2 Chronicles 12:4 Explained in Context

Verse 1. ¹ And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him.

Verse 2. ² 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,

Verse 3. ³ With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.

Verse 4. ⁴ And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.

Verse 5. 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.

Verse 6. ⁶ Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The LORD is righteous.

Verse 7. ⁷ And when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.

Verse 8. ⁸ Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.