2 Chronicles 10 13

2 Chronicles 10:13 kjv

And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,

2 Chronicles 10:13 nkjv

Then the king answered them roughly. King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders,

2 Chronicles 10:13 niv

The king answered them harshly. Rejecting the advice of the elders,

2 Chronicles 10:13 esv

And the king answered them harshly; and forsaking the counsel of the old men,

2 Chronicles 10:13 nlt

But Rehoboam spoke harshly to them, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors

2 Chronicles 10 verses

2 Chronicles 10 13 Meaning

This verse details King Rehoboam's immediate response to the people's plea for a lighter yoke. He decisively answered them harshly, disregarding their legitimate concerns. Crucially, the verse highlights his choice to reject the sound and experienced advice given by the older, seasoned counselors who had served his father, Solomon. This rejection of mature wisdom in favor of youthful impulsiveness sets the stage for the dramatic division of the united kingdom of Israel.

2 Chronicles 10 13 Context

The historical context of 2 Chronicles 10 is the immediate aftermath of King Solomon's death, around 931 BCE. His son, Rehoboam, traveled to Shechem to be proclaimed king by "all Israel" (2 Chr 10:1). This implies a unified kingdom seeking an assurance of continued peace and good governance. The background of the people's grievance lies in the heavy tribute and forced labor imposed by Solomon (1 Ki 11:28, 1 Ki 12:4), which burdened the northern tribes significantly.

The chapter opens with Jeroboam, who had previously fled from Solomon to Egypt (1 Ki 11:40), returning and leading the delegation of the people to Rehoboam. Their petition was simple: lighten the harsh service and heavy yoke Solomon had placed upon them, and they would serve Rehoboam (2 Chr 10:4). Rehoboam took three days to deliberate. During this time, he consulted first with the experienced elders who had served his father (2 Chr 10:6). Their counsel was wise and conciliatory: accede to the people's request and speak kindly to them, and they would serve him forever (2 Chr 10:7). This advice acknowledged the social unrest and offered a path to maintaining unity.

However, Rehoboam rejected this prudent counsel and instead consulted the younger men with whom he had grown up (2 Chr 10:8). These young men, devoid of wisdom and likely full of ambition or arrogance, advised him to declare that his little finger would be thicker than his father's loins, and that he would add to their burdens (2 Chr 10:10-11). It is this latter, arrogant, and oppressive advice that Rehoboam chose to follow, leading directly to the events described in verse 13. This pivotal decision fulfills the prophecy spoken by Ahijah to Jeroboam regarding the tearing away of ten tribes from the house of David (1 Ki 11:29-39). The entire sequence of events showcases the tragic consequences of proud and ungodly leadership, resulting in the lasting division of Israel.

2 Chronicles 10 13 Word analysis

• And the king: This refers to King Rehoboam. His status as "king" emphasizes the gravity of his words and actions, as they would determine the future of a nation.
• answered them: The "them" refers to "all Israel" (2 Chr 10:1), or more specifically, the delegation led by Jeroboam that represented the collective voice of the northern tribes who were seeking relief from oppressive taxation and forced labor.
• roughly (קָשָׁה, qashah): This Hebrew term signifies harshly, severely, defiantly, or stubbornly. It conveys an answer that is not just stern, but unkind, confrontational, and lacking empathy or grace. It reflects an underlying hard-heartedness or inflexibility, revealing Rehoboam's character and his approach to governance. This harshness was a deliberate choice, intended to assert dominance rather than build rapport or find common ground.
• and King Rehoboam: The repetition of the title "King" reinforces his authority and underscores that this was a formal, deliberate act of royal will, not a casual oversight. Rehoboam’s personal decision is highlighted.
• forsook (עָזַב, 'azab): This significant Hebrew verb means to abandon, forsake, leave, or let go. It implies a conscious and intentional act of rejection or relinquishment. It is not merely ignoring, but a definitive turning away from or abandonment of a particular path or counsel. This word emphasizes the voluntariness and severity of his choice.
• the counsel: This refers to the advice or wisdom given. In this context, it was the specific, prudent guidance provided by the elders (2 Chr 10:6-7) to lighten the people's burdens.
• of the old men: These were the seasoned, experienced advisors who had served Solomon during his reign. Their counsel would have been based on decades of practical statecraft, understanding of the people, and likely adherence to traditional wisdom principles, which often emphasized justice, compassion, and reconciliation (e.g., Prov 15:22). They represented continuity, stability, and prudent governance, which Rehoboam chose to disregard.

Words-group analysis:

• "And the king answered them roughly": This phrase immediately establishes Rehoboam's chosen demeanor – one of aggression and inconsideration. His response was not just unyielding, but verbally abusive in its nature. It communicates an authoritative, unmerciful stance, signifying a break from the cooperative tone previously sought by the people.
• "and King Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men": This second part is causative and explanatory. It reveals why he answered roughly: because he actively chose to reject sound, traditional, and wise counsel. This shows a fundamental failure in leadership – the inability or unwillingness to discern and accept beneficial guidance. His choice to abandon the wisdom of experience, typically associated with prudence and understanding of consequence, led directly to the severe and regrettable outcome for his reign.

2 Chronicles 10 13 Bonus section

• Providencial Sovereignty: Although Rehoboam acted out of human folly and pride, 2 Chronicles 10:15 explicitly states that this turn of events "was a turn of events brought about by God to fulfill the word which the Lord had spoken through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat." This highlights the paradoxical truth that even human sin and foolish choices can serve to accomplish God's predetermined plan and prophetic word. It does not excuse Rehoboam's sin, but reveals God's ultimate control.
• Contrast with Solomon: This verse implicitly contrasts Rehoboam with his father Solomon, who famously asked God for wisdom to govern (1 Ki 3:9). Rehoboam inherited the throne, wealth, and power, but not his father's wisdom or his seeking of divine counsel. This shows that divine wisdom is not hereditary but must be personally sought and valued.
• Lessons for Discernment: Rehoboam's mistake offers a powerful lesson in the importance of discerning between good and bad counsel, particularly when faced with significant decisions. He listened to counsel that affirmed his pre-existing desire for absolute power rather than one that called for humility and sacrifice. This failure in discernment directly led to the fracturing of a nation.

2 Chronicles 10 13 Commentary

2 Chronicles 10:13 serves as the narrative hinge, demonstrating Rehoboam's catastrophic leadership decision that permanently altered the trajectory of the united kingdom of Israel. His rough response was not merely poor etiquette but a manifestation of a deeper pride and spiritual blindness that led him to explicitly abandon God-given wisdom often found in the counsel of elders. This moment underscores a crucial principle: leadership disconnected from humble listening and wise discernment leads to societal fracture and personal ruin. Rehoboam’s rejection of the "old men" symbolizes a broader rejection of established principles, tradition, and perhaps even divine leading, despite the fact that 2 Chronicles 10:15 tells us God was behind the outcome. This event is a stark biblical example of how a leader's character and choices have profound consequences, far beyond their personal immediate sphere.