God’s judgment and mercy are exemplified in this verse.
“Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the princes of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and he said to them, ‘Thus says the LORD, “You have forsaken Me, so I also have forsaken you to Shishak.”’” (v.5) This verse begins with a direct confrontation from Shemaiah, a prophet sent by the LORD to deliver a sober message. Shemaiah addresses King Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, who are in Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the spiritual and political center of the southern kingdom of Judah in ancient Israel, located about 33 miles east of the Mediterranean Sea. The mention of Shishak ties this passage to the threat posed by Pharaoh Shishak of Egypt, thought to be Sheshonq I (reigning around 945-924 BC). Shemaiah’s declaration highlights the reality that Judah’s departure from the LORD has left them vulnerable to foreign invasion.
In proclaiming, “You have forsaken Me, so I also have forsaken you to Shishak,” (v.5) Shemaiah underscores a key covenant principle throughout Scripture: turning away from God removes His protective presence. Rehoboam, who reigned from approximately 931-913 BC, was the son of King Solomon and grandson of King David. By the time of this message, Rehoboam and the nation of Judah had drifted from their wholehearted devotion to the LORD. The result was Shishak’s devastating invasion, demonstrating the real-world consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness.
This warning also foreshadows times when God’s people would be called to return to Him in humility and repentance. Later, Israel and Judah would see warnings of similar captivity from other prophets (Jeremiah 25:8-11). Christians can draw parallels here for a modern walk of faith, remembering that Jesus Himself spoke of abiding in Him to abide in life and fruitfulness (John 15:4). Forsaking God leads to separation from His blessings, while repentance restores right relationship.
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2 Chronicles 12:5 meaning
“Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the princes of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and he said to them, ‘Thus says the LORD, “You have forsaken Me, so I also have forsaken you to Shishak.”’” (v.5) This verse begins with a direct confrontation from Shemaiah, a prophet sent by the LORD to deliver a sober message. Shemaiah addresses King Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, who are in Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the spiritual and political center of the southern kingdom of Judah in ancient Israel, located about 33 miles east of the Mediterranean Sea. The mention of Shishak ties this passage to the threat posed by Pharaoh Shishak of Egypt, thought to be Sheshonq I (reigning around 945-924 BC). Shemaiah’s declaration highlights the reality that Judah’s departure from the LORD has left them vulnerable to foreign invasion.
In proclaiming, “You have forsaken Me, so I also have forsaken you to Shishak,” (v.5) Shemaiah underscores a key covenant principle throughout Scripture: turning away from God removes His protective presence. Rehoboam, who reigned from approximately 931-913 BC, was the son of King Solomon and grandson of King David. By the time of this message, Rehoboam and the nation of Judah had drifted from their wholehearted devotion to the LORD. The result was Shishak’s devastating invasion, demonstrating the real-world consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness.
This warning also foreshadows times when God’s people would be called to return to Him in humility and repentance. Later, Israel and Judah would see warnings of similar captivity from other prophets (Jeremiah 25:8-11). Christians can draw parallels here for a modern walk of faith, remembering that Jesus Himself spoke of abiding in Him to abide in life and fruitfulness (John 15:4). Forsaking God leads to separation from His blessings, while repentance restores right relationship.