II Chronicles 10: The Kingdom Divided
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king.
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.
And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying,
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.
And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,
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.
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.
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.
But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.
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.
And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.
II Chronicles 10 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the division of the kingdom. This chapter reveals the consequences of pride, poor leadership, and ultimately, God's sovereign plan unfolding. The events detailed here serve as a cautionary tale and a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His promises.
Rehoboam Ascends the Throne (II Chronicles 10:1-3)
Following Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam journeyed to Shechem to be formally crowned king. It's noteworthy that Rehoboam is the only son of Solomon mentioned by name in Scripture, suggesting he was Solomon's chosen heir. Simultaneously, Jeroboam, a man of influence who had previously served as one of Solomon's officials (see 1 Kings 11:26-28), returns from exile in Egypt. Jeroboam had rebelled against Solomon, possibly due to the king's oppressive labor practices and heavy taxation, and had fled for his life.
The people, burdened by the weight of Solomon's policies, recognize Jeroboam's stature and summon him to represent their grievances before Rehoboam. This act highlights the widespread discontent simmering beneath the surface of Solomon's seemingly glorious reign. What was intended to be a simple coronation quickly transforms into a tense confrontation.
A Plea for Relief (II Chronicles 10:4-14)
The people, led by Jeroboam, directly address Rehoboam with a bold request: "Lighten your father's harsh service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you" (II Chronicles 10:4). This statement is akin to a conditional loyalty oath, hinging on Rehoboam's willingness to address their concerns. They are essentially saying, "If you alleviate our burden, we will pledge our allegiance."
Instead of acting decisively, Rehoboam requests three days to consult with his advisors. He seeks counsel from two distinct groups: the experienced elders who had served under Solomon and a group of younger men, his peers, eager to wield their newfound power.
The elders, wise from their years of service, advise Rehoboam to speak kindly to the people and make concessions. They recognize the gravity of the situation and understand that maintaining the status quo could lead to disaster. Their advice suggests a potential alliance, urging Rehoboam to commit to the requested reforms in order to secure the people's loyalty and prevent unrest (II Chronicles 10:7).
However, Rehoboam, blinded by youthful arrogance and a desire to assert his authority, rejects the elders' counsel. He turns instead to his young advisors, who urge him to respond with harshness and intimidation. Their counsel is not only to reject the people's demands but to make it clear that Rehoboam and his inner circle are firmly in control. They advise him to declare, "My little finger is thicker than my father's waist! My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions!" (II Chronicles 10:10-11). The "scorpions" refer to particularly vicious whips, perhaps similar to those used for flogging, a terrifying image of increased oppression.
Tragically, Rehoboam chooses to embrace the counsel of fools, setting the stage for the kingdom's division (II Chronicles 10:12-14).
Divine Sovereignty and the Kingdom Divided (II Chronicles 10:15-19)
It's tempting to question how Rehoboam could be so foolish as to follow advice that would inevitably lead to the kingdom's demise. However, the Chronicler provides crucial context: "So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from God, that the Lord might fulfill his word, which he spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat" (II Chronicles 10:15). This pivotal moment was divinely orchestrated. God, in His sovereignty, allowed Rehoboam to make this disastrous decision to fulfill His judgment on Solomon's house due to his idolatry (see 1 Kings 11:26-40).
Rehoboam's harsh response ignites the simmering discontent among the people of the northern tribes. Their anger erupts in violence as they stone Adoram, the overseer of forced labor, to death. Rehoboam himself barely escapes with his life, fleeing back to Jerusalem (II Chronicles 10:18). The rebellion is complete, and the kingdom is irrevocably divided. From this point forward, "Israel" refers to the northern kingdom, comprised of ten tribes, while the southern kingdom, Judah, remains loyal to the house of David (II Chronicles 10:19). God allowed Solomon's descendants to hold on to the southern kingdom in order to fulfill his promise to David.
It's important to remember that the Chronicler's primary focus is on Jerusalem, the temple, and the Davidic line. While the division of the kingdom is a significant event, the Chronicler's narrative will primarily follow the fortunes of Judah. Even the crucial prophecy in which God promises the ten tribes to Jeroboam, offering him an enduring kingdom contingent on his faithfulness (see 1 Kings 11:29-39), is not mentioned in 2 Chronicles. Unfortunately, Jeroboam would not remain faithful to the Lord, leading the northern kingdom into idolatry.
This chapter serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride, poor leadership, and the importance of seeking wise counsel. Ultimately, it underscores God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His purposes, even through the flawed choices of humanity. The division of the kingdom, though tragic, was part of God's larger plan, a plan that would ultimately lead to the coming of the Messiah through the lineage of David.
