2 Chronicles 10:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For whereas {H6258} my father {H1} put {H6006} a heavy {H3515} yoke {H5923} upon you, I will put more {H3254} to your yoke {H5923}: my father {H1} chastised {H3256} you with whips {H7752}, but I will chastise you with scorpions {H6137}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, but I will make it heavier! My father controlled you with whips, but I [will control you] with scorpions!'"

Berean Standard Bible

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.’”

American Standard Version

And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Rehoboam's defiant declaration in 2 Chronicles 10:11, promising to intensify the burdens imposed by his father Solomon rather than alleviate them, marks the pivotal moment leading to the catastrophic division of the united kingdom of Israel. This arrogant rejection of wise counsel, delivered in harsh and unyielding terms, directly provoked the northern tribes to secede, demonstrating the devastating consequences of prideful and oppressive leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment in the narrative of Rehoboam's ascension to the throne and his fateful decision. It immediately follows the people's plea for lighter burdens ([2 Chronicles 10:3-4](/2-chronicles/10-3 "2 Chronicles 10:3-4 - The People's Plea to Rehoboam")) and Rehoboam's consultations with both the seasoned elders and his youthful peers ([2 Chronicles 10:6-8](/2-chronicles/10-6 "2 Chronicles 10:6-8 - Rehoboam Seeks Counsel")). Rehoboam's harsh response in this verse directly precipitates the rebellion of the ten northern tribes ([2 Chronicles 10:16-17](/2-chronicles/10-16 "2 Chronicles 10:16-17 - The Rebellion of the Northern Tribes")) and the subsequent division of the kingdom, which forms a major turning point in the Chronicler's narrative, shifting the focus primarily to the kingdom of Judah.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following King Solomon's extensive and costly building projects, including the magnificent Temple and his own palace, the populace, particularly the northern tribes, had endured significant burdens of forced labor (corvée) and heavy taxation. The "yoke" metaphor was a common ancient Near Eastern symbol for servitude or oppressive rule, often literally involving beasts of burden. Kings were expected to be benevolent providers, but also strong rulers. Rehoboam's youth and inexperience, coupled with the influence of his similarly inexperienced peers, led him to severely misjudge the political climate and the people's breaking point. The assembly took place in Shechem, a historically significant site for Israelite covenant renewal and tribal gatherings, underscoring the gravity and public nature of Rehoboam's decision.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates themes of **leadership and governance**, contrasting wise, empathetic rule with arrogant, tyrannical authority. It underscores the profound **consequences of disobedience and pride**, as Rehoboam's actions directly lead to the fragmentation of David's kingdom, a direct fulfillment of God's earlier prophecy against Solomon for his idolatry ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1-kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). The Chronicler also subtly weaves in the theme of **divine sovereignty**, noting that this division, though brought about by human folly, was ultimately "from God" ([2 Chronicles 10:15](/2-chronicles/10-15 "2 Chronicles 10:15 - The Lord's Doing")), demonstrating how God uses even human sin and error to accomplish His overarching purposes and judgments.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Yoke (Hebrew, _‘ol_):** A wooden frame fitted over the necks of two animals (or a single animal) for drawing a plow or cart. Biblically, it is a powerful and pervasive metaphor for servitude, burden, oppression, or submission to authority. Rehoboam's promise to "put more to your yoke" signifies a deliberate increase in forced labor, taxation, and overall oppressive rule, explicitly stating his intent to make life harder for the people than it had been under his father.
* **Whips (Hebrew, _shot_):** Standard instruments of corporal punishment, typically made of leather thongs. They inflict pain but are generally not designed for severe, permanent injury. Solomon's rule, though heavy, was characterized by "whips" – a painful but perhaps tolerable level of discipline in the eyes of the people.
* **Scorpions (Hebrew, _‘aqrabbim_):** In this context, this term does not refer to the arachnid, but rather to a particularly severe and cruel type of whip. It was likely a whip studded with sharp metal or bone pieces, designed to tear flesh and inflict excruciating pain and injury. The imagery is hyperbole, emphasizing Rehoboam's intent to impose a far more brutal and merciless form of oppression, signaling a tenfold increase in severity compared to his father's rule and his complete disregard for the people's well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke":** Rehoboam begins by acknowledging the people's complaint about Solomon's heavy rule ("heavy yoke"), thereby validating their grievance. However, he immediately follows this with a defiant declaration of his intention to not only maintain but intensify the burden. This statement is a direct rejection of the elders' counsel to speak kindly and serve the people, revealing his arrogant, unyielding, and ultimately self-destructive nature.
* **"my father chastised you with whips, but I [will chastise you] with scorpions":** This parallel statement escalates the threat, using vivid and violent imagery. "Chastised" (Hebrew: _yasar_) implies discipline or punishment. By contrasting "whips" with "scorpions," Rehoboam vividly communicates his plan for a far more severe, cruel, and painful form of governance. He promises to rule with an iron fist, inflicting extreme hardship and demonstrating his absolute, tyrannical authority, which he believes will quell any dissent.

