Summary of 2 Chronicles 12-16

Abijah becomes king of Judah and wages war against Jeroboam of Israel. He delivers a powerful speech, reminding Israel of God's covenant with David and denouncing their idol worship. Judah, relying on the Lord, defeats Israel with great slaughter, and Jeroboam's power is significantly weakened. Abijah reigns for three years.

Asa succeeds Abijah and reigns for 41 years in Jerusalem. He brings about extensive reforms, removing foreign altars, high places, and sacred stones, and urging Judah to seek the Lord. The land enjoys peace for ten years. Asa builds fortified cities. When Zerah the Cushite invades with a vast army, Asa cries out to the Lord and is granted a miraculous victory, plundering the enemy.

The Spirit of God comes upon Azariah, who encourages Asa and Judah to be strong and faithful to the Lord, promising His presence if they seek Him. Asa takes courage, removes more idols, repairs the altar of the Lord, and gathers Judah and Benjamin to make a covenant to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul. They are blessed with rest from war.

In the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign, King Baasha of Israel wages war against Judah. Instead of relying on the Lord, Asa makes an alliance with Ben-Hadad of Aram, using temple treasures to bribe him. The prophet Hanani rebukes Asa for his lack of trust in God, and Asa imprisons him. Asa also oppresses some of the people. He contracts a severe foot disease but does not seek help from the Lord. Asa dies in the forty-first year of his reign and is succeeded by Jehoshaphat.

Rehoboam strengthens his kingdom but forsakes the Law of the Lord. Consequently, King Shishak of Egypt invades Judah, plundering Jerusalem and the temple treasures. Rehoboam and the princes humble themselves, and the Lord's wrath is averted, though they become Shishak's servants. Rehoboam reigns for 17 years and is succeeded by Abijah.