2 Chronicles 10:12

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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";

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse in 2 Chronicles 10:12 marks the highly anticipated return of Jeroboam and the people of Israel to King Rehoboam. After a three-day delay granted by the new monarch to consider their petition for relief from the heavy burdens of Solomon's reign, the people faithfully reassembled. Their punctual arrival signifies the profound tension and expectation surrounding Rehoboam's impending decision, which would ultimately determine the unity or division of the Israelite kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical turning point in the historical narrative of Israel, immediately following the death of King Solomon and the succession of his son, Rehoboam. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 10:1-5) detail the assembly of all Israel at Shechem to make Rehoboam king, and their collective plea, led by Jeroboam, for the new king to lighten the oppressive yoke of taxation and forced labor imposed by Solomon. Rehoboam's initial response was a request for three days to deliberate before giving his answer. Thus, 2 Chronicles 10:12 serves as the precise moment of the people's return, setting the stage for Rehoboam's fateful pronouncement in 2 Chronicles 10:13-14 and the subsequent, tragic division of the united monarchy, a narrative also paralleled in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - Division of the Kingdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The backdrop to this verse is the immense wealth and grand building projects undertaken during Solomon's reign, including the Temple and his own palace, which were financed through heavy taxation and a system of forced labor (corvée). While these projects brought glory and infrastructure, they also created significant economic and social strain on the populace, particularly the northern tribes who felt disproportionately burdened. Jeroboam, a former overseer of forced labor under Solomon, had previously rebelled and fled to Egypt (1 Kings 11:26-40), making his return and leadership of the delegation highly significant. The "third day" was a common, though not exclusively symbolic, period for significant events or decisions in the ancient Near East, adding an element of suspense and anticipation to the king's impending declaration. The people's expectation was that a new king would usher in an era of relief and justice, a common hope at the start of a new reign.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes converging in this verse include **Anticipation and Expectation**, as the people's prompt return underscores their earnest hope for a compassionate and favorable response from their new king, signaling their readiness for change. It highlights a **Pivotal Leadership Moment** for Rehoboam, where his decision would either unite or irrevocably divide the nation, demonstrating the immense weight of choices made by those in authority. Furthermore, this verse subtly points to **Divine Sovereignty in Human Affairs**. Although not explicitly stated within this single verse, the unfolding events, including Rehoboam's poor decision, are presented in the broader narrative as part of God's larger plan, precisely as [prophesied through the prophet Ahijah](/1_kings/11-31 "1 Kings 11:31 - Ahijah's Prophecy of Division") concerning the division of the kingdom. This illustrates how God works through human choices and failures to bring about His purposes, even the challenging ones, as seen in the subsequent account of the kingdom's split recorded in [2 Chronicles 10:16-19](/2_chronicles/10-16 "2 Chronicles 10:16-19 - The People Rebel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Hebrew, בּוֹא, _bo'_):** This verb signifies a purposeful and direct movement. In this context, it emphasizes the unified and determined approach of Jeroboam and "all the people" to Rehoboam. It's not a casual gathering but a formal, expectant assembly, highlighting the gravity of the occasion and the people's compliance with the king's command.
* **bade (Hebrew, אָמַר, _'amar_):** Meaning "said" or "commanded," this word simply indicates that the king had issued an instruction. While seemingly straightforward, it underscores Rehoboam's initial exercise of royal authority in setting the terms of their next meeting. The people's compliance ("as the king bade") demonstrates their respect for the royal prerogative, at least at this stage, and their willingness to follow the established protocol.
* **third day (Hebrew, יוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי, _yom hash-shlishi_):** This phrase denotes a literal passage of time, a period of 72 hours. While the "third day" can carry symbolic weight in other biblical contexts (e.g., resurrection), here it primarily serves as a practical timeframe for deliberation. It builds narrative suspense, allowing Rehoboam to consult his advisors and for the tension to mount among the waiting populace, making the eventual decision all the more impactful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day":** This clause describes the fulfillment of Rehoboam's earlier command. The inclusion of "Jeroboam and all the people" signifies a united front, with Jeroboam acting as the primary spokesman and leader of the northern tribes. Their punctuality "on the third day" underscores their earnestness, their compliance with the royal decree, and the high stakes involved in the awaited decision. It highlights the collective anticipation of a resolution to their grievances.
* **"as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day":** This parenthetical phrase serves as a reminder of the king's previous instruction, reinforcing the people's obedience to his command. It reiterates the specific timeframe that Rehoboam himself had set, emphasizing that the people were merely fulfilling his request. This detail builds narrative tension by drawing attention to the king's responsibility to deliver on his promise of a considered response.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though brief, is rich in **Foreshadowing** and **Dramatic Irony**. The very act of the people's punctual return on the "third day" creates a palpable sense of anticipation and subtly foreshadows the momentous and tragic decision that is about to unfold. The narrative tension built by the three-day wait sets the stage for the dramatic division of the kingdom, which the audience, knowing the broader biblical history, is aware of, creating **Dramatic Irony**. The people's hopeful return contrasts sharply with the disastrous outcome that awaits them due to Rehoboam's prideful choice. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Pivotal Moment** in the narrative, marking the culmination of the waiting period and the precipice of a major historical shift for Israel. The phrase "as the king bade" also serves as a form of **Repetition** or **Echo**, reminding the reader of the king's earlier instruction and highlighting the people's adherence to it, thereby intensifying the focus on Rehoboam's impending verdict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a simple statement of fact, is profoundly significant in its theological implications. It underscores the principle that human decisions, even those driven by pride or folly, operate within the overarching framework of divine sovereignty. While Rehoboam's request for a three-day delay and his subsequent rejection of wise counsel were entirely his own choices, the biblical narrative explicitly states that these events were "from the Lord, that he might perform his word, which the LORD spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat" (2 Chronicles 10:15). This demonstrates God's ability to orchestrate His purposes through the free will and even the sin of humanity. The people's patient return also highlights the theme of expectation and the desire for righteous leadership, a longing that ultimately points to the need for a perfect King.

