2 Chronicles 11:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God forbids the war and the people obey, dispersing peacefully.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 11:4
God explicitly prohibits warfare and the people obey without resistance.
What Does 2 Chronicles 11:4 Mean?
God's command is absolute and clear: no warfare. Rehoboam is told not to march against 'your brethren'—acknowledging the Israelites as kinsmen despite the split—and to send every man home. Remarkably, the army obeys immediately, trusting God's word delivered through Shemaiah over their king's military ambitions.
The phrase 'for this thing is done of me' identifies the kingdom's division as God's own work, suggesting it reflects His purpose rather than mere political failure. The people's swift obedience demonstrates their reverence for God's word and willingness to trust divine direction over military advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 11:4
What does 2 Chronicles 11:4 mean?
God forbids the war and the people obey, dispersing peacefully.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 11:4?
God explicitly prohibits warfare and the people obey without resistance.