2 Chronicles 10:1-19 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

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All Israel intreat Reboboam to lighten the yoke laid upon them by Solomon. Rehoboam, despising the court of the old men, follows that of the young ones. Ten tribes separate themselves from him.

Before Christ 975.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, After what has been said on this chapter in 1 Kings 12 we have only to add, (1.) That men are readier to complain of the least expence which the wants of government call for, than to acknowledge how much indebted they are for the mercies and protection that they enjoy. (2.) Young heads are too hot to be wise counsellors. (3.) A soft answer disarms those whom opposition makes only more furious.

2nd, The ill effects of Rehoboam's severity appear in the revolt of the ten tribes. They who drive too furiously overturn themselves. He rejected good advice, and deserved to be given up to his folly. God's counsel thus was fulfilled, though Rehoboam had only himself to blame for his lost. It was a mercy that God left him yet a part of his father's dominions, and that all had not revolted. But God in wrath still remembers mercy, and does not give us all the chastisements which our iniquities deserve.

Related Commentaries of 2 Chronicles 10:1

2 Chronicles 10:1-19

1 And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king.

2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was in Egypt, whither he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt.

3 And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying,

4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.

5 And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.

6 And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people?

7 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.

8 But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.

9 And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us?

10 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.

11 For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

12 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.

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

14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

15 So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

16 And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.

17 But as for the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

18 Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that was over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speeda to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

19 And Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day.