The writer pointed out the connection between Shishak's invasion and Rehoboam's unfaithfulness clearly (vv. 1-5; cf. Prov. 3:12).
"The passage makes use of terms that are characteristic of the Chronicler's theology of divine retribution, namely, forsake' or abandon' (vv. 1, 5), be unfaithful' (v. 2), and humble oneself' (vv. 6-7, 12). The Shishak incident provided a model of the sort of thing that could happen again."29
"After three years of stability, Rehoboam led Judah into apostasy. There are conscious parallels with Saul. The unfaithfulness' of v. 2 is the same term as that which was applied to Israel's first king (1 Chr. 10:13). Rehoboam, therefore, has entered upon what might be termed a Saul' period in his reign, which contrasts with the early phase, in which he walked . . . in the way of David and Solomon'."30
Rehoboam's repentance caused God to grant deliverance from the Egyptians (vv. 6-7, 12; cf. Ps. 51:17). Over all, Rehoboam failed to set his heart on the Lord (v. 14). This resulted in his doing evil, namely, not leading the people to follow Yahweh as David had done.
"The case of Rehoboam has shown particularly clearly how much the Chronicler is concerned to show that obedience and blessing, disobedience and impoverishment are closely linked."31
"The destiny of any country depends to a great extent on the character of its leaders; and this was particularly the case among the Hebrews, into whose history God chose to intervene more directly than he has for other nations."32
