2 Chronicles 10:13-14
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It’s easy to focus on the king's harshness, but notice what the text also says he did: he abandoned the advice of the elders. This wasn't just a bad mood; it was a conscious decision to reject seasoned wisdom in favor of his own impulsive, young perspective.
And the king answered them harshly; and forsaking the counsel of the old men, King Rehoboam spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Rehoboam faces a crucial decision about how to rule after his father Solomon's death. After listening to the elders who advised a lighter hand with the people, he then consults his younger, less experienced peers, who encourage him to be even harsher than his father. This verse marks the moment Rehoboam chooses their advice, setting him on a path that will fracture the united kingdom.
Ever said something you instantly regretted? Sometimes, words spoken in haste can set a whole nation on a difficult path. This verse shows us a king making a crucial decision with a single, harsh reply.
The King's Rash Decision
King Rehoboam had just been presented with the people's request for relief from heavy taxation. Instead of carefully considering the wise advice of the elders who had served his father, Solomon, he chose a different path.
A kingdom's strength isn't just in its armies or its wealth, but in the wisdom of its leadership and the unity of its people. This verse marks a turning point where both are fractured.
A Kingdom Divided
Rehoboam's harsh words and rejection of counsel were more than just a personal failing; they were the catalyst for the division of the united Israelite kingdom.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
ʿāzav · Hebrew Verb
The act of ignoring, turning away from, or rejecting advice, instruction, or a previous commitment. In a biblical context, it often refers to turning away from God’s wisdom or godly counsel to pursue selfish or foolish paths.
ʿēṣāh · Hebrew Noun
A suggestion, plan, or shared wisdom provided for decision-making. Biblically, it emphasizes the importance of seeking godly or experienced input to ensure wise leadership and adherence to God's will.
This moment highlights the devastating consequences of pride and poor leadership. Rehoboam's harsh response, influenced by his youthful, prideful advisors rather than the wisdom of experience, directly led to the fracturing of his kingdom, a tragedy with lasting repercussions.
c. 970 BC
Death of King Solomon
Solomon, David's son and successor, dies after a long and prosperous reign, leaving behind a vast kingdom. His death marks a critical transition point for Israel.
c. 970 BC
Accession of Rehoboam
Solomon's son, Rehoboam, ascends to the throne. He faces an immediate challenge regarding the people's heavy burdens and taxes imposed during his father's reign.
c. 970 BC
The People's Petition
A delegation of Israel's elders and prominent citizens, led by Jeroboam, approaches the new king Rehoboam. They request relief from the oppressive labor and taxes instituted by Solomon.
c. 970 BC
Rehoboam Seeks Counsel
Rehoboam first consults with the older advisors who had served his father, Solomon. These seasoned men advise him to listen to the people and lighten their burdens to maintain loyalty.
c. 970 BC— this verse
Rehoboam Consults Younger Advisors
Rehoboam then turns to his own generation, his younger companions who grew up with him. They urge him to assert his authority and increase the people's workload, warning them not to show weakness.
c. 970 BC
The Kingdom Divides
Rejecting the wisdom of the elders and following the advice of his peers, Rehoboam responds harshly to the people's plea. This leads to the northern tribes revolting, splitting the united kingdom of Israel into two.
This passage describes the exact same event from the perspective of the Northern tribes, highlighting the harshness of Rehoboam's response and its immediate consequence.
Proverbs 15:1This proverb directly contrasts gentle answers with harsh ones, underscoring the destructive nature of the king's words and the folly of rejecting wise counsel.
Ecclesiastes 10:2This verse speaks to how a fool's heart is shown by their actions, particularly how quickly they turn to evil or destructive paths, mirroring Rehoboam's swift and harsh decision.
1 Samuel 15:23This passage illustrates the serious consequences of rejecting God's word and counsel, a theme echoed in Rehoboam's disregard for the elders' advice which led to disaster.
It’s easy to focus on the king's harshness, but notice what the text also says he did: he abandoned the advice of the elders. This wasn't just a bad mood; it was a conscious decision to reject seasoned wisdom in favor of his own impulsive, young perspective.
King Rehoboam faces a crucial decision about how to rule after his father Solomon's death. After listening to the elders who advised a lighter hand with the people, he then consults his younger, less experienced peers, who encourage him to be even harsher than his father. This verse marks the moment Rehoboam chooses their advice, setting him on a path that will fracture the united kingdom.
King Rehoboam faces a crucial decision about how to rule after his father Solomon's death. After listening to the elders who advised a lighter hand with the people, he then consults his younger, less experienced peers, who encourage him to be even harsher than his father. This verse marks the moment Rehoboam chooses their advice, setting him on a path that will fracture the united kingdom.
"And the king answered them harshly; and forsaking the counsel of the old men, King Rehoboam spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it. My father disciplined you w…" — It’s easy to focus on the king's harshness, but notice what the text also says he did: he abandoned the advice of the elders. This wasn't just a bad mood; it was a conscious decision to reject seas…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
