2 Chronicles 10:16

KJV

And when all Israel [saw] that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and [we have] none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: [and] now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when all Israel {H3478} saw {H7200} that the king {H4428} would not hearken {H8085} unto them, the people {H5971} answered {H7725} the king {H4428}, saying {H559}, What portion {H2506} have we in David {H1732}? and we have none inheritance {H5159} in the son {H1121} of Jesse {H3448}: every man {H376} to your tents {H168}, O Israel {H3478}: and now, David {H1732}, see {H7200} to thine own house {H1004}. So all Israel {H3478} went {H3212} to their tents {H168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When all Isra'el [saw] that the king wasn't listening to them, the people answered the king, "Do we have any share in David? We have no heritage in the son of Yishai! Everyone to your tents, Isra'el! Care for your own house, David!" So all Isra'el left for their tents.

Berean Standard Bible

When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So all the Israelites went home,

American Standard Version

And when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So all Israel departed unto their tents.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 10:16 records the climactic moment of the united monarchy's dissolution, as the northern tribes of Israel, exasperated by King Rehoboam's oppressive policies and arrogant refusal to lighten their burdens, defiantly declare their secession from the Davidic dynasty. This verse captures their furious repudiation of the king and the royal house, signaling the tragic and irreversible split that would forever divide the kingdom into Israel in the north and Judah in the south.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the dramatic culmination of the negotiations between Rehoboam and the people of Israel following Solomon's death. The preceding verses (2 Chronicles 10:1-15) detail the people's plea for relief from the heavy yoke of Solomon's reign, Rehoboam's consultation with both wise elders and foolish young advisors, and his ultimate, disastrous decision to heed the latter, promising to increase their burdens rather than lighten them. The people's response in 2 Chronicles 10:16 is the immediate and direct consequence of Rehoboam's obstinacy, marking the point of no return and setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of the divided kingdoms.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Shechem, a historically significant site for tribal assemblies and covenants, underscoring the gravity of the meeting. Following the opulent and demanding reign of King Solomon, characterized by massive building projects and extensive taxation, the people were weary. The request for lighter burdens was legitimate, reflecting real economic strain. The Davidic dynasty, though divinely established, was now perceived by many as an oppressive regime. The phrase "every man to your tents, O Israel" was a traditional rallying cry for tribal independence, harkening back to earlier periods of tribal autonomy and even rebellion against central authority, such as Sheba's revolt in [2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Rebellion").
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights the **rejection of leadership** and the breaking of loyalty to the Davidic covenant, as the northern tribes declare "What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse." Secondly, it starkly illustrates the dire **consequences of pride and foolishness** in leadership, as Rehoboam's arrogance directly precipitates the kingdom's fracturing, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of humility and wise counsel, a theme echoed throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs"). Thirdly, while human choices are central, the narrative also subtly underscores **divine sovereignty**, revealing that this tragic division was, in fact, a fulfillment of God's prophetic word through Ahijah to Jeroboam concerning Solomon's idolatry, as detailed in [1 Kings 11:31-35](/1_kings/11-31 "1 Kings 11:31-35 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam"). Finally, it marks the definitive beginning of the **Divided Monarchy**, a period of profound theological and political significance for Israel's history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Portion (Hebrew, _cheleq_):** This term signifies a share, lot, or inheritance, often referring to a share in land, property, or a common destiny. When the people declare, "What portion have we in David?", they are asserting that they have no common stake, no shared interest, and no claim to the legacy or benefits associated with the Davidic house. It's a declaration of complete disassociation and a rejection of any future participation in the Davidic kingdom's affairs.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachalah_):** This word carries a deeper theological and legal weight than "portion," referring to an allotted possession, often land or a birthright, passed down through generations. By stating "none inheritance in the son of Jesse," the people are not merely rejecting a share but disavowing any claim to the foundational promises and blessings tied to David's lineage, including the land and the covenant. It's a profound renunciation of their historical and spiritual ties to the Davidic line.
