2 Chronicles 12:2 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God allows the Egyptian pharaoh Shishak to invade Judah in judgment for the nation's transgression.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 12:2
In Rehoboam's fifth year, Shishak of Egypt invades Judah because of national transgression.
What Does 2 Chronicles 12:2 Mean?
Five years into Rehoboam's reign, Egypt's military power moved against Judah—a real-world invasion in response to real covenant-breaking. The timing is significant: the nation had time to repent but did not. God used external powers as an instrument of discipline, allowing natural consequences to teach the lesson of covenant faithfulness.
The text attributes the invasion directly to Judah's transgression against the LORD. This is not coincidence or mere political conflict, but a cause-and-effect relationship: breaking the covenant invites judgment. Even pagan rulers become agents of God's purposes when His people abandon their obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 12:2
What does 2 Chronicles 12:2 mean?
God allows the Egyptian pharaoh Shishak to invade Judah in judgment for the nation's transgression.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 12:2?
In Rehoboam's fifth year, Shishak of Egypt invades Judah because of national transgression.