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king.
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.
And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying,
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.
And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,
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.
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.
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.
But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.
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.
And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.
II Chronicles 10 recounts a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the division of the kingdom. This chapter reveals the consequences of pride, poor leadership, and ultimately, God's sovereign plan unfolding. The events detailed here serve as a cautionary tale and a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His promises.
Rehoboam Ascends the Throne (II Chronicles 10:1-3)
Following Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam journeyed to Shechem to be formally crowned king. It's noteworthy that Rehoboam is the only son of Solomon mentioned by name in Scripture, suggesting he was Solomon's chosen heir. Simultaneously, Jeroboam, a man of influence who had previously served as one of Solomon's officials (see 1 Kings 11:26-28), returns from exile in Egypt. Jeroboam had rebelled against Solomon, possibly due to the king's oppressive labor practices and heavy taxation, and had fled for his life.
The people, burdened by the weight of Solomon's policies, recognize Jeroboam's stature and summon him to represent their grievances before Rehoboam. This act highlights the widespread discontent simmering beneath the surface of Solomon's seemingly glorious reign. What was intended to be a simple coronation quickly transforms into a tense confrontation.
A Plea for Relief (II Chronicles 10:4-14)
The people, led by Jeroboam, directly address Rehoboam with a bold request: "Lighten your father's harsh service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you" (II Chronicles 10:4). This statement is akin to a conditional loyalty oath, hinging on Rehoboam's willingness to address their concerns. They are essentially saying, "If you alleviate our burden, we will pledge our allegiance."
Instead of acting decisively, Rehoboam requests three days to consult with his advisors. He seeks counsel from two distinct groups: the experienced elders who had served under Solomon and a group of younger men, his peers, eager to wield their newfound power.
The elders, wise from their years of service, advise Rehoboam to speak kindly to the people and make concessions. They recognize the gravity of the situation and understand that maintaining the status quo could lead to disaster. Their advice suggests a potential alliance, urging Rehoboam to commit to the requested reforms in order to secure the people's loyalty and prevent unrest (II Chronicles 10:7).
However, Rehoboam, blinded by youthful arrogance and a desire to assert his authority, rejects the elders' counsel. He turns instead to his young advisors, who urge him to respond with harshness and intimidation. Their counsel is not only to reject the people's demands but to make it clear that Rehoboam and his inner circle are firmly in control. They advise him to declare, "My little finger is thicker than my father's waist! My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions!" (II Chronicles 10:10-11). The "scorpions" refer to particularly vicious whips, perhaps similar to those used for flogging, a terrifying image of increased oppression.
Tragically, Rehoboam chooses to embrace the counsel of fools, setting the stage for the kingdom's division (II Chronicles 10:12-14).
Divine Sovereignty and the Kingdom Divided (II Chronicles 10:15-19)
It's tempting to question how Rehoboam could be so foolish as to follow advice that would inevitably lead to the kingdom's demise. However, the Chronicler provides crucial context: "So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from God, that the Lord might fulfill his word, which he spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat" (II Chronicles 10:15). This pivotal moment was divinely orchestrated. God, in His sovereignty, allowed Rehoboam to make this disastrous decision to fulfill His judgment on Solomon's house due to his idolatry (see 1 Kings 11:26-40).
Rehoboam's harsh response ignites the simmering discontent among the people of the northern tribes. Their anger erupts in violence as they stone Adoram, the overseer of forced labor, to death. Rehoboam himself barely escapes with his life, fleeing back to Jerusalem (II Chronicles 10:18). The rebellion is complete, and the kingdom is irrevocably divided. From this point forward, "Israel" refers to the northern kingdom, comprised of ten tribes, while the southern kingdom, Judah, remains loyal to the house of David (II Chronicles 10:19). God allowed Solomon's descendants to hold on to the southern kingdom in order to fulfill his promise to David.
It's important to remember that the Chronicler's primary focus is on Jerusalem, the temple, and the Davidic line. While the division of the kingdom is a significant event, the Chronicler's narrative will primarily follow the fortunes of Judah. Even the crucial prophecy in which God promises the ten tribes to Jeroboam, offering him an enduring kingdom contingent on his faithfulness (see 1 Kings 11:29-39), is not mentioned in 2 Chronicles. Unfortunately, Jeroboam would not remain faithful to the Lord, leading the northern kingdom into idolatry.
This chapter serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of pride, poor leadership, and the importance of seeking wise counsel. Ultimately, it underscores God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His purposes, even through the flawed choices of humanity. The division of the kingdom, though tragic, was part of God's larger plan, a plan that would ultimately lead to the coming of the Messiah through the lineage of David.