2 Chronicles - Chapter 10

2 Chronicles 10.1 And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king. 2 Chronicles 10.2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was in Egypt, whither he fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt. 2 Chronicles 10.3 And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying, 2 Chronicles 10.4 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. 2 Chronicles 10.5 And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed. 2 Chronicles 10.6 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? 2 Chronicles 10.7 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. 2 Chronicles 10.8 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. 2 Chronicles 10.9 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? 2 Chronicles 10.10 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. 2 Chronicles 10.11 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. 2 Chronicles 10.12 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. 2 Chronicles 10.13 And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men, 2 Chronicles 10.14 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. 2 Chronicles 10.15 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. 2 Chronicles 10.16 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. 2 Chronicles 10.17 But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. 2 Chronicles 10.18 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. 2 Chronicles 10.19 And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.

2 Chronicles : Chapter 10

The Division of the Kingdom in 2 Chronicles 10

Chapter 10 of 2 Chronicles recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the division of the kingdom. This account highlights how unwise decisions can profoundly affect a nation. King Rehoboam's refusal to ease the people's burden led to rebellion among the northern tribes, setting the stage for lasting consequences.

Leadership and Ignored Advice

This crucial text invites us to reflect on important themes such as wise leadership, the danger of pride, and the consequences of ignoring good advice. The division of the kingdom represents a major turning point, fulfilling earlier prophecies. 2 Chronicles 10 thus reveals how human actions are intertwined with the divine plan.

Five Revealing Bible Passages

We invite you to consider five biblical passages that illuminate the enduring principles of this critical chapter:

1. 1 Kings 12:1-19

"So Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all the Israelites had gathered to make him king. [...] Then King Rehoboam rejected the advice given to him by the elders and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him [...] The king did not listen to the people, for this change of events came from the Lord." This parallel passage in 1 Kings provides additional details on the division of the kingdom recorded in 2 Chronicles 10.

2. Proverbs 11:14

"Where there is no guidance, the people fall; but in abundance of counselors comes safety." This proverb contrasts Rehoboam's decision to reject the elders' advice, as highlighted in 2 Chronicles 10.

3. Proverbs 15:1

"A quiet answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This proverb reflects the type of response Rehoboam gave to the people, a response that led to the division of the kingdom.

4. Galatians 6:7

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." This spiritual principle applies to Rehoboam's actions in 2 Chronicles 10 and their consequences.

5. Romans 13:1

"Each person must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God; the authorities that exist have been established by him." This verse offers us a perspective on governmental authority, a relevant theme in the story of the division of the kingdom.

Meditating on these passages, we are called to consider the consequences of our choices and how we exercise our own authority, both in our personal and collective lives.