דברי הימים ב, פרק י״ב, פסוק ה׳

In the midst of a severe military crisis, the nation's leadership finds itself backed into a corner. At this critical moment, a sharp prophetic message arrives to reveal the spiritual cause behind the physical disaster. The prophet Shemaiah, who had previously prevented King Rehoboam from going to war, approaches the king and his ministers. These leaders of Judah have gathered in Jerusalem because all the other fortified cities have already fallen to the enemy, leaving them no choice but to flee to the last remaining major stronghold [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The prophet's appearance at this specific time serves to clarify that the military defeat is not a random event. God deals with the nation just as a father deals with his son, ensuring they understand that He is the one disciplining them. The divine message delivered to the leadership is clear: because they chose to abandon God, He has in turn left them to their fate. This emphasizes that the disaster they face is not mere chance, but a direct consequence and punishment for their sins and their decision to turn away from God [מלבי״ם].