2 Chronicles 10:6-7
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Rehoboam isn't just asking for advice; he's asking how to answer the people, revealing a subtle but crucial difference between managing a situation and truly leading with wisdom. He's looking for a quick fix, not necessarily the right path forward, a temptation we all face when under pressure.
Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” 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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Rehoboam has just inherited the throne after his father Solomon's death, and the northern tribes are demanding a lighter tax burden. He consults with the older advisors who served Solomon, asking them how he should respond to this crucial first challenge as king, a decision that will have massive consequences. This conversation immediately precedes his disastrous choice to ignore their counsel and listen to his younger, inexperienced advisors.
Rehoboam faced a massive decision, and he knew he needed advice. But not all advice is created equal. How do we discern godly counsel from mere opinions?
Seeking Sound Counsel
King Rehoboam's first act as king was to seek advice, which is a good start! He wisely turned to the 'old men' who had served his father, Solomon. This implies they had wisdom and experience.
The Pitfall of Sycophants
However, the verse sets us up for a crucial choice Rehoboam will make. He's not just looking for any advice; he needs advice that is wise and God-honoring. The danger is surrounding ourselves with people who just tell us what we want to hear, rather than what we need to hear. True wisdom often comes with truth, even when it's difficult.
Rehoboam inherited a kingdom built by his father, Solomon. But how he led would define his own legacy. What can we learn about leadership from this moment?
Inheriting a Kingdom
Rehoboam wasn't starting from scratch. He inherited the vast kingdom his father Solomon had ruled. The 'old men' he consulted had served Solomon, meaning they understood the established ways of governance and the legacy of his reign.
The Test of a New Leader
Ask a follow-up
This moment is a critical test for Rehoboam. Will he build upon the foundation his father laid, or will he tear it down with rash decisions? His leadership will be judged not just by his own actions, but by how he honors (or dishonors) the legacy left to him. This applies to us too – we inherit opportunities, responsibilities, and even spiritual legacies that call for faithful stewardship.
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
A title of authority denoting a male monarch who rules over a nation or people, often viewed in the Old Testament as representative of God's authority or under His sovereignty.
ya'ats · Hebrew Verb
The act of seeking wisdom, guidance, or deliberation from others to make decisions, often implying a formal consultative process.
zaqen · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The wisdom of elders or experienced leaders; in a biblical context, it often refers to godly, seasoned advice based on life experience and adherence to divine principles.
tob · Hebrew Adjective
To perform acts of kindness, integrity, or moral uprightness; it reflects a character that seeks the welfare of others rather than self-interest.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
Those who are in a position of subjection or labor to another, often used to describe the relationship between subjects and their monarch or between God and His people.
This moment marks a critical turning point, the direct consequence of Solomon's heavy-handed policies and Rehoboam's immaturity, leading to the division of the united kingdom of Israel.
c. 970 BC
Solomon's Reign Begins
Solomon becomes king of Israel, inheriting a united kingdom from his father David and ushering in a period of peace and prosperity.
c. 931 BC
Solomon's Death
Solomon, who ruled for 40 years, dies after a long and largely successful reign, leaving behind a complex legacy of wealth, wisdom, and ultimately, idolatry.
c. 931 BC— this verse
Rehoboam Crowned King
Rehoboam, Solomon's son, is crowned king in Jerusalem, but faces immediate challenges to his authority from the northern tribes.
c. 931 BC
The Northern Tribes Revolt
The northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, demand Rehoboam lighten the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed by Solomon. When Rehoboam refuses, they declare independence, splitting the united kingdom.
This is the parallel account in the book of Kings, showing the same critical moment where Rehoboam seeks advice before responding to the people's demands.
Proverbs 15:22This proverb highlights the wisdom in seeking counsel, a principle Rehoboam initially followed before ultimately rejecting good advice.
Ecclesiastes 10:1This verse warns about the destructive power of foolish advice, serving as a stark contrast to the wise counsel Rehoboam should have heeded.
1 Samuel 15:17This passage shows Samuel reminding Saul that even though he was 'small in his own eyes,' he was appointed leader; Rehoboam, conversely, was blinded by his own pride despite seeking counsel.
Rehoboam isn't just asking for advice; he's asking how to answer the people, revealing a subtle but crucial difference between managing a situation and truly leading with wisdom. He's looking for a quick fix, not necessarily the right path forward, a temptation we all face when under pressure.
Rehoboam has just inherited the throne after his father Solomon's death, and the northern tribes are demanding a lighter tax burden. He consults with the older advisors who served Solomon, asking them how he should respond to this crucial first challenge as king, a decision that will have massive consequences. This conversation immediately precedes his disastrous choice to ignore their counsel and listen to his younger, inexperienced advisors.
Rehoboam has just inherited the throne after his father Solomon's death, and the northern tribes are demanding a lighter tax burden. He consults with the older advisors who served Solomon, asking them how he should respond to this crucial first challenge as king, a decision that will have massive consequences. This conversation immediately precedes his disastrous choice to ignore their counsel and listen to his younger, inexperienced advisors.
"Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?” And they said to him, “If you will be good to this people and please th…" — Rehoboam isn't just asking for advice; he's asking how to answer the people, revealing a subtle but crucial difference between managing a situation and truly leading with wisdom. He's looking for a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
