2 Chronicles 10
BSB1 Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. 2 When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he returned from Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon. 3 So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and all Israel came to Rehoboam and said, 4 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you should lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you." 5 Rehoboam answered, “Come back to me in three days.” So the people departed. 6 Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. 7 They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever." 8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. 9 He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?" 10 The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you should make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! 11 Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’" 12 After three days, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, since the king had said, “Come back to me on the third day." 13 And the king answered them harshly. King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders 14 and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions." 15 So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from God, in order that the LORD might fulfill the word that He had spoken through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat. 16 When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So all the Israelites went home, 17 but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah. 18 Then King Rehoboam sent out Hadoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem. 19 So to this day Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 10
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Chronicles 10
- Themes from 2 Chronicles 10
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 10
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, going to Shechem to be made king over Israel. However, the Israelites ask Rehoboam to lighten the burden of servitude that his father had placed upon them. Rehoboam seeks the counsel of the elders who had served his father, but he also listens to the advice of the young men who had grown up with him. The young men advise Rehoboam to increase the burden on the Israelites, which leads to the rebellion of the ten northern tribes and the division of Israel into two kingdoms. The Lord speaks through the prophet Shemaiah, telling Rehoboam not to fight against the Israelites, as this is the Lord's doing. Rehoboam and the men of Judah obey the Lord's command, and the kingdom is divided. The chapter concludes with Rehoboam strengthening himself in Judah and the priests and Levites who had been scattered throughout Israel gathering to him in Jerusalem.
Context for the Chapter
2 Chronicles 10 is part of the larger narrative of 1 and 2 Chronicles, which describes the history of Israel from the death of Saul to the Babylonian exile. The chapter is also part of the larger story of the Old Testament, which points to the coming of Christ and the redemption of God's people. The division of Israel described in this chapter has significant consequences for the nation and is a turning point in the history of Israel. The Lord's sovereignty over the nations and His desire to fulfill His own purposes are themes that are central to the gospel and are highlighted in this chapter.
Heart Application
As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of seeking wisdom and following God's guidance in leadership. We are also reminded of the Lord's sovereignty over the nations and His desire to fulfill His own purposes. As we seek to apply the truths of this chapter to our own lives, we must remember to listen to and follow God's commands, and to trust in His sovereignty over all things.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of the division of Israel into two kingdoms, with Rehoboam ruling over Judah and Jeroboam ruling over Israel. The Lord's sovereignty over the nations and His desire to fulfill His own purposes are central to the chapter. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of seeking wisdom and following God's guidance in leadership, and of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The division of Israel is a turning point in the history of Israel and has significant consequences for the nation (2 Chronicles 10:1-19).
Voices from the Church
“The Lord's sovereignty is a truth that is both comforting and challenging. It reminds us that God is in control, even when we are not, and that He is working to fulfill His own purposes.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The division of Israel described in this chapter is a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It is a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of following God's commands.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Israelites Ask for Relief (10:1-5) — The chapter begins with the Israelites asking Rehoboam to lighten the burden of servitude that his father had placed upon them. Rehoboam seeks the counsel of the elders who had served his father, but he also listens to the advice of the young men who had grown up with him.
- Rehoboam's Foolish Decision (10:6-11) — Rehoboam decides to follow the advice of the young men, which leads to the rebellion of the ten northern tribes and the division of Israel into two kingdoms.
- The Division of Israel (10:12-16) — The chapter describes the division of Israel into two kingdoms, with Rehoboam ruling over Judah and Jeroboam ruling over Israel. The Lord speaks through the prophet Shemaiah, telling Rehoboam not to fight against the Israelites, as this is the Lord's doing.
- Rehoboam Strengthens Himself in Judah (10:17-19) — Rehoboam strengthens himself in Judah and the priests and Levites who had been scattered throughout Israel gather to him in Jerusalem.
- Conclusion (10:19) — The chapter concludes with the statement that Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter highlights the Lord's sovereignty over the nations and His desire to fulfill His own purposes. The division of Israel is not merely the result of human actions, but is rather a part of the Lord's plan to fulfill His word.
- The Importance of Seeking Wisdom
- Rehoboam's decision to seek the counsel of the young men who had grown up with him, rather than the elders who had served his father, leads to disastrous consequences. This highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and following God's guidance in leadership.
