We now read of an attack on Jerusalem from Shishak of Egypt. The writer makes it abundantly clear that the reason for the attack is that the nation had been unfaithful to the Lord, abandoning the Law. This was despite having strengthened his kingdom, both militarily and politically. The clear message is that if we do not honour the Lord it does not matter what else we do, we will not succeed.
Shishak got as far as Jerusalem. Then God sent a prophet to Rehoboam. Note that kings are subject to prophets. In our human structures we establish hierarchies. Things go wrong when those at the top of these hierarchies forget that all of us are subject to God's word.
The king reacted by repenting and so God decided to deliver the nation, though we are not given details here of the deliverance. However, though there was some good in Judah (v12), Rehoboam was, overall, a bad king (v14).
Rehoboam was succeeded by Abijah. War with Jeroboam continued. Abijah sought to claim the promises that the Lord had made to Israel about David always having a descendant upon the throne. Abijah also claimed to be relying upon the Lord and that God was on his side. God did indeed intervene on Judah's behalf and Israel was defeated. So Jerboam was struck down by the Lord and died. Abijah grew in strength and had several wives.
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