8 They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands."
8 Nevertheless they shall be his servants; that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.
8 Nevertheless, they shall be servants to him, that they may know my service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries."
8 What I will do, though, is make them Shishak's subjects - they'll learn the difference between serving me and serving human kings."
8 Nevertheless they will be his servants, that they may distinguish My service from the service of the kingdoms of the nations."
8 But they will become his subjects, so they will know the difference between serving me and serving earthly rulers."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 12:8
Chapter Contents
Rehoboam, forsaking the Lord, is punished.
When Rehoboam was so strong that he supposed he had nothing to fear from Jeroboam, he cast off his outward profession of godliness. It is very common, but very lamentable, that men, who in distress or danger, or near death, seem much engaged in seeking and serving God, throw aside all their religion when they have received a merciful deliverance. God quickly brought troubles upon Judah, to awaken the people to repentance, before their hearts were hardened. Thus it becomes us, when we are under the rebukes of Providence, to justify God, and to judge ourselves. If we have humbled hearts under humbling providences, the affliction has done its work; it shall be removed, or the property of it be altered. The more God's service is compared with other services, the more reasonable and easy it will appear. Are the laws of temperance thought hard? The effects of intemperance will be found much harder. The service of God is perfect liberty; the service of our lusts is complete slavery. Rehoboam was never rightly fixed in his religion. He never quite cast off God; yet he engaged not his heart to seek the Lord. See what his fault was; he did not serve the Lord, because he did not seek the Lord. He did not pray, as Solomon, for wisdom and grace; he did not consult the word of God, did not seek to that as his oracle, nor follow its directions. He made nothing of his religion, because he did not set his heart to it, nor ever came up to a steady resolution in it. He did evil, because he never was determined for good.