2 Chronicles 12:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 12:4 mean?

2 Chronicles 12:4 describes the advance of Shishak, king of Egypt, into Judah during King Rehoboam’s reign. Shishak captures Judah’s defended towns and reaches Jerusalem, bringing his campaign to the city where Rehoboam rules.

The narrator moves from Shishak’s invading force in verse 3 to the ground that force gains. The “fenced cities” were towns protected by defenses such as walls, rather than places enclosed by the kind of fence familiar today.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 12:4

• “fenced” — מָצוֹר (matsor): The word is associated with defenses and fortification. It helps explain why these cities mattered as obstacles to an invading army.
• “took” — לָכַד (lakad): The word can mean to capture or seize. Here it describes Shishak gaining control of the cities, not simply passing through them.

Why 2 Chronicles 12:4 matters

• The approach to Jerusalem follows a series of losses within Judah. The words “the fenced cities which pertained to Judah” show that Shishak had already gained ground before reaching the capital.
• The arrival at Jerusalem sets the scene for a meeting within the city. In verse 5, the prophet Shemaiah speaks to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, who have gathered there because of Shishak.