Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 12:1. It’s a really important warning about a serious mistake made by King Rehoboam. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, the verse is saying that King Rehoboam, after becoming king, started to disobey God's laws and follow his own desires instead. Let’s unpack that a little further: “When Rehoboam had established the kingdom…” - This refers to the time when Rehoboam became king. He was in charge of everything – the government, the army, the people. “…and had strengthened himself…” – This means he became powerful and independent, perhaps even arrogant. He wasn’t following God's guidance as best as he should have been. "...he forsook the law of the LORD..." - This is the core of the verse. Rehoboam decided to prioritize his own wants and comfort over what God had commanded him. He stopped obeying God’s rules, which were important for a righteous kingdom. "...and all Israel with him." – This means he started to lead Israel (the people God gave to him) in a way that wasn't right. He was disobeying God's commands and making choices that weren’t aligned with the will of God for his country. What does this mean practically? It suggests a shift away from a godly, faithful kingdom. It means a kingdom built on pride and self-interest, rather than on a relationship with God. It’s a warning against prioritizing personal desires over obedience to divine guidance. Why is this important? This story is often seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of staying true to God's will. It highlights that true leadership comes from following God’s instructions, not from seeking his favor or power for oneself. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this story in more detail?

Definition: Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed [them] to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king’s house.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 12:10. It's a bit mysterious, but it speaks about a serious mistake made by King Rehoboam. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: King Rehoboam was a wise ruler who made a bad decision. He decided to replace his guards with brass shields . These shields were meant to protect the entrance of his palace – his home and kingdom. What Went Wrong: Instead of having strong, reliable guards, he left these brass shields in the hands of only one person : the chief of the guard. This was a really bad idea because: They were easily vulnerable: Brass is brittle and can be damaged by things like weather or even rough handling. They weren’t very effective: The chief of the guard wasn't particularly skilled, so they didn't protect the palace well. The Significance: This act shows that Rehoboam was making a mistake in his leadership and decision-making. It highlights a problem with trusting people to handle important responsibilities – it’s a sign of weakness. In short, this verse is about a foolish choice that led to trouble. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about the time period or King Rehoboam?

Definition: And when the king entered into the house of the LORD, the guard came and fetched them, and brought them again into the guard chamber.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 12:11. It’s a really interesting piece about how God protects His people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that when King Hezekiah (a king of Judah) entered the Holy Temple – which was a very important place for worship – the guards came to bring him back into a safe and secure space. Let’s unpack it a little further: “When the king entered into the house of the LORD” : This refers to the inner sanctum of the Jerusalem Temple. It's a sacred space, a place of prayer and worship where God lived and acted. “The guard came and fetched them” : This means the guards were sent to escort King Hezekiah back into his own protective area within the temple. “And brought them again into the guard chamber” : This is the key part! The guards returned him to a designated room – a ‘guard chamber’ – where he could be safe and monitored. What's the big takeaway? This verse shows that God actively protects His people, especially those in positions of authority like kings. It emphasizes that God doesn’t just allow things to happen; He takes steps to keep them safe and secure. In a nutshell, it's a story about divine protection and security. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage?

Definition: And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy [him] altogether: and also in Judah things went well.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 12:12. It’s a really important passage about God’s judgment and ultimately, a glimmer of hope. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a period in Israel’s history where they were facing serious trouble – a time of great hardship and potential disaster. It says that when King Hezekiah (a very important king) humble himself – meaning he showed repentance, acknowledged his mistakes, and sought forgiveness – God turned away from sending him to destroy them all. Let's unpack it: “And when he humbled himself…” This is the key part. It means Hezekiah was willing to admit that he was wrong, that he had done something terrible, and that he needed to change. It wasn’t about being angry or upset; it was about recognizing a problem and wanting to fix it. “…the wrath of the LORD turned from him…” “Wrath” means anger or fury. The Lord (God) was furious at Hezekiah because of his actions. This is a dramatic statement – it means God wasn’t just angry; he was actively rejecting His plan for Israel. “…that he would not destroy [him] altogether: and also in Judah things went well.” This part is a little more nuanced. It says that because Hezekiah humbled himself, God didn't send him to completely obliterate the entire nation of Judah (a large area). Instead, things did go well – there was peace, prosperity, and stability. What does it mean? This verse is a story about a turning point in history. It’s not just about Hezekiah's actions being "good" or "bad." It highlights the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness from God. It suggests that even when we make mistakes, and even if we are causing trouble, God can still work for good – sometimes through a process of correction. In essence, it’s a story about God's mercy and His willingness to forgive, even when people fall short. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and rebellion against God. It’s a reminder that we all need to be humble and willing to turn away from our mistakes. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance in more detail? Give an example of how this story might be interpreted today?

