2 Chronicles 10:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Rehoboam {H7346} went {H3212} to Shechem {H7927}: for to Shechem {H7927} were all Israel {H3478} come {H935} to make him king {H4427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rechav'am went to Sh'khem, where all Isra'el had come in order to proclaim him king.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 10:1 opens the dramatic narrative of the Israelite monarchy's division, immediately following the death of King Solomon. It records Rehoboam, Solomon's son and designated heir, traveling to Shechem, a historically significant city in the northern tribal territory. His journey is necessitated by the assembly of "all Israel" at this location, not merely to passively accept his succession, but to actively "make him king," signaling a pivotal moment where the terms of his reign would be negotiated, setting the stage for the kingdom's tragic split.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the direct transition from the glorious reign of Solomon, detailed in the preceding chapters of 2 Chronicles, to the catastrophic division of the united monarchy. Chapter 9 concludes with the summary of Solomon's wealth, wisdom, and death, emphasizing the unparalleled prosperity and peace under his rule. Chapter 10 then abruptly shifts the scene from Jerusalem, the established capital, to Shechem, highlighting that the succession was not a simple, uncontested transfer of power. The Chronicler, writing from a post-exilic perspective, meticulously documents this turning point, not merely as a historical event but as a theological explanation for Judah's subsequent history, emphasizing the consequences of human choices in light of God's covenant. The events of this chapter parallel those found in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom"), offering a slightly different theological emphasis, particularly on the Davidic line and the temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shechem was an ancient and highly significant city, predating Jerusalem as a spiritual and political center. It was here that Abraham first built an altar upon entering Canaan ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham at Shechem")), Jacob buried his foreign gods ([Genesis 35:4](/genesis/35-4 "Genesis 35:4 - Jacob Buries Idols at Shechem")), and Joshua gathered the tribes for a covenant renewal ceremony ([Joshua 24:1](/joshua/24-1 "Joshua 24:1 - Joshua's Farewell Address at Shechem")). Its location in the territory of Ephraim, a leading northern tribe, made it a natural gathering point for the northern tribes who felt marginalized by Jerusalem's growing prominence and the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon's extensive building projects and taxation. The act of "all Israel" gathering there to "make him king" indicates a traditional practice where the people formally acknowledged and invested their monarch, often with conditions, rather than a mere hereditary transfer of power. This assembly was a forum for negotiation, reflecting the tribal nature of Israelite society even under a monarchy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that will dominate the subsequent narrative. First, it highlights the theme of **succession and legitimate authority**, questioning whether Rehoboam's hereditary claim would be sufficient without popular consent, especially from the powerful northern tribes. Second, it immediately sets the stage for the **seeds of division**, as the very location of the assembly outside the capital suggests underlying tensions and a desire for negotiation rather than simple submission. The narrative will quickly reveal how Rehoboam's poor judgment and refusal to heed wise counsel directly lead to the fragmentation of the kingdom, illustrating the destructive power of pride and unresponsiveness in leadership. Finally, though not explicit in this verse, the Chronicler's broader theological framework implies **divine sovereignty** at work, as the subsequent division is ultimately understood as a fulfillment of God's prophetic word against Solomon's idolatry ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). This complex interplay of human agency and divine purpose is central to the Chronicler's message.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rehoboam (Hebrew, _Reḥobʿam_):** Meaning "he enlarges the people" or "the people have enlarged (him/it)," this name ironically foreshadows the opposite outcome of his reign—the division and reduction of the united kingdom. As Solomon's son, he inherited a vast, prosperous, but also burdened kingdom, and his character and decisions would prove pivotal.
* **Shechem (Hebrew, _Šəḵem_):** This ancient city, situated in the central hill country, held immense historical and religious significance for Israel. It was a place of covenant renewal and tribal assembly (e.g., [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Joshua's Farewell Address and Covenant Renewal")). Its selection as the gathering point for "all Israel" was not arbitrary; it represented a neutral ground, a traditional site for inter-tribal deliberation, and perhaps a deliberate challenge to Jerusalem's exclusive authority.
* **All Israel (Hebrew, _kol Yiśrā’ēl_):** This phrase emphasizes the national scope of the assembly, encompassing all twelve tribes. However, in the context of the impending division, it particularly highlights the unified voice and demands of the northern tribes, who felt the brunt of Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor, and who sought to assert their tribal autonomy against the centralized Davidic monarchy in Jerusalem.
* **To make him king (Hebrew, _ləhamlîḵ_):** This verb implies an active, formal process of investiture by the people, not merely a passive acceptance of hereditary succession. It suggests that Rehoboam's kingship was contingent upon the people's consent and that they intended to negotiate the terms of their allegiance, rather than simply submitting to his rule without question.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Rehoboam went to Shechem:"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the setting and the primary actor. Rehoboam's journey to Shechem, rather than conducting the coronation in Jerusalem, is a crucial detail. It indicates that the initiative for the succession process came, at least in part, from "all Israel" and that Rehoboam recognized the need to engage with the broader tribal leadership, particularly the northern tribes, who had convened there. This act, seemingly one of engagement, ironically leads to his downfall.
* **"for to Shechem were all Israel come":** This explains the reason for Rehoboam's journey. The phrase "all Israel" signifies the collective body of the tribes, emphasizing the national scope of the gathering. Their decision to assemble at Shechem, a historical site of covenant and tribal unity, underscores their intent to deliberate on the terms of Rehoboam's rule, rather than simply anoint him in the Davidic capital. It highlights the agency of the people in the monarchical system.
* **"to make him king."**: This final phrase states the explicit purpose of the gathering. It was not a mere formality but an active process of "making" or "installing" him as king. This implies that the people, particularly the northern tribes, viewed their allegiance as conditional, dependent on Rehoboam's willingness to address their grievances, particularly the heavy burdens imposed by his father, Solomon. This sets the stage for the confrontation and subsequent division.

