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.

2 CHRONICLES 12:13KJV
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2 Chronicles 12:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 12:13 mean?

2 Chronicles 12:13 describes how King Rehoboam established his rule in Jerusalem, beginning his reign at age forty-one and ruling for seventeen years in the city chosen by the LORD as His special place. The verse also notes that Rehoboam’s mother was Naamah, an Ammonite woman.

This verse is part of a historical summary, giving basic facts about Rehoboam’s reign after earlier events of conflict and difficulty. The Chronicler highlights Jerusalem as the city God selected “to put his name there,” underlining its spiritual importance, and mentions Rehoboam’s mixed heritage through his mother, which may hint at the complexities in his rule.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 12:13

  • “Strengthened” (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to become strong or secure. Here, it suggests Rehoboam managed to regain stability and authority in Jerusalem after earlier troubles.
  • “Chosen” (בָּחַר, bachar): This word means to select or choose. The verse stresses that Jerusalem was not just any city, but the one God specifically picked from all the tribes of Israel, highlighting its unique spiritual role.
  • “Name” (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, God’s “name” represents His presence, reputation, and authority. Saying God put His name in Jerusalem means He made it the center of worship and His dwelling among the people.

Why 2 Chronicles 12:13 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Jerusalem’s significance comes from God’s choice, not just its political or geographic position, which is a recurring theme in the Bible.
  • Mentioning Rehoboam’s mother, Naamah the Ammonitess, reminds readers that Israel’s kings sometimes had foreign influences in their background, which could affect their leadership and the nation’s direction.
  • This summary verse helps transition from the story of Rehoboam’s challenges to the next phase of Judah’s history, grounding the narrative in concrete details about his reign.