Definition: So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam [was] one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 12:13 together. It's a bit complex, but we can understand the core story. Here’s what it means in simple terms: “So King Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was one forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother’s name was Naamah, an Ammonitess.” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “So King Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem…” – This tells us that King Rehoboam was ruling and holding power in Jerusalem. He was feeling confident and strong. “…and reigned: for Rehoboam was one forty years old when he began to reign…” - Rehoboam became king at age 40. This is a significant point – it’s a long time to be king! “…and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel…” – This is the really important part. The Lord (God) chose Jerusalem specifically for him to rule. He was given this city as a special place. “And his mother’s name was Naamah, an Ammonitess.” - This tells us about Rehoboam's mother. She was an Ammonite woman – a people who lived near the sea and were known for being somewhat difficult to deal with. She gave birth to him. In essence, this verse describes a period of strong, long rule by King Rehoboam in Jerusalem. It highlights his success, but it also introduces a bit of an interesting backstory about his mother – she was not just any ordinary woman! What’s the bigger picture? This story is part of a larger narrative about God's plan for Israel. The verse sets up a situation where Rehoboam becomes king and starts to make decisions that are not in line with what God wants for his people. It's a hint that there might be conflict to come, as the Lord’s will is being tested. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Discuss the significance of the story in a broader context (like the history of Israel)?

Definition: And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 12:14. It's a really important and sobering message about our relationship with God. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that someone did something wrong because they didn’t prepare their heart to listen to and trust God. It highlights a crucial difference between being ready to receive God’s guidance and being unprepared to do so. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “He did evil…” – This is a strong word, suggesting wrongdoing or transgression. It doesn’t mean they were perfect, but they made a mistake that caused harm. “…because he prepared not his heart…” – This is the key part. "Heart" in this context refers to our mind and spirit . It means they weren't willing to listen to God's voice, to think about what He wants for them, or to trust His plan. It’s like being closed off to receiving guidance. "...to seek the LORD." – This is the act of asking for God's help and wisdom. It’s about wanting to align with His will and understand His purpose in our lives. What does this mean practically? It means we can all make mistakes, face challenges, and even experience moments where we don’t fully listen to God’s leading. It’s a reminder that we need to cultivate a receptive heart – a willingness to open ourselves up to His guidance. Why is this important in the Bible? This verse is often seen as a warning about the dangers of resisting God's will. It speaks to: Falling short of our purpose: It suggests that if we don’t prepare our heart, we may miss out on blessings and opportunities that are meant for us. Disobedience: It highlights the importance of obedience – following God’s instructions – as a way to avoid trouble and live a righteous life. In short, this verse is a call to spiritual discipline: to be open to God's guidance and prepare our hearts so that we can receive His blessings. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 2 Chronicles 12? Give an example of how this verse might apply to your life?

Definition: Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, [are] they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And [there were] wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse. It’s a bit complex, but here's my explanation in plain language: “2 Chronicles 12:15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, [are] they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And [there were] wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.” Basically, this verse is saying that there was a long series of conflicts between two kings called Rehoboam and Jeroboam. Let’s unpack it further: “The acts of Rehoboam…” : This refers to the reign of King Rehoboam. “…first and last” : This is important – it means this conflict happened over a period of time, with multiple phases. “[are] they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet?” : This suggests that some details about this conflict were recorded in a specific prophetic text called “Shemaiah.” Think of it as an ancient record or story. “And of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies?” : This refers to a scroll (or record) kept by a person named Iddo. This scroll likely documented the details of these wars, including who was fighting whom and when. “And [there were] wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.” : This is the core of the verse – there were ongoing battles between these two kings. It wasn’t a single event, but a long-running struggle for power. What does this tell us? This verse hints at a period of significant political instability in Israel. It suggests that the conflict wasn't just a one-off battle; it was a pattern of repeated struggles between these two kings. It paints a picture of a kingdom divided and potentially facing challenges. --- Important Note: This is a relatively complex passage, and different interpretations exist among biblical scholars. But this explanation aims to provide a clear understanding of the core meaning within the context of the Bible. Do you want me to explain anything in more detail or perhaps delve into a specific aspect of this verse? For example: Why might this be considered significant? What does it tell us about the relationship between these two kings?

Definition: And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David: and Abijah his son reigned in his stead.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 12:16. It’s a really important passage about history and God’s plan! Here’s what it means, explained simply: Basically, this verse tells us that after the reign of Rehoboam, the king of Israel, the kingdom fell into a long period of chaos and instability. Then, after a few years, God chose David to be King. Let's unpack it further: “2 Chronicles 12:16” – This is a specific passage in the Bible. It’s a part of the story of the fall of Israel. “And Rehoboam slept with his fathers…” - This refers to King Rehoboam, who was a young and rebellious king. He made a bad decision that led to the kingdom splitting apart. Think of it like a really bad choice that caused problems. “…and was buried in the city of David:” – This is the crucial part! Rehoboam's father, David, was a very wise and skilled leader who had built a great city (Jerusalem). Rehobam was buried in Jerusalem. It means he was laid to rest in that city, signifying his death. “And Abijah his son reigned in his stead:” – Abijah was David’s son. He became the new king after Rehoboam's passing. This verse says that David’s son, Abijah, took over the throne and ruled alongside him. So, the whole story is about God choosing David to lead Israel, and then establishing a long period of peace and stability under his rule. What does it tell us about God's plan? It shows that God has a plan for things to happen, even when people make bad choices. He chooses someone who will ultimately be good and righteous, and he uses that person to bring about a better future. It’s a reminder that even after mistakes, there is always hope for a new beginning and a good outcome. In short: God chose David to be king, and then established a period of peace and stability under his rule, which eventually led to the establishment of Jerusalem as a holy city. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you some context about the time period?