Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 12

Verse 1

he forsook. It is taken for granted that we know the details of 1 Kings 14:22-24 .

all. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of Whole), put for the part (viz. the ten tribes).

Verse 2

fifth year. If the 390 years of Ezekiel 4:5 date back from the 5th year of Jehoiakin's captivity, they end 874, the close of Shishak's invasion.

Shisliak. There is an inscription by Shishak on the outside of the south wall of the temple of Ammon at Karnac, in which he names the "king of Judah", and gives a list of 120 fortified cities he took.

against Jerusalem. See App-53 .

transgressed. Hebrew. ma'al.

Verse 6

princes of Israel. See note on 1 Kings 12:17 .

Israel. A special various reading called Sevir ( App-34 ) reads "Judah", as well as in 1Ch 22:17 ; 1 Chronicles 23:2 . Otherwise "Israel" is put for "Judah".

Verse 7

some = for a little while. See note on Proverbs 5:14 .

Verse 8

My service. In contrast with the service of their enemies. The difference between God's service and men's servitude. A few codices, and six early printed editions, read "his service".

Verse 9

against Jerusalem. See note on Judges 1:8 , and App-53 .

had made. Compare 2 Chronicles 10:17 .

Verse 10

chief = princes.

guard = runners.

Verse 12

things went well. Hebrew "there were good words [spoken]": i.e. there were congratulations.

Verse 13

had chosen. Compare 2 Chronicles 6:6 and 1 Kings 12:25-33 .

an = the.

Verse 14

he did evil. Compare 1 Kings 14:22-24 .

prepared, or fixed. Compare Psalms 57:7 ; Psalms 108:1 , and Psalms 112:7 .

Verse 15

are they not . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis.

book = words.

Iddo. Compare 2 Chronicles 9:29 ; 2 Chronicles 13:22 .

seer. Hebrew. hozeh. See note on 1 Chronicles 29:29 .

wars. Compare 1 Kings 14:30 .

Verse 16

slept with his fathers. See note on Deuteronomy 31:16 .

Abijah. Called Abijam (1 Kings 14:31 ). See note on 1 Chronicles 25:11 .