* [1 Kings 11:31](/1_kings/11-31 "1 Kings 11:31 - Ahijah's Prophecy of Division")
* [2 Chronicles 10:15](/2_chronicles/10-15 "2 Chronicles 10:15 - The Lord's Doing")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The return of Jeroboam and the people on the third day, full of anticipation, offers profound lessons for contemporary life, particularly concerning leadership, counsel, and the consequences of our choices. Like Rehoboam, we often face critical decisions that require careful deliberation and the seeking of wise counsel. This verse reminds us of the importance of truly listening to the concerns of those we lead or interact with, rather than dismissing their legitimate grievances or prioritizing our own desires for power or comfort. Rehoboam's eventual rejection of the experienced elders' advice in favor of his youthful peers' harsh counsel serves as a timeless warning against pride, arrogance, and the folly of surrounding ourselves only with those who affirm our preconceived notions. For the people, their patient waiting on the third day, despite their burdens, speaks to the need for perseverance and trust, even when the outcome is uncertain. We are called to exercise discernment in our own decision-making processes, understanding that our choices have far-reaching impacts, not just on ourselves but on our communities and those under our influence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when faced with a significant decision that requires a period of waiting or deliberation?**
* **What kind of counsel do I seek when facing important choices, and am I genuinely open to advice that may challenge my initial inclinations?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to prioritize my own authority or comfort over the well-being and legitimate concerns of others, similar to Rehoboam's error?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rehoboam ask for three days to respond to the people's petition?**

Answer: Rehoboam requested a three-day delay (as seen in [2 Chronicles 10:5](/2_chronicles/10-5 "2 Chronicles 10:5 - Rehoboam's Three-Day Delay")) primarily to consult with his advisors. He first sought counsel from the older, experienced elders who had served his father Solomon, and then from the younger men with whom he had grown up. This period of deliberation was intended to allow him to formulate a response to the people's demand for relief from the heavy burdens of Solomon's reign.

**Who was Jeroboam, and why was he leading the people's delegation?**

Answer: Jeroboam was a capable and ambitious Ephraimite, a former servant of King Solomon whom Solomon had put in charge of all the forced labor of the house of Joseph ([1 Kings 11:28](/1_kings/11-28 "1 Kings 11:28 - Jeroboam, a Mighty Man of Valor")). He had previously been prophesied by the prophet Ahijah to receive ten tribes of Israel as king ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). Due to Solomon's attempt to kill him, Jeroboam had fled to Egypt, returning only after Solomon's death. His leadership of the delegation to Rehoboam was significant because he represented the strong grievances of the northern tribes and was already divinely appointed to play a key role in the kingdom's division.

**Does the "third day" in this verse carry any symbolic meaning, as it does in other biblical contexts?**

Answer: While the "third day" often signifies a significant turning point, divine intervention, or resurrection in other biblical narratives (e.g., Jonah in the fish, Jesus' resurrection), in 2 Chronicles 10:12, it primarily functions as a literal timeframe for deliberation. It serves to build narrative tension and highlights the king's request for time to consider his response. Any symbolic weight would be secondary to its primary function of marking the passage of time for a crucial human decision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Rehoboam's failure and the division of the kingdom in 2 Chronicles 10:12, and the verses that follow, powerfully points to the necessity of a perfect King, Jesus Christ. Rehoboam, burdened by pride and poor counsel, chose to increase the people's burdens, leading to rebellion and schism. This stands in stark contrast to the reign of Christ, who declares, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Unlike Rehoboam, who sought to assert oppressive power, Jesus, our true King, came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His counsel is always perfect and leads to life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")), never to division or destruction. The fractured kingdom under Rehoboam foreshadows humanity's inherent brokenness and our inability to achieve lasting unity under human leadership. Christ, however, unites all who believe in Him into one spiritual body, the Church, tearing down dividing walls and bringing reconciliation ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, the King whose reign brings true justice, peace, and an everlasting kingdom that will never be divided ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Son of David")).

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

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.