Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 12

Verse 3

2 Chronicles 12:3. The Lubims, the Sukkiims— The Lubims were a people of Lybia, which adjoined to Egypt, and are sometimes in Scripture called Phut, and sometimes Lubims, from the Arabic word Lub, which signifies dry or thirsty, as was the land which they inhabited. The Sukkiims were the people called Troglodites, because they dwelt in Troglais, caves and dens in the earth, on the coast of the Red Sea. The people called Cush, which we translate Ethiopians, were either inhabitants of a country on the south of Egypt, or the Scenitae of Arabia; for the name was common to both.

Verse 13

2 Chronicles 12:13. Rehoboam was one-and-forty years old when he began to reign— Was sixteen years old. Houbigant. As also in the parallel place of Kings.

Verse 15

2 Chronicles 12:15. Concerning genealogies? And there were wars, &c.— In which the wars of Rehoboam and Jeroboam are related. Houbigant.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, Short was the gleam of sunshine which brightened the first years of Rehoboam's government.

1. He forsook the law of God, and Judah followed his example. Their sin is recorded, 1 Kings 14:22-24. Now that the kingdom was strengthened, they not only cast off the fear of man, but of God. Note; Prosperity is a common cause of the ruin of men's souls.

2. God left them not unpunished. Shishak king of Egypt, in the fifth year of Rehoboam, invaded the land, and easily took the fenced cities, in which Rehoboam had reposed his confidence. Note; Human supports will prove but refuges of lies, when God's favour is withdrawn.

3. In this distress, God sends a prophet to the king and princes, assembled probably in council, to enforce the providence for their conviction and humiliation. Note; (1.) The word of God comes with peculiar force, when joined with awakening providences. (2.) It is vain to consult about our defence, if we continue unhumbled for our sins.

4. The prophet's word was attended with deep effects. Conviction seized their hearts, and they confessed the judgment of God just. Note; A sinner is never truly humble, till he justifies God in his sufferings.

5. God, on their humiliation, sends his prophet again to comfort them. Though corrected, they should not be consumed. God would prevent the threatened ruin of Jerusalem; but they should for a time smart for their wickedness, and prove, under an Egyptian yoke, how bad a choice they had made, when they rejected God for their master. Note; (1.) God waits to be gracious: the moment we return in penitence, as prodigal sons, his bowels, as a father, yearn over us. (2.) God makes us often smart in the flesh, even when the guilt of our sin is done away. (3.) They who count God a hard master, and the perfect freedom of his service burdensome, will find the slavery to their lusts, and the wages of sin, a miserable exchange.

6. Shishak, restrained of God, after plundering the country, and carrying off the shields of gold, and all the treasures of Rehoboam which David and Solomon had amassed, retired into Egypt; and the king, stripped of his grandeur, was forced to substitute shields of brass in their stead. Note; The greatest conquerors are restrained by an invisible arm, who gives them their commission, which they cannot exceed.

7. On Shishak's return, and Rehoboam's repentance, God had mercy on Judah; the ravaged country recovered; and religion, which was decayed, again revived and flourished. Things went well in Judah; or, in Judah there were good things. Note; (1.) In the worst days, God has had a faithful few. (2.) The judgments which teach us righteousness, are mercies in disguise.

2nd, On Shishak's retiring, Rehoboam recovered strength, and fortified Jerusalem against any future attacks. His wars with Jeroboam were continued to the end of his reign; for, though no pitched battle was fought, there were constant acts of hostility on the borders. His humiliation seems to have been of no long continuance. His heart was not right with God; he did not apply to him for advice, or pray for his assistance. His reign continued seventeen years, and then his son, too like himself, succeeded him. Note; If our hearts be not engaged truly in the service of God, all is nought.