Old Testament
2 Chronicles 12:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Because they had transgressed against the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem in the 5th year of Rehoboam's reign.
Compare translations
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,
What 2 Chronicles 12:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In the fifth year of King Rehoboam's rule, a significant event unfolded. Shishak, the king of Egypt, launched an attack on Jerusalem. This invasion was not random; it was a direct consequence of the people turning away from their commitment to God. Their actions had led them to stray from the path of righteousness, which ultimately invited trouble. The attack serves as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's values and beliefs. When we stray from what we know is right, we may face challenges that could have been avoided. This moment in history illustrates how choices can lead to dire consequences, affecting not just individuals but entire communities. It emphasizes the need for vigilance in our actions and decisions, as they can have far-reaching effects on our lives and those around us. Reflecting on this, we can learn to prioritize our commitments and seek guidance in our daily lives to avoid similar pitfalls in our own journeys of faith and integrity.
How to apply 2 Chronicles 12:2 to your life
This passage encourages us to reflect on our own choices and their potential consequences. Just as the people of Jerusalem faced challenges due to their actions, we too must consider how our decisions align with our values. Staying committed to what is right can help us avoid unnecessary difficulties in life. Let this be a reminder to seek guidance and remain steadfast in our beliefs, ensuring we make choices that reflect our true values.
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 12:2
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 12:2
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 12:2 mean?
2 Chronicles 12:2 describes how King Shishak of Egypt attacked Jerusalem during the fifth year of King Rehoboam's reign. This attack was a direct result of the people of Jerusalem turning away from their commitment to God, highlighting the consequences of their actions.
What is the significance of Shishak's attack in 2 Chronicles 12:2?
Shishak's attack signifies the repercussions of disobedience to God. It serves as a historical example of how straying from faith can lead to serious challenges and consequences for a community.
What does 'transgressed against the LORD' mean in 2 Chronicles 12:2?
'Transgressed against the LORD' means that the people of Jerusalem violated their covenant with God by turning away from His teachings and commands, which ultimately led to their vulnerability and the attack by Shishak.
What lessons can we learn from 2 Chronicles 12:2?
From 2 Chronicles 12:2, we learn the importance of staying true to our values and commitments. The verse reminds us that our choices can have significant consequences, affecting not just ourselves but also our communities.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.