Matthew Poole
2 Chronicles 12

Introduction

Rehoboam, forsaking the Lord, is punished by Shishak, 2 Chronicles 12:1-4. Shemaiah reproveth him: he with the princes repenteth; is preserved in his kingdom; but is spoiled of the treasures of the temple, and of his royal palace, 2 Chronicles 12:5-12. His reign and death, and Abijah his son is made king, 2 Chronicles 12:13-16.

Verse 1, 2

In the fifth year; presently after the apostacy of the king and people, which was in his fourth year, by comparing this with 2 Chronicles 11:17.

Verse 3

The Lubims; a people of Africa bordering upon Egypt; of whom see the notes on 2 Chronicles 16:8 and the notes on Daniel 11:43 and the notes on Nahum 3:9. The Sukkiims; a people living in tents, as the word signifies; and such there were not far from Egypt, both in Africa and in Arabia. The Ethiopians; either those beyond Egypt, or the Arabians.

Verse 4-7

They humbled themselves; which though they did but forcedly, yet God was pleased so far to regard it, as to mitigate their calamity. My wrath shall not be poured out; I will give some stop to the course of my wrath, which was ready to be poured forth upon them to their utter destruction.

Verse 8

That they may experimentally know and feel the difference between my yoke and the yoke of a foreign and idolatrous prince, and what mischief they have done to themselves by forsaking me and my service.

Verse 9

Upon which condition, and Rehoboam's submission to him, he delivered up to him the fenced cities of Judah, which he had taken, 2 Chronicles 12:4. But of this and the two next verses, see the notes on 1 Kings 14:26, &c.

Verse 10-12

Heb. There were good things. The meaning is either,

1. Though there were many corruptions in Judah, yet there were also divers good things there, which were not in Israel, as the word and ordinances, and pure worship of God, prophets and ministers of God's institution, and divers truly religious people. And so this is an additional reason why God would not destroy them. Or,
2. Notwithstanding this loss, they began to recruit themselves, and to regain some degree of their former prosperity; whence it follows, 2 Chronicles 12:13, So, there being some respite given, and peace being restored, Rehoboam strengthened himself, &c.

Verse 13, 14

Prepared not, or directed not, or settled not, &c., i.e. although he humbled himself, and seemed penitent for a season, and professed the true religion and worship of God; yet he quickly relapsed into his former sins, because he was not sincere nor serious in his actions, and his heart was not right with God.

Verse 15

Concerning genealogies; in an historical account written by him of the genealogies and actions of the kings of Judah.

Verse 16