2 Chronicles 10 12

2 Chronicles 10:12 kjv

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 10:12 nkjv

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king had directed, saying, "Come back to me the third day."

2 Chronicles 10:12 niv

Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, as the king had said, "Come back to me in three days."

2 Chronicles 10:12 esv

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king said, "Come to me again the third day."

2 Chronicles 10:12 nlt

Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam's decision, just as the king had ordered.

2 Chronicles 10 verses

2 Chronicles 10 12 Meaning

2 Chronicles 10:12 describes the exact moment when Jeroboam, representing the disgruntled Israelite tribes, along with the assembled people, returned to King Rehoboam as previously instructed. This return "on the third day" set the stage for Rehoboam's climactic and fateful response, which would directly lead to the division of the united kingdom of Israel. The verse emphasizes their compliance with the king's summons, building anticipation for the impending critical decision.

2 Chronicles 10 12 Context

2 Chronicles chapter 10 recounts the critical moment following King Solomon's death, detailing the events that led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel. Upon Solomon's passing, his son Rehoboam traveled to Shechem to be proclaimed king, as it was a central meeting point for all Israel. Here, the people, led by Jeroboam (who had returned from exile in Egypt), presented a united petition: relieve the heavy yoke and burdens that Solomon had placed upon them (likely referring to forced labor and taxation for his massive building projects). Rehoboam asked for three days to consider their request. During this period, he first consulted the older, experienced advisors of his father, who wisely urged him to serve the people gently to win their loyalty. He then turned to his youthful peers, who arrogantly advised him to be even harsher and show absolute dominance. This verse, 2 Chronicles 10:12, marks the predetermined "third day" when the people, awaiting Rehoboam's decision, returned, poised for a turning point in Israel's history. Historically and culturally, this scenario reflects the delicate balance between king and subjects, where a king's perceived legitimacy often depended on his responsiveness to the people's welfare, even if divinely appointed.

2 Chronicles 10 12 Word analysis

• So: Connective particle (waw) indicating the progression of the narrative, linking back to the king's prior command. It signals the expected action taking place.

• Jeroboam and all the people: This phrase highlights the unity and collective nature of the delegation.

  • Jeroboam: יָרָבְעָם (Yārovʿām). A leader who would become the first king of the Northern Kingdom (Israel). His return from Egypt signifies the latent discontent among the northern tribes and his destined role as God's instrument to fulfill the prophecy against Solomon's house (1 Kgs 11:29-39). His leadership underscores the seriousness of the people's plea.
  • all the people: This signifies the collective will of the ten northern tribes, representing a powerful, unified front against the central authority. It wasn't just Jeroboam but a substantial, representative delegation, lending immense weight to their demands.

• came to Rehoboam: Their act of presenting themselves for judgment, implying an expectation of resolution or response from the monarch.

• on the third day: Ba-yom ha-shelishi (בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי).

  • "third day" often holds significant spiritual or climactic meaning in biblical narrative, indicating a moment of divine action, judgment, or revelation (e.g., God appearing on Mt. Sinai, resurrection of Christ). Here, it’s a day of decision and consequence, leading to a crucial, nation-altering revelation of Rehoboam's character and God's plan. The interval built suspense and expectation.

• as the king had directed: Ka'asher dibber ha-melek (כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר הַמֶּלֶךְ). This phrase confirms the people's compliance with Rehoboam's command, establishing the structured nature of their meeting and the king's authority in setting the agenda. "Directed" (דָּבַר - dabar) implies not just "said" but "decreed" or "spoke with authority."

• 'Come to me again on the third day.': The exact quoted instruction serves as a reminder of the prior command given in verse 5, reiterating the planned nature of this momentous encounter and confirming the sequence of events. The repetition emphasizes the timeframe and the expectation built around it.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam": This phrase captures the two main parties meeting for a fateful confrontation: the aggrieved masses led by their chosen representative and the king facing his first major challenge. It highlights the political and social dynamics at play.
  • "on the third day, as the king had directed": This combination emphasizes adherence to the established schedule, while also underscoring the king's role in orchestrating the timing of this crucial encounter. The repetition of "third day" within the direction reinforces its specific importance.

2 Chronicles 10 12 Bonus section

• The chronicler, like the author of Kings, presents this seemingly mundane adherence to a time schedule as being ultimately under God's overarching sovereign plan. Rehoboam's "direction" for the "third day" was ultimately a fulfillment of Yahweh's will to tear the kingdom from Solomon's line, as prophesied to Jeroboam earlier (1 Kgs 11:29-39; 2 Chr 10:15).
• The scene at Shechem with Jeroboam and the assembly parallels other pivotal covenant moments in Israelite history that took place there, such as Abraham's arrival in Canaan (Gen 12:6-7) and Joshua's covenant renewal (Josh 24). This historical echo implicitly adds weight and solemnity to the gathering.
• The fact that Rehoboam chose a specific day for their return indicates a structured approach to decision-making, which in itself is not inherently bad. However, his failure was in his choice of counsel during that interim, revealing a heart not inclined to true wisdom but rather to perceived strength and oppressive power.

2 Chronicles 10 12 Commentary

2 Chronicles 10:12 is a pivot point in the narrative of Israel's united monarchy. While brief, it encapsulates the precision and the pre-ordained nature of the upcoming crisis. The verse notes the assembly of the people, specifically led by Jeroboam, appearing exactly as commanded by King Rehoboam "on the third day." This "third day" is not just a mere calendar notation; it functions as a literary device that heightens the tension and foreshadows a decisive, often divine, turning point. Here, it is the day of Rehoboam's disastrous pronouncement. The people's dutiful return highlights their genuine expectation of relief and justice. Unbeknownst to them, or to Rehoboam himself, this obedience to the royal summons would lead directly to the irreversible schism of the kingdom. The verse is thus the calm before the storm, depicting the final moment of suspense before the young king's arrogant pride, combined with God's sovereign will, shattered the Davidic realm into two separate nations. This event serves as a potent reminder of the importance of wise counsel and humility in leadership, and how God can use even foolish decisions to achieve His ultimate purposes.