2 Chronicles 12: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Chronicles 12 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In 2 Chronicles chapter 12, the narrative details the reign of King Rehoboam and the significant events that transpired during his rule. After establishing his kingdom and fortifying the cities, Rehoboam neglected to seek the Lord, leading to a spiritual decline among the people of Judah. As a result of their unfaithfulness, God allowed Pharaoh Shishak of Egypt to invade Jerusalem, thus fulfilling the warning given through the prophet Shemaiah. The Egyptians pillaged the treasures of the temple and the royal palace, a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Key verse

“When Yahweh saw that they humbled themselves, Yahweh’s word came to Shemaiah, saying, “They have humbled themselves. I will not destroy them; but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath won’t be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.”
2 Chronicles 12:7 (WEB)

Outline

2 Chronicles 12:1–4 Rehoboam's Apostasy and Invasion
2 Chronicles 12:5–8 Prophetic Warning and Humbling
2 Chronicles 12:9–12 The Consequences of Invasion
2 Chronicles 12:13–14 Rehoboam's Rule Post-Invasion
2 Chronicles 12:15–16 Conclusion of Rehoboam's Reign

Discussion questions

In v2, who comes against Jerusalem because of the people's trespass against Yahweh?
What does Rehoboam do in vv. 9-10 after losing treasures to Shishak?
Shemaiah's message in v5: what does it imply about the relationship between Israel's actions and divine judgment?
In v14, why does the text say Rehoboam 'did that which was evil'?
When have you experienced a situation where humility was necessary, as in v6?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Chronicles 12: 1 Kings 14, 1 Peter 5, 2 Chronicles 11.

Before next time: read 2 Chronicles 13.