internal change was demonstrated by their actions, as described in [2 Chronicles 12:6](/2_chronicles/12-6 "2 Chronicles 12:6 - Rehoboam and the Princes Humble Themselves"): "Then the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, 'The LORD is righteous.'" Their verbal confession of God's righteousness in His judgment, rather than blaming Him or others, indicated a profound shift in their perspective. It showed they recognized that their suffering was a just consequence of their unfaithfulness, leading to a willingness to submit to God's will and seek His mercy. This genuine humility is what God "saw" and to which He responded with partial deliverance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The partial deliverance granted to Rehoboam and Judah in 2 Chronicles 12:7, stemming from their humility and God's mercy, finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The people's humbling themselves to avert total destruction foreshadows the perfect humility of Christ, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility")). Whereas Judah's humility merely mitigated God's wrath, Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death fully absorbed and satisfied God's righteous wrath against sin, ensuring complete deliverance for all who believe. On the cross, the "wrath" that was merely "not poured out" upon Jerusalem in part was fully poured out upon the Lamb of God, who "bore our sins in his body on the tree" ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). Through His atoning work, Jesus provides not just "some deliverance" but a full and eternal rescue from the power and penalty of sin, liberating us from the domain of darkness and transferring us into the kingdom of His beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, the temporary and conditional mercy shown to Judah points forward to the permanent, unconditional, and perfect salvation offered through Christ, the ultimate act of divine grace and deliverance.

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 34:25

Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched.

Isaiah 42:25

Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid [it] not to heart.

1 Kings 21:28

And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

1 Kings 21:29

Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: [but] in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.

2 Kings 13:4

And Jehoahaz besought the LORD, and the LORD hearkened unto him: for he saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them.

2 Kings 13:7

Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.

Luke 15:18

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,