2 Chronicles 10:12

¶ 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.

So Jeroboam {H3379} and all the people {H5971} came {H935} to Rehoboam {H7346} on the third {H7992} day {H3117}, as the king {H4428} bade {H1696}, saying {H559}, Come again {H7725} to me on the third {H7992} day {H3117}.

So Yarov'am and all the people came to Rechav'am the third day, as the king had requested by saying, "Come to me again the third day";

After three days, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, since the king had said, “Come back to me on the third day.”

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come to me again the third day.

2 Chronicles 10:12 KJV Commentary: The Return for a King's Decision

Context

This verse marks a critical juncture in the history of Israel, immediately following the death of King Solomon. His son, Rehoboam, was set to ascend the throne. The people, burdened by the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed during Solomon's reign, approached Rehoboam with a petition for relief. Led by Jeroboam, who had returned from his exile in Egypt, they asked Rehoboam to lighten their load. Rehoboam, rather than giving an immediate answer, requested three days to consider their plea. This verse describes the people's punctual return to hear his long-awaited decision, setting the stage for the dramatic division of the kingdom.

Key Themes

  • Anticipation and Expectation: The people's prompt return on the third day highlights their earnest hope for a compassionate and favorable response from their new king. They were ready for change.
  • Pivotal Leadership Moment: This exact moment was a crucible for Rehoboam's reign. His decision would either unite or divide the nation, demonstrating the immense weight of leadership choices.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Human Affairs: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the events unfolding were part of God's larger plan, as prophesied through the prophet Ahijah. God was working through the human choices and failures of Rehoboam and Jeroboam to bring about the kingdom's division.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "as the king bade" simply means "as the king commanded" or "as the king instructed." There are no complex Hebrew nuances here; it straightforwardly indicates that the people complied with Rehoboam's request for a three-day delay. The "third day" is a literal period, not carrying symbolic weight in this particular context.

Related Scriptures

To fully grasp the significance of this verse, it is helpful to consider the preceding events and the immediate aftermath:

Practical Application

This verse, though brief, sets the stage for profound lessons:

  • The Importance of Listening: Leaders, whether in family, business, or government, must cultivate the skill of truly listening to the concerns of those they lead. Ignoring genuine grievances can have severe repercussions.
  • Consequences of Prideful Decisions: Rehoboam's eventual response, driven by a desire to assert absolute power rather than serve, led to the loss of most of his kingdom. It serves as a timeless warning against pride and arrogance in leadership.
  • Patience and Trust: While the people waited three days, they were about to receive an answer that would change their nation forever. Sometimes, we must wait for answers, trusting that even through challenging circumstances, God's ultimate plan is unfolding.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Chronicles 10:5

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

  • 1 Kings 12:12

    So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.

  • 1 Kings 12:15

    Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
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