- The Consequences of Sin and Rebellion
- The division of Israel described in this chapter is a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It is a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of following God's commands.
- The Faithfulness of God
- The chapter reminds us of the Lord's faithfulness to fulfill His own word. Despite Rehoboam's foolish decisions, the Lord is still in control and is working to fulfill His own purposes.
Lessons from 2 Chronicles 10
- The Importance of Seeking Wisdom — This chapter teaches us the importance of seeking wisdom and following God's guidance in leadership. We must be careful to seek the counsel of those who are wise and experienced, rather than following our own desires or the advice of those who are foolish.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights the Lord's sovereignty over the nations and His desire to fulfill His own purposes. We must trust in God's sovereignty and recognize that He is in control, even when we are not.
- The Consequences of Sin and Rebellion — The division of Israel described in this chapter is a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. We must be careful to follow God's commands and avoid the temptation to rebel against Him.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter reminds us of the Lord's faithfulness to fulfill His own word. We must trust in God's faithfulness and recognize that He is always working to fulfill His own purposes, even when we do not understand what is happening.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — This chapter teaches us the importance of trusting in God and recognizing His sovereignty over all things. We must learn to trust in God, even when we do not understand what is happening, and recognize that He is always working to fulfill His own purposes.
Themes from 2 Chronicles 10
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights the Lord's sovereignty over the nations and His desire to fulfill His own purposes. This theme is central to the gospel and reminds us of God's control over all things.
- The Importance of Seeking Wisdom — Rehoboam's decision to seek the counsel of the young men who had grown up with him, rather than the elders who had served his father, leads to disastrous consequences. This theme highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and following God's guidance in leadership.
- The Consequences of Sin and Rebellion — The division of Israel described in this chapter is a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. This theme is a call to repentance and a reminder of the importance of following God's commands.
- The Faithfulness of God — The chapter reminds us of the Lord's faithfulness to fulfill His own word. This theme is a comfort to us and reminds us that God is always working to fulfill His own purposes, even when we do not understand what is happening.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — This chapter teaches us the importance of trusting in God and recognizing His sovereignty over all things. This theme is central to the gospel and reminds us of the importance of trusting in God, even when we do not understand what is happening.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Rehoboam's decision to seek the counsel of the young men who had grown up with him, rather than the elders who had served his father?
- How does the Lord's sovereignty over the nations and His desire to fulfill His own purposes comfort and challenge us?
- What are the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, as described in this chapter?
- How can we apply the truths of this chapter to our own lives, in terms of seeking wisdom and following God's guidance in leadership?
- What does the division of Israel described in this chapter teach us about the importance of following God's commands and trusting in His sovereignty?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Israelites Ask for Relief (10:1-5)
| 10:1 | The chapter begins with the Israelites asking Rehoboam to lighten the burden of servitude that his father had placed upon them. |
| 10:2 | Rehoboam seeks the counsel of the elders who had served his father, but he also listens to the advice of the young men who had grown up with him. |
2. Rehoboam's Foolish Decision (10:6-11)
| 10:6 | Rehoboam decides to follow the advice of the young men, which leads to the rebellion of the ten northern tribes and the division of Israel into two kingdoms. |
| 10:7 | The young men advise Rehoboam to increase the burden on the Israelites, which leads to their rebellion. |
3. The Division of Israel (10:12-16)
| 10:12 | The Lord speaks through the prophet Shemaiah, telling Rehoboam not to fight against the Israelites, as this is the Lord's doing. |
| 10:13 | Rehoboam and the men of Judah obey the Lord's command, and the kingdom is divided. |
4. Rehoboam Strengthens Himself in Judah (10:17-19)
| 10:17 | Rehoboam strengthens himself in Judah and the priests and Levites who had been scattered throughout Israel gather to him in Jerusalem. |
| 10:18 | The chapter concludes with the statement that Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main event described in 2 Chronicles 10?
The main event described in 2 Chronicles 10 is the division of Israel into two kingdoms, with Rehoboam ruling over Judah and Jeroboam ruling over Israel (2 Chronicles 10:1-19).