#### Literary Devices
The Chronicler masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The **Setting** of Shechem is highly symbolic and ironic. Historically a place of unity and covenant renewal, it now becomes the crucible for division, highlighting the tragic unraveling of the united kingdom. The very act of Rehoboam going *to* Shechem, rather than the people coming to him in Jerusalem, subtly employs **Inversion** or a shift in expected protocol, signaling that the people held significant leverage. This detail, combined with the phrase "all Israel come to make him king," serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the underlying tensions and the conditional nature of the people's allegiance that will soon erupt into open rebellion. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by presenting the formal act of "making him king" against the backdrop of the impending rupture, creating a dramatic tension that propels the narrative forward.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Chronicles 10:1, though brief, is pregnant with theological significance, serving as the gateway to understanding the Chronicler's perspective on the division of the kingdom. It underscores the critical interplay between human leadership and divine will. While Rehoboam's journey to Shechem appears to be a practical political move, the subsequent narrative reveals it as the stage where human pride and poor counsel clash with God's sovereign purpose, which had already been declared against Solomon's house due to his unfaithfulness. The Chronicler emphasizes that the division, while a consequence of Rehoboam's folly, was ultimately part of God's plan to discipline His people and maintain the integrity of His covenant with David, even if through a reduced kingdom. This verse thus introduces themes of accountability in leadership, the consequences of neglecting wise counsel, and the mysterious yet powerful working of God's hand in human history, even through failure and division.

* [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29 "Ahijah's Prophecy of Division")
* [Joshua 24:1-28](/joshua/24-1 "Covenant Renewal at Shechem")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Wisdom in Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The opening of 2 Chronicles 10 offers a profound lesson on the nature of leadership and the critical importance of humility and responsiveness. Rehoboam's willingness to go to Shechem initially suggests a recognition of the need to engage with the people and secure their consent. However, the subsequent events reveal that mere presence is not enough; true leadership requires a heart that listens, discerns, and responds with wisdom and compassion. This narrative serves as a timeless reminder that authority, whether in the home, church, workplace, or government, is a trust that demands careful stewardship. Leaders are called to prioritize the well-being of those they serve, to seek and heed wise counsel, and to avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-interest, which can lead to division and ruin. For believers, it underscores the call to exercise influence with integrity, understanding that our decisions have far-reaching consequences, not only for ourselves but for the communities we impact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Rehoboam's initial act of going to Shechem reflect a partial understanding of leadership, and what does his subsequent failure teach us about true leadership?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to lead or influence, and how can you cultivate a spirit of humility and responsiveness like the wise elders advised?**
* **How does this historical account challenge our assumptions about authority and the importance of listening to the voices of those who are marginalized or burdened?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rehoboam go to Shechem instead of being crowned in Jerusalem, the capital?**

Answer: Rehoboam went to Shechem because "all Israel" had gathered there to "make him king." This indicates that the northern tribes, in particular, desired to negotiate the terms of their allegiance to the new king, rather than simply accepting him without question in Jerusalem. Shechem was a historically significant site for tribal gatherings and covenant renewal (e.g., [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Joshua's Farewell Address")), making it a neutral and traditional location for such a national assembly. Their presence there signaled their intent to assert their voice and address grievances, particularly the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon's reign, before formally recognizing Rehoboam's kingship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic division of the kingdom initiated at Shechem with Rehoboam's folly profoundly highlights humanity's need for a perfect King, one whose reign brings unity and peace, not fragmentation. Rehoboam, a son of David, failed to bear the true mantle of kingship, demonstrating a self-serving attitude that led to the collapse of the united monarchy. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the ultimate [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"), embodies the perfect King. Unlike Rehoboam, who burdened his people, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him, declaring, "[My yoke is easy, and my burden is light](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke")". He did not seek to rule through oppressive force or disregard for His people's cries, but rather through humble service, even to the point of giving His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The divided kingdom of Israel, born from human pride, foreshadows the spiritual division of humanity apart from God, yet points forward to Christ, who, through His sacrifice, breaks down walls of hostility and unites all who believe into one spiritual kingdom, a people under one Shepherd ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")). His is a kingdom that will never be divided, for "[of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end](/isaiah/9-7 "Isaiah 9:7 - The Everlasting Kingdom of Christ")" (Isaiah 9:7).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.