2 Chronicles 10-12 | God's Sovereignty and Commandments

In 2 Chronicles 10, after the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam becomes the ruler of Israel. However, the people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, request Rehoboam to lighten their burdens that were imposed during Solomon's reign. Seeking counsel from elders and his peers, Rehoboam foolishly ignores the wise advice of the elders and decides to increase the people's burdens instead, resulting in the division of Israel into two kingdoms: the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam's rule and the southern kingdom of Judah under Rehoboam's reign.

In 2 Chronicles 11, Rehoboam gathers an army of 180,000 men from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to wage war against the northern kingdom of Israel. However, through a prophetic message from God, Rehoboam is instructed to abandon his military plans and return home. He obeys God's command, and the people of Judah follow his lead, avoiding a devastating civil war. Rehoboam strengthens the cities of Judah and fortifies their defenses, establishing his reign firmly in the southern kingdom.

In 2 Chronicles 12, Rehoboam and the people of Judah forsake the law of the Lord, causing them to be invaded by King Shishak of Egypt. Due to their disobedience, God allows the invasion as a consequence of their actions. Shishak conquers the fortified cities of Judah and enters Jerusalem, seizing the treasures of the temple and the palace. In response, the prophet Shemaiah delivers a message from God, highlighting the people's transgressions and explaining that their punishment will be lessened due to their repentance. As a result, Shishak spares Jerusalem but takes away the treasures of the temple, leaving Rehoboam and the kingdom humbled.