1 And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king.
2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who [was] in Egypt, whither he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard [it], that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt.
3 And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying,
4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.
5 And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.
6 And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye [me] to return answer to this people?
7 And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever.
8 But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.
9 And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us?
10 And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou [it] somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little [finger] shall be thicker than my father’s loins.
11 For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I [will chastise you] with scorpions.
12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day.
13 And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,
14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I [will chastise you] with scorpions.
15 So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
16 And when all Israel [saw] that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and [we have] none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: [and] now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.
17 But [as for] the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.
18 Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that [was] over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to [his] chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.
19 And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.
Summary of 2 Chronicles Chapter 10
2 Chronicles Chapter 10 recounts a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, focusing on the transition of power from King Solomon to his son, Rehoboam. The chapter highlights the consequences of Rehoboam’s decisions and the subsequent division of the kingdom.
Key Characters
- Rehoboam: Son of Solomon, who ascends to the throne after Solomon’s death.
- Jeroboam: A former servant of Solomon who leads the rebellion against Rehoboam.
- Israelite Leaders: Representatives of the northern tribes who seek relief from heavy taxation.
Events and Themes
- Rehoboam’s Ascension:
After Solomon’s death, Rehoboam travels to Shechem, where all Israel gathers to make him king. This setting is significant as it represents a central location for the northern tribes.
- Request for Relief:
The leaders of Israel approach Rehoboam, asking him to lighten the heavy yoke that Solomon had placed upon them. They express their desire for a more lenient rule, highlighting the burdensome taxes and forced labor imposed during Solomon’s reign.
- Seeking Counsel:
Rehoboam initially seeks advice from the older advisors who served his father, Solomon. They counsel him to respond kindly to the people and to lighten their burden, suggesting that this would earn their loyalty.
- Rehoboam’s Rejection of Wise Counsel:
Instead of heeding the advice of the older advisors, Rehoboam consults with the younger men he grew up with. They advise him to assert his authority and respond harshly, suggesting he tell the people that his little finger is thicker than his father’s waist, indicating a more severe rule.
- Rehoboam’s Response:
Rehoboam follows the counsel of the younger advisors and responds to the people with a harsh message, stating that he will increase their burdens rather than alleviate them. This decision leads to widespread discontent.
- Division of the Kingdom:
The Israelites reject Rehoboam’s rule, declaring, “What share do we have in David? To your tents, O Israel!” This marks the beginning of the division between the northern tribes of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
- Jeroboam’s Leadership:
Jeroboam is made king over the northern tribes, solidifying the split from Rehoboam’s rule in Judah. This event fulfills the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah, indicating that he would lead ten tribes.
- Rehoboam’s Reaction:
Rehoboam attempts to regain control by sending Adoram, who was in charge of forced labor, to the people. However, he is stoned to death, demonstrating the severity of the people’s discontent and Rehoboam’s loss of authority.
- Conclusion of the Chapter:
Rehoboam flees to Jerusalem, where he remains king over Judah, while the northern tribes establish their own kingdom under Jeroboam. This chapter sets the stage for the future conflicts and division within Israel.
Theological Implications
This chapter serves as a critical examination of leadership and the consequences of poor decision-making. Rehoboam’s failure to listen to wise counsel and his choice to impose harshness rather than compassion reflect a broader theme of the importance of humility and the need for leaders to prioritize the well-being of their people.
Historical Context
The events in this chapter occur shortly after the reign of Solomon, a time marked by prosperity but also by heavy taxation and forced labor. The division of the kingdom signifies a significant turning point in Israel’s history, leading to the eventual downfall of both kingdoms due to internal strife and external pressures.
Conclusion
2 Chronicles Chapter 10 highlights the critical moment of transition in Israel’s monarchy, emphasizing the consequences of Rehoboam’s choices. The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of wise leadership and the potential ramifications of ignoring the needs and voices of the people.
