Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Chronicles 12:8

"Nevertheless they shall be his servants, that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries." — 2 Chronicles 12:8 (ASV)

Nevertheless they shall be.—For they shall become servants (that is, tributaries) to him; namely, for a while.

That they may know (or, discern) my service, and the service of the kingdoms. —That they may learn by experience the difference between the easy yoke of their God, and the heavy burden of foreign tyranny, which was entailed upon them by deserting Him.

Kingdoms of the countries. —See 1 Chronicles 29:30.