2 Chronicles 10 10

2 Chronicles 10:10 kjv

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 10:10 nkjv

Then the young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, "Thus you should speak to the people who have spoken to you, saying, 'Your father made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter on us'?thus you shall say to them: 'My little finger shall be thicker than my father's waist!

2 Chronicles 10:10 niv

The young men who had grown up with him replied, "The people have said to you, 'Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.' Now tell them, 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist.

2 Chronicles 10:10 esv

And the young men who had grown up with him said to him, "Thus shall you speak to the people who said to you, 'Your father made our yoke heavy, but you lighten it for us'; thus shall you say to them, 'My little finger is thicker than my father's thighs.

2 Chronicles 10:10 nlt

The young men replied, "This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist!

2 Chronicles 10 verses

2 Chronicles 10 10 Meaning

This verse captures the disastrous counsel given to Rehoboam by his young associates. It presents their advice verbatim: that Rehoboam should declare his reign would be far more burdensome and oppressive than his father Solomon's, likening his "little finger" (symbolizing his perceived slight exertion) to be "thicker than his father's loins" (representing his father's full strength and oppressive capacity). This counsel was a deliberate rejection of the people's plea for a lighter yoke and a clear declaration of tyrannical intent, leading directly to the division of the kingdom.

2 Chronicles 10 10 Context

Chapter 10 of 2 Chronicles details the momentous division of the United Kingdom of Israel after the death of King Solomon. His son, Rehoboam, went to Shechem to be crowned, where he was met by Jeroboam and a delegation from all Israel. They presented a unified petition: lighten the heavy burden (of forced labor and taxes) that Solomon had imposed. Rehoboam requested three days to consider their appeal. He first consulted with the elders, who advised a gentle and humble response, promising the people would serve him forever. This verse, however, immediately follows Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' wise counsel. He instead sought advice from "young men who had grown up with him." Their counsel, revealed in this verse and delivered to Rehoboam as a direct speech to the people, advocated for a radically harsher policy. This scene marks the turning point where Rehoboam, through his folly and pride, triggered the schism foretold by God, resulting in ten tribes rebelling and forming the Northern Kingdom under Jeroboam, leaving only Judah and Benjamin to Rehoboam.

2 Chronicles 10 10 Word analysis

• And the young men: In Hebrew, `yeladhim` (יְלָדִים) refers to boys or youths, here emphasizing their immaturity and lack of experience, in contrast to the `zeqenim` (זְקֵנִים - elders/old men) whose advice was rejected.
• that were brought up with him: Denotes a deep, perhaps exclusive, association, implying a shared, insulated perspective, potentially reinforcing Rehoboam's existing tendencies rather than offering objective wisdom.
• spake unto him, saying: Indicates a unified front and a firm directive for Rehoboam's response, revealing their confidence in this destructive plan.
• Thus shalt thou say unto this people... Thy father made our yoke heavy: The direct quote acknowledges the people's legitimate grievance about the severity of Solomon's rule, especially the forced labor for his vast building projects, termed a "yoke" (`'ōl` - עֹל), a common metaphor for servitude or burden.
• but make thou it lighter for us: The core of the people's plea, demonstrating a desire for relief and hopeful submission to a merciful king.
• thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger: The "little finger" (`'etsba' qaton` - אֶצְבַּע קָטֹן) is a profound rhetorical symbol. A `qaton` is something small or insignificant. Its use here in the phrase means "my least power" or "my weakest instrument of control." This suggests an oppressive policy that would be executed even by his seemingly "minor" decrees.
• shall be thicker (`'âbeh` - עָבֶה) than my father's loins: `'âbeh` means thick, dense, or heavy. The "loins" (`motnayim` - מָתְנַיִם) metaphorically represent strength, vitality, or the seat of power/might. Solomon's full power was considered a heavy burden. This phrase is a boastful, cruel hyperbole implying Rehoboam would be vastly more oppressive even with his seemingly insignificant efforts than Solomon was with his full might.

• "My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins": This entire phrase is a powerful, shocking declaration of intensified tyranny. It is not just an increase, but a grotesque exaggeration, implying that Rehoboam's least oppressive effort would surpass Solomon's most burdensome acts. This hyperbole demonstrates the young men's utter contempt for the people's welfare, advising a policy of raw power, intimidation, and crushing servitude. It showcases youthful arrogance and the destructive potential of seeking counsel from those who prioritize their own perceived strength and pride over wisdom, justice, and the well-being of the governed.

2 Chronicles 10 10 Bonus section

• This specific phrasing is a striking example of "boasting" in its most destructive form. It sets an unrealistic and terrifying precedent for future governance, demonstrating a complete misunderstanding of the foundation of enduring kingship, which should be built on justice and care for the subjects.
• The historical event underlines the biblical principle that even human folly can be part of God's overarching plan (1 Kings 12:15, 2 Chronicles 10:15). God had foretold the division of the kingdom due to Solomon's idolatry (1 Kings 11:29-39), and Rehoboam's stubborn pride became the direct instrument for that divine judgment to be carried out.
• The contrast between this "heavy yoke" and the "easy yoke" offered by Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Matt 11:28-30) is significant. Rehoboam's proposed rule promises crushing burdens and no rest, while Jesus offers true rest and liberation through humble service.

2 Chronicles 10 10 Commentary

2 Chronicles 10:10 encapsulates a moment of profound foolishness and pride that tore apart a kingdom. The advice from Rehoboam's young friends, epitomized by the brutal metaphor of the "little finger" being thicker than the "loins," represents a choice for oppressive authority over empathetic governance. It reflects the inherent danger of a leader prioritizing a perceived image of strength and ruthlessness over genuine service and compassion. This choice not only showed a rejection of divine wisdom but also revealed a complete disregard for the suffering of the people, ultimately leading to immediate and severe consequences. The verse serves as a stark warning against valuing pride and personal assertion above the needs and well-being of those one is called to lead. This echoes the truth that "Pride goes before destruction" (Prov 16:18).