2 Chronicles 12:5
Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.
2 Chronicles 12:5 · King James Version
Meaning
When Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the princes of Judah, he delivered a stern message from the Lord. He accused them of forsaking the Lord, which had led to God abandoning them to the hands of Shishak, the king of Egypt. This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God. It highlights the importance of staying faithful and obedient to God's commands, as failing to do so can lead to being vulnerable to attack and hardship. Shemaiah's message serves as a reminder that God's protection and favor are contingent upon our loyalty and devotion to Him. It is a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences, and that we must always strive to remain connected to God and His will in order to receive His blessings and protection.
Theological Overview
In the theological interpretation of this verse, it is important to note the significance of the prophet Shemaiah's words to Rehoboam and the princes of Judah. Shemaiah delivers a message from the LORD, accusing the people of forsaking God, which has resulted in Him allowing them to fall into the hands of Shishak. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of remaining faithful. It highlights the idea that disobedience to God leads to unfavorable outcomes, as seen in the case of the people of Judah facing the invasion of Shishak. This verse emphasizes the importance of loyalty to God and the danger of straying from His path. It serves as a warning to all believers to remain steadfast in their faith and obedience to God to avoid facing the negative consequences of turning away from Him.
2 Chronicles 12:5 in other translations
American Standard Version
Now Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith Jehovah, Ye have forsaken me, therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.
World English Bible
Now Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, who were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, “Thus says Yahweh, ‘You have forsaken me, therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.’”
Douay-Rheims
And Semeias the prophet came to Roboam, and to the princes of Juda, that were gathered together in Jerusalem, fleeing from Sesac, and he said to them: Thus saith the Lord: You have left me, and I have left you in the hand of Sesac.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then came Shemaiah the Prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Iudah, that were gathered together in Hierusalem, because of Shishak, and sayde vnto them, Thus sayth the Lord, Ye haue forsaken me, therefore haue I also left you in the handes of Shishak.