Why did the Israelites rebel against Rehoboam?
The Israelites rebelled against Rehoboam because he refused to lighten the burden of servitude that his father had placed upon them (2 Chronicles 10:1-5).
What is the significance of the Lord's sovereignty in this chapter?
The Lord's sovereignty is significant in this chapter because it reminds us that God is in control, even when we are not. The division of Israel is not merely the result of human actions, but is rather a part of the Lord's plan to fulfill His word (2 Chronicles 10:15).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 10:1 → 1 Kings 12:1 | The event described in 2 Chronicles 10:1 is also recorded in 1 Kings 12:1, which provides additional details about the circumstances surrounding the division of Israel. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 10:15 → 1 Kings 11:31 | The Lord's word to Jeroboam, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:31, is fulfilled in 2 Chronicles 10:15, which describes the division of Israel into two kingdoms. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 10:16 → Hosea 1:1 | The division of Israel described in 2 Chronicles 10:16 is also referenced in Hosea 1:1, which speaks of the Lord's judgment on Israel for their rebellion against Him. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 10:17 → 2 Samuel 7:1 | The strengthening of Rehoboam in Judah, as described in 2 Chronicles 10:17, is a fulfillment of the Lord's promise to David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 7:1. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 10:18 → 1 Kings 14:25 | The gathering of the priests and Levites to Rehoboam in Jerusalem, as described in 2 Chronicles 10:18, is also recorded in 1 Kings 14:25, which provides additional details about the circumstances surrounding the division of Israel. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 10:19 → Matthew 1:1 | The division of Israel described in 2 Chronicles 10:19 is part of the larger story of God's redemption, which is ultimately fulfilled in the coming of Christ, as recorded in Matthew 1:1. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 10:15 → Romans 11:25 | The Lord's sovereignty over the nations, as described in 2 Chronicles 10:15, is also referenced in Romans 11:25, which speaks of the mystery of God's plan to fulfill His own purposes. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 10:1 → Isaiah 55:8 | The event described in 2 Chronicles 10:1 is also referenced in Isaiah 55:8, which speaks of the Lord's thoughts and ways being higher than those of humans. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 10:16 → Jeremiah 31:31 | The division of Israel described in 2 Chronicles 10:16 is also referenced in Jeremiah 31:31, which speaks of the Lord's plan to make a new covenant with His people. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 10:18 → Ezekiel 37:22 | The gathering of the priests and Levites to Rehoboam in Jerusalem, as described in 2 Chronicles 10:18, is also referenced in Ezekiel 37:22, which speaks of the Lord's plan to reunite His people and make them one nation again. |
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Rehoboam: If You Will Be Kind by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the downfall of a young king who failed to lead with kindness. The sermon is divided into four parts, starting with the end of an era and the |
|
For It Was Brought About of God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the revolt against the young king, though appearing to be a mistake driven by human folly, was ultimately orchestrated by God to fulfill His divine purpo |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Chronicles 10
In this chapter, we see the sad event of the division of Israel into two kingdoms, with Rehoboam ruling over Judah and Jeroboam ruling over Israel. This division is a result of Rehoboam's foolish decision to follow the advice of the young men who had grown up with him, rather than the elders who had served his father. The Lord's sovereignty over the nations and His desire to fulfill His own purposes are highlighted in this chapter. We are reminded of the importance of seeking wisdom and following God's guidance in leadership, and of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The chapter concludes with the statement that Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day, which serves as a warning to us to be faithful to the Lord and to trust in His sovereignty over all things (2 Chronicles 10:1-19). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Seeking Wisdom
Rehoboam's decision to seek the counsel of the young men who had grown up with him, rather than the elders who had served his father, leads to disastrous consequences. This highlights the importance of seeking wisdom and following God's guidance in leadership.
The Lord's Sovereignty
Despite Rehoboam's foolish decisions, the Lord is still in control and is working to fulfill His own purposes. This is a reminder of the Lord's sovereignty over the nations and His desire to fulfill His own word.
The Division of Israel
The chapter describes the division of Israel into two kingdoms, with Rehoboam ruling over Judah and Jeroboam ruling over Israel. This event has significant consequences for the nation and is a turning point in the history of Israel.