* **Tents (Hebrew, _ohel_):** While literally meaning "tent," in this context, "every man to your tents, O Israel" functions as a proverbial expression. It does not mean they literally returned to nomadic tents, but rather to their homes, their tribal regions, and their independent ways of life, abandoning the central authority of the capital and the unified monarchy. It's a powerful and traditional call for dispersal and a return to tribal autonomy, a declaration of secession.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them":** This phrase highlights the people's realization of Rehoboam's stubbornness and unwillingness to compromise. Their observation of his unyielding stance is the immediate trigger for their decisive action. It underscores the king's failure to listen to the legitimate grievances of his subjects.
* **"the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David?":** This is a direct, defiant rhetorical question. It signifies a complete break from loyalty to the Davidic dynasty. It's a declaration that they no longer recognize the Davidic line as their rightful or beneficial ruler, echoing a similar sentiment from Sheba's rebellion ([2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Rebellion")).
* **"and [we have] none inheritance in the son of Jesse:":** This clause reinforces the previous statement, using a poetic and familial reference to David ("son of Jesse"). It emphasizes the absolute and irrevocable nature of their rejection, not just of Rehoboam, but of the entire lineage and the covenant associated with David. They are cutting all ties to the royal house.
* **"every man to your tents, O Israel:":** This is the rallying cry for secession. It's a command for the people to abandon the capital and the king, returning to their own tribal territories and reasserting their independence. It's a call to dissolve the unified kingdom.
* **"and now, David, see to thine own house.":** This is a sarcastic and contemptuous dismissal of Rehoboam. By calling him "David," they mockingly challenge him to rule over his own house (Judah and Benjamin) since the rest of Israel has abandoned him. It's a final, cutting word of defiance.
* **"So all Israel went to their tents.":** This concluding statement confirms the immediate and decisive action taken by the northern tribes. It signifies the physical and political manifestation of their declaration, marking the definitive split of the kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Repudiation** and **Defiance**, as the people's language is direct and confrontational, expressing their absolute rejection of Rehoboam and the Davidic line. The rhetorical question, "What portion have we in David?", is a powerful example of **Interrogative Rhetoric**, designed not to elicit an answer but to convey a firm declaration of disassociation. There is clear **Parallelism** in the phrases "What portion have we in David?" and "none inheritance in the son of Jesse," which intensifies the message of complete severance. The use of "son of Jesse" is a form of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy**, referring to the entire Davidic dynasty through its humble progenitor, emphasizing the people's rejection of the entire lineage. The command "every man to your tents, O Israel" functions as a **Symbolic Call to Action**, where "tents" represents tribal autonomy and a return to their respective territories rather than literal nomadic dwellings. Finally, the sarcastic address "David, see to thine own house" employs **Irony** and **Sarcasm**, highlighting the people's contempt for Rehoboam and their dismissal of his authority over them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse underscores the tension between human agency and divine sovereignty in the unfolding of biblical history. While Rehoboam's pride and foolishness were the immediate human catalysts for the kingdom's division, the narrative simultaneously reveals God's overarching plan at work, fulfilling prophecies made due to Solomon's idolatry. The rejection of the Davidic king by the majority of Israel highlights the fragility of human institutions and the consequences of unrighteous leadership, even within a divinely established covenant. It serves as a stark reminder that God's promises, such as the eternal nature of the Davidic covenant, are ultimately fulfilled not through the unbroken line of flawed human kings, but through a greater, perfect King. The division also sets the stage for the distinct spiritual journeys of the two kingdoms, Israel and Judah, each facing their own challenges of idolatry and faithfulness to the Lord.

* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2_samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")
* [1 Kings 11:31-35](/1_kings/11-31 "1 Kings 11:31-35 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of 2 Chronicles 10:16 offers profound lessons for contemporary leadership and community dynamics. Rehoboam's failure to listen to wise counsel and his arrogant response to legitimate grievances serve as a potent warning: pride and insensitivity in positions of authority often lead to alienation, division, and the collapse of trust. For leaders, this passage underscores the vital importance of humility, empathy, and the willingness to genuinely hear and address the concerns of those they lead, even when those concerns are challenging. A compassionate and just response, rather than a harsh or demanding one, is often the path to unity and stability. For individuals within a community, it highlights the consequences of rash decisions and the deep impact of leadership choices on the collective well-being. It also reminds us that while human actions have real consequences, God's sovereign plan ultimately prevails, even through human failures. We are called to seek wisdom, practice humility, and foster unity, recognizing that division often stems from a lack of listening and an abundance of pride.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Rehoboam's failure to listen to wise counsel challenge leaders today in their decision-making processes?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or communities, be tempted to choose harshness over compassion when addressing grievances, and what might be the consequences?**
* **What does this account teach us about the long-term impact of short-sighted, prideful decisions on relationships and institutions?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people say "What portion have we in David?" when they were addressing Rehoboam?**

Answer: This defiant declaration was not merely a rejection of Rehoboam personally, but a complete repudiation of the entire Davidic dynasty and its claim to their loyalty. The phrase "What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse" signifies a total break from the shared heritage, covenant, and future associated with David's royal line. It echoes an earlier tribal cry of rebellion, such as that of Sheba in [2 Samuel 20:1](/2_samuel/20-1 "2 Samuel 20:1 - Sheba's Rebellion"), indicating a deep-seated discontent with centralized authority that predated Rehoboam. By invoking David's name, they were dismissing the very foundation of Rehoboam's claim to the throne over them.

**Was this division solely due to Rehoboam's actions?**

Answer: While Rehoboam's prideful and foolish decisions were the immediate and human catalyst for the split, the biblical narrative makes it clear that this division was also part of God's sovereign plan. [1 Kings 11:31-35](/1_kings/11-31 "1 Kings 11:31-35 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam") records the prophet Ahijah's prophecy to Jeroboam, stating that God would tear ten tribes from Solomon's kingdom due to Solomon's idolatry. Thus, Rehoboam's actions, though stemming from his own free will and poor judgment, ultimately served to fulfill God's predetermined purpose, demonstrating how human choices can align with divine will, even in tragic outcomes.

**What does "every man to your tents, O Israel" mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a traditional rallying cry in ancient Israel, signaling a return to tribal independence and a rejection of central authority. It does not imply that the people literally lived in tents, but rather that they would return to their own homes, lands, and tribal regions, abandoning the capital (Jerusalem) and the unified monarchy. It was a declaration of secession, a call for the tribes to disperse and govern themselves, effectively dissolving the united kingdom that had existed under Saul, David, and Solomon.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic division of the kingdom in 2 Chronicles 10:16, born of human pride and folly, profoundly underscores the essential need for a perfect, unwavering King. The failure of Rehoboam and the subsequent fracturing of the Davidic dynasty highlight the inherent limitations and brokenness of earthly kingship, even within a divinely chosen line. This historical event, therefore, serves as a powerful backdrop for understanding the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ, the true Son of David. Unlike Rehoboam, whose harsh words alienated his people, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, speaks words of grace and truth, drawing His sheep to Himself (cf. [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")). His kingdom is not divided by human sin or political strife, for it is an eternal kingdom established on righteousness and peace (cf. [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign"); [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")). Where Israel sought a "portion" and "inheritance" that a flawed human king could not secure, believers find their ultimate "portion" and "inheritance" in Christ Himself, through whom they are brought into the unshakeable kingdom of God (cf. [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"); [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). Jesus' reign is characterized by humility, justice, and self-sacrifice, in stark contrast to the oppressive rule of Rehoboam, offering a unified and everlasting hope that no earthly king could ever provide.

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.