2 Chronicles 11:2

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

But the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came to Shemaiah {H8098} the man {H376} of God {H430}, saying {H559},

But this word of ADONAI came to Sh'ma'yah the man of God:

But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God:

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

Commentary

2 Chronicles 11:2 (KJV) introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative of King Rehoboam, Solomon's son, immediately following the dramatic division of the Israelite kingdom.

Context

After the ten northern tribes rebelled against Rehoboam's harsh policies and crowned Jeroboam as their king, Rehoboam gathered a massive army from Judah and Benjamin, intent on waging war to reclaim his dominion over Israel. His immediate reaction was to use military force to restore the unified kingdom. This verse, however, marks a divine interruption to his plans. God, who had orchestrated the kingdom's division as a consequence of Solomon's idolatry and Rehoboam's folly (as seen in 2 Chronicles 10:15), now sends a direct message to prevent a civil war that would further devastate His people. This passage has a parallel account in 1 Kings 12:22.

Key Themes

  • Divine Intervention: The verse highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, even political and military conflicts. He does not remain distant but directly communicates His will to alter the course of events.
  • Prophetic Authority: The "word of the LORD" is delivered through Shemaiah, identified as "the man of God." This title signifies a divinely appointed messenger whose words carry absolute divine authority, not merely human advice. The message is not open for debate but demands immediate obedience.
  • God's Sovereignty: Even in a period of national upheaval and division, God's ultimate control and purpose are evident. He prevents Rehoboam from fighting against His preordained plan for the two kingdoms, demonstrating that His will prevails over human ambition.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: devar YHWH) emphasizes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. It is not Shemaiah's personal opinion but a direct revelation from God Himself. The title "Shemaiah the man of God" (Hebrew: Shemaiah ish ha'Elohim) is a significant designation for a prophet, underscoring his special relationship with God and his role as a channel for divine communication. This title is used for various prophets throughout the Old Testament, signifying someone set apart and empowered by God to deliver His messages, much like the man of God from Judah in 1 Kings 13:1.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 11:2 serves as a powerful reminder that God speaks into our lives, even when our plans seem set or when we are driven by pride or anger. Like Rehoboam, we may have intentions that go against God's ultimate will. This verse encourages us to:

  • Listen for God's Voice: Are we open to divine guidance, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or desires? God communicates through His Word (Psalm 119:105), prayer, and sometimes through wise counsel.
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: Even when circumstances are difficult or seem to go against our wishes, recognizing God's hand in control can bring peace and prevent rash actions.
  • Prioritize Obedience: The immediate response of Rehoboam and the people (as seen in the following verses) to obey God's word, even when it meant abandoning a military campaign, is a model for prioritizing divine commands over personal ambition. As 1 Samuel 15:22 declares, "to obey is better than sacrifice."
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 12:15 (5 votes)

    Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, [are] they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And [there were] wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.

  • 2 Chronicles 8:14 (2 votes)

    And he appointed, according to the order of David his father, the courses of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their charges, to praise and minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required: the porters also by their courses at every gate: for so had David the man of God commanded.

  • Deuteronomy 33:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And this [is] the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

  • 1 Timothy 6:11 (2 votes)

    But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

  • 1 Kings 12:22 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 12:24 (2 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 2:27 (2 votes)

    ¶ And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?