Old Testament
2 Chronicles 12:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
King Rehoboam reestablished himself in Jerusalem and continued to reign. He was 41 years old when he became king, and he ruled for 17 years in Jerusalem — the city the LORD had chosen from all the tribes of Israel as the place to put his name. His mother was Naamah, an Ammonitess.
Compare translations
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.
What 2 Chronicles 12:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
King Rehoboam took charge in Jerusalem, marking the beginning of his reign at the age of 41. He ruled for 17 years in the city that God had chosen as a special place for His name. This city, Jerusalem, held great significance for the people of Israel. Rehoboam's mother, Naamah, was from Ammon, which highlights the diverse backgrounds in Israel's leadership. His reign was a time of establishing authority and governance. However, the context of his rule also sets the stage for the challenges he would face. Understanding his background and the city he ruled helps us appreciate the complexities of leadership and the importance of making wise choices. Rehoboam's story reminds us that our decisions can have lasting impacts on our communities and legacies. His reign serves as a lesson in the balance of strength and wisdom in leadership, especially in a place chosen for divine significance. Reflecting on his life encourages us to consider how we lead in our own lives and communities.
How to apply 2 Chronicles 12:13 to your life
Consider how your background influences your leadership style. Reflect on the importance of making wise decisions that impact your community. Like Rehoboam, we all have the opportunity to lead, and our choices can shape the future for those around us. Embrace the responsibility of your influence in everyday life. Lead with intention and care for others' well-being.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Chronicles Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about 2 Chronicles 12:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying 2 Chronicles 12:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of 2 Chronicles
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Chronicles 12:13 mean?
2 Chronicles 12:13 describes King Rehoboam's establishment of his reign in Jerusalem at the age of 41, where he ruled for 17 years. It highlights the significance of Jerusalem as the city chosen by God and notes his mother's background, emphasizing the diverse influences in leadership.
What is the significance of Jerusalem in 2 Chronicles 12:13?
In 2 Chronicles 12:13, Jerusalem is significant because it is described as the city chosen by the LORD to put His name. This underscores its importance as a spiritual and political center for the Israelites during Rehoboam's reign.
How long did Rehoboam reign according to 2 Chronicles 12:13?
According to 2 Chronicles 12:13, Rehoboam reigned for 17 years in Jerusalem. His reign began when he was 41 years old.
What lessons can we learn from 2 Chronicles 12:13?
2 Chronicles 12:13 teaches about the importance of leadership and the impact of decisions on a community. It encourages reflection on how one's background and choices can shape their legacy and influence others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.