2 Chronicles 10 7

2 Chronicles 10:7 kjv

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 10:7 nkjv

And they spoke to him, saying, "If you are kind to these people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be your servants forever."

2 Chronicles 10:7 niv

They replied, "If you will be kind to these people and please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants."

2 Chronicles 10:7 esv

And they said to him, "If you will be good to this people and please them and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever."

2 Chronicles 10:7 nlt

The older counselors replied, "If you are good to these people and do your best to please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects."

2 Chronicles 10 verses

2 Chronicles 10 7 Meaning

Second Chronicles 10:7 conveys the collective counsel of the wise elders to King Rehoboam, urging him to adopt a humble, benevolent, and kind approach in his reign. They advise that if he demonstrates goodness and speaks encouraging words to the people, he will secure their unwavering loyalty and service perpetually. It underscores that true leadership and sustained power come not through domination but through genuine care and compassionate communication, transforming potential subjects into willing, devoted servants.

2 Chronicles 10 7 Context

This verse is situated immediately after Jeroboam and all Israel approach Rehoboam, the newly crowned king after Solomon's death, at Shechem. The people, burdened by Solomon's heavy yoke of forced labor and taxation, request that Rehoboam lighten their load. In response, Rehoboam seeks counsel from two distinct groups: first, the old men who had served his father Solomon (v. 6), and then the young men who had grown up with him (v. 8). Verse 7 presents the wise, compassionate advice of the elder counselors. Their counsel stands in stark contrast to the arrogant, self-serving advice offered by the younger generation, which Rehoboam ultimately chose to follow, leading directly to the division of the kingdom. Historically, this event marks the tragic rupture of the united monarchy of Israel, paving the way for the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah).

2 Chronicles 10 7 Word analysis

• They answered him: Refers to the "old men" or "elders" (זְקֵנִים - zeqenim), counselors who had served King Solomon (v. 6). Their experience under Solomon, who brought both glory and heavy burdens, likely gave them deep insight into governance and public sentiment.
• saying: Implies delivering direct and specific advice, not merely responding generally.
• “If you will be good: הֵיטַבְתָּ ( heiyṭaḇtā). This is the Hiphil form of the verb יָטַב (yatav), meaning "to do good, to make good, to treat well, to be pleasant." It's not merely "be" good in character but actively "do good" or "deal well" with the people. It calls for active, deliberate kindness and benevolent action as a ruler. This suggests leadership focused on the welfare of the governed.
• to this people: Refers to all the Israelite tribes assembled at Shechem, highlighting their collective unity at this critical juncture.
• and please them: וּרְצִיתָם ( ūrəṣîṯām). From the verb רָצָה (ratsah), meaning "to be pleased with, to accept favorably, to delight in." It implies gaining their favor and acceptance by acting in a way that aligns with their needs and desires. It's about building rapport and earning their goodwill, fostering contentment rather than resentment.
• and speak to them good words: וְדִבַּרְתָּ אֲלֵיהֶם דְּבָרִים טוֹבִים ( wəḏibbartā ʼǎlêhem dəḇārîm ṭōḇîm). "Good words" (דְּבָרִים טוֹבִים - d'varim tovim) are kind, encouraging, compassionate, and promising words. This contrasts sharply with the harsh and oppressive words Rehoboam later chooses. It suggests a style of communication that reassures, uplifts, and expresses empathy rather than demands or threats. Such speech builds trust and respect.
• then they will be your servants: וְהָיוּ לְךָ עֲבָדִים ( wəhāyū ləḵā ‘ǎḇāḏîm). "Servants" (עֲבָדִים - avadim) implies loyal and devoted subjects who serve willingly, not as enslaved laborers. The conditionality "then" (וְהָיוּ - wehayu) highlights that their service is dependent on the king's compassionate actions. This suggests that the king himself must embody a servant-like posture to truly lead effectively and gain faithful adherence.
• forever: כָּל־הַיָּמִים ( kāl-hayyāmîm). Literally "all the days," signifying continuous, enduring, and lasting loyalty. This phrase indicates the permanent bond that would be established if Rehoboam adopted their advice, ensuring stability and long-term reign.

2 Chronicles 10 7 Bonus section

The advice of the elders to Rehoboam subtly but significantly aligns with the Deuteronomic ideals for a king (Dt 17:14-20), which emphasizes humility, adherence to God's law, and not accumulating excessive wealth, horses, or wives, so "that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers." The elders' counsel to "be good" and "please them" echoes this call for a king who identifies with and serves his people, rather than lording over them. Their wisdom reflects a deep understanding of human psychology and governance, showing that sustained power requires earning, not merely demanding, allegiance. The failure of Rehoboam is portrayed as a direct consequence of ignoring experienced counsel rooted in this wisdom, emphasizing the dangers of arrogance and generational hubris when divorced from historical insight and God-honoring principles.

2 Chronicles 10 7 Commentary

Second Chronicles 10:7 captures a profound truth about leadership that echoes throughout the Bible: true authority is often gained through humble service and benevolence, not brute force or domination. The experienced elders, having witnessed Solomon's demanding reign, understood that the people's willingness to serve stemmed from their perceived treatment by their ruler. Their advice was radical for its time, suggesting a king should, in a sense, serve his people to ensure their enduring loyalty. This "servant leadership" concept is a cornerstone of biblical ethics and later amplified in the New Testament by Jesus Christ himself (Mk 10:43-45).

The counsel urged Rehoboam to cultivate an atmosphere of goodwill. "Being good," "pleasing," and speaking "good words" collectively paint a picture of compassionate governance that prioritizes the welfare and respect of the governed. This was not a call for weakness but for wise strength, acknowledging that a ruler's most valuable asset is the trust and willing obedience of the populace. By offering lighter burdens and encouraging speech, the elders assured Rehoboam a loyal and perpetual kingdom.

Rehoboam's rejection of this wisdom (2 Chr 10:8) proved to be his downfall and led to the tragic division of Israel. This narrative serves as a potent cautionary tale in the Bible, illustrating that haughty and oppressive leadership inevitably leads to discord and destruction, whereas a leader's willingness to be gentle and understanding can foster enduring unity and strength.

• Practical Examples:
  • A manager who listens to employees' concerns and seeks solutions rather than imposing arbitrary rules fosters greater team loyalty.
  • Parents who communicate gently and listen to their children's feelings build stronger, more trusting relationships.
  • Political leaders who engage with citizens, address their needs, and speak kindly rather than with harsh rhetoric maintain greater public support.