2 Chronicles 12:5
Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)
فَجَاءَ شَمْعِيَا النَّبِيُّ إِلَى رَحُبْعَامَ وَرُؤَسَاءِ يَهُوذَا الَّذِينَ تَجَمَّعُوا فِي أُورُشَلِيمَ هَرَباً مِنْ وَجْهِ شِيشَقَ وَخَاطَبَهُمْ: «هَذَا مَا يَقُولُهُ الرَّبُّ: أَنْتُمْ تَخَلَّيْتُمْ عَنِّي، وَأَنَا أَيْضاً أَتَخَلَّى عَنْكُمْ وَأُسَلِّمُكُمْ لِيَدِ شِيشَقَ».
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Shemaiah, a prophet of God, tells King Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah that they have been left to face Shishak's invasion because they abandoned God. God is warning them that He will not protect them unless they return to Him.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a best friend who always helps you. But one day, you stop talking to your friend. Then, when you're in trouble, your friend tells you, 'Since you stopped being my friend, I won't help you.' That's like what God is telling King Rehoboam and the leaders in this story.
Historical Background
The Book of 2 Chronicles was written after the Babylonian exile, around the 4th century BCE, by unknown authors. This passage is set during the reign of King Rehoboam, son of Solomon, and it describes a crisis when the Egyptian king Shishak invades Judah. The text was meant to be read by the Jewish community to remind them of their covenant with God.
Living It Out Today
Imagine you have a big project at school but you've been procrastinating and not asking for help. Suddenly, you're in a tough spot and realize you need to take responsibility and seek help to get back on track. This verse reminds us to stay close to God and not abandon our faith when things get tough.
Topics
Divine retributionFaithfulnessConsequences of sinProphetic warningDivine abandonmentCovenant relationship
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shemaiah and what was his role?
Shemaiah was a prophet who served during the time of King Rehoboam. His role was to deliver messages from God to the king and his people, often warning them of the consequences of their actions.
What does it mean to be 'left in the hand of Shishak'?
Being 'left in the hand of Shishak' means that God is allowing the people of Judah to face the threat of Shishak's invasion without divine protection, as a consequence of their abandonment of God.
How can this verse help us in our daily lives?
This verse reminds us to stay faithful to God and to seek His guidance and protection. It teaches us that our relationship with God directly impacts the outcomes we face in life.
What were the consequences of abandoning God according to this verse?
The consequence of abandoning God, as stated in this verse, is being left unprotected and facing the consequences of their actions, such as being vulnerable to an enemy's invasion.