#### Literary Devices
Rehoboam's statement is rich in **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole**. The "heavy yoke" is a well-established metaphor for oppressive rule and forced labor, instantly conveying the burden on the people. The stark contrast between "whips" and "scorpions" functions as both a powerful **Metaphor** for degrees of severity in punishment and a striking **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the intended harshness of Rehoboam's reign to instill fear and demonstrate his absolute, unchallengeable authority. This clear **Antithesis** between Solomon's rule and Rehoboam's promised rule ("whereas... but I...") emphasizes the dramatic and tragic shift in leadership philosophy. The entire pronouncement also serves as a potent **Foreshadowing** of the kingdom's imminent division, as Rehoboam's words directly provoke the rebellion. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as Rehoboam's attempt to assert absolute power through intimidation ultimately leads to the loss of most of his kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Rehoboam's declaration is a profound theological statement on the nature of power and the devastating consequences of its misuse. It demonstrates that human arrogance, a refusal to heed wise counsel, and a desire for tyrannical control can directly lead to divine judgment and the unraveling of established order. While Rehoboam acted out of pride and folly, the Chronicler emphasizes God's sovereign hand, fulfilling earlier prophecies regarding the division of the kingdom. This event underscores the biblical principle that leaders are accountable not only to the people but ultimately to God, and that the oppression of the vulnerable is an affront to His justice. It also highlights the fragility of unity when leadership lacks empathy and wisdom, serving as a cautionary tale for all who hold positions of authority.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [1 Kings 12:15](/1-kings/12-15 "The Lord's Purpose in the Division")
* [Psalm 72:4](/psalms/72-4 "A King Who Defends the Afflicted")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rehoboam's disastrous pronouncement in 2 Chronicles 10:11 offers timeless lessons for leadership and personal conduct in any sphere of influence. It challenges us to examine our own responses when confronted with grievances, requests for change, or the needs of those under our care. Do we listen with genuine empathy and humility, seeking wise and compassionate counsel, or do we react with pride, defensiveness, and a desire to assert our own power or will? This passage reminds us that genuine strength in leadership is found not in oppressive force or harsh rhetoric, but in compassionate service and a willingness to lighten burdens rather than increase them. It calls us to consider the long-term consequences of our words and actions, recognizing that harshness often alienates and divides, while grace, understanding, and a servant's heart foster unity, trust, and flourishing. Ultimately, it invites us to reflect on the kind of "yoke" we impose on others, whether in our families, workplaces, churches, or communities, and to strive for leadership that reflects the wisdom and compassion of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when confronted with criticism or requests for change from those I lead or influence?**
* **Am I prone to seeking counsel that confirms my own biases, or do I genuinely seek diverse, wise, and potentially challenging advice?**
* **What "yoke" might I be placing on those under my influence, and how can I lighten it with grace, empathy, and a servant's heart?**

### FAQ
**Was Rehoboam's decision purely his own, or was God involved?**

Answer: While Rehoboam made a conscious choice stemming from his own pride, inexperience, and poor judgment, the Chronicler explicitly states that this division was "from God" ([2 Chronicles 10:15](/2-chronicles/10-15 "The Lord's Purpose in the Division")). This highlights the biblical concept of divine sovereignty, where God can use even human sin and folly to accomplish His purposes, in this case, the fulfillment of a prophecy made to Solomon concerning the division of his kingdom due to his unfaithfulness and idolatry ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1-kings/11-11 "God's Judgment on Solomon")). So, it was both Rehoboam's culpable choice and God's sovereign plan working in concert.

**What is the significance of "scorpions" in this context?**

Answer: In 2 Chronicles 10:11, "scorpions" (Hebrew: _‘aqrabbim_) does not refer to the arachnid, but to a particularly cruel and severe type of whip. It was likely a whip studded with sharp metal or bone pieces, designed to inflict maximum pain and lacerations. Rehoboam's use of this imagery was a deliberate rhetorical device to convey his intent to rule with far greater brutality and oppression than his father Solomon. It was a promise of a reign of terror that would make the previous burdens seem light by comparison, signaling his complete disregard for the people's well-being and his determination to crush any dissent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Rehoboam's oppressive "yoke" and promise of "scorpions" stand in stark contrast to the liberating and gracious "yoke" offered by Jesus Christ, the true and ultimate King. While Rehoboam sought to increase burdens and assert tyrannical power through intimidation, Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising not more oppression but rest for their souls. He declares, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). Unlike Rehoboam, who ruled with whips and scorpions, Jesus, the Lamb of God, governs with love, compassion, and ultimate self-sacrifice, ultimately bearing the heavy yoke of humanity's sin on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4 "The Suffering Servant")), freeing us from the crushing weight of legalism and condemnation. His leadership is characterized by humility and service ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Christ's Humility")), not by the arrogance and oppression that led to the division of Rehoboam's kingdom, offering a perfect model of the benevolent, just, and unifying rule of God.

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.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 8:18

And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.

Exodus 5:5

And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now [are] many, and ye make them rest from their burdens.

Exodus 5:9

Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.

Exodus 1:13

And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:

Exodus 1:14

And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, [was] with rigour.

Revelation 9:3

And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

Exodus 5:18

Go therefore now, [and] work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.