2 Chronicles 10:18

KJV

Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that [was] over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to [his] chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then king {H4428} Rehoboam {H7346} sent {H7971} Hadoram {H1913} that was over the tribute {H4522}; and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} stoned {H7275} him with stones {H68}, that he died {H4191}. But king {H4428} Rehoboam {H7346} made speed {H553} to get him up {H5927} to his chariot {H4818}, to flee {H5127} to Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

King Rechav'am then sent Hadoram, who was in charge of forced labor; but the people of Isra'el stoned him to death. King Rechav'am managed to mount his chariot and flee to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Then King Rehoboam sent out Hadoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram, who was over the men subject to taskwork; and the children of Israel stoned him to death with stones. And king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 10:18 vividly depicts the violent culmination of the Israelite northern tribes' rebellion against King Rehoboam, marking the definitive and irreversible schism of the united monarchy. The stoning of Hadoram, Rehoboam's chief of forced labor, symbolizes the people's utter rejection of the oppressive policies of the Davidic dynasty, forcing the king into a hasty and ignominious retreat to Jerusalem, thereby solidifying the kingdom's division.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the dramatic climax of a narrative arc beginning with the people's plea to Rehoboam at Shechem for relief from Solomon's heavy yoke ([2 Chronicles 10:3-4](/2_chronicles/10-3 "2 Chronicles 10:3-4 - The People's Plea")). Rehoboam's fatal error was rejecting the wise, conciliatory counsel of the elders who advised him to serve the people ([2 Chronicles 10:7](/2_chronicles/10-7 "2 Chronicles 10:7 - The Elders' Wise Counsel")). Instead, he embraced the foolish, harsh advice of his young contemporaries, declaring his intention to increase their burdens ([2 Chronicles 10:8-11](/2_chronicles/10-8 "2 Chronicles 10:8-11 - Rehoboam's Foolish Decision")). The people's response to this oppressive declaration was immediate and furious, leading directly to the events of [2 Chronicles 10:18](/2_chronicles/10-18 "2 Chronicles 10:18 - Hadoram's Stoning and Rehoboam's Flight") and the subsequent division detailed in [2 Chronicles 10:19](/2_chronicles/10-19 "2 Chronicles 10:19 - The Division of Israel"). The Chronicler emphasizes Rehoboam's folly as the direct human catalyst for a division that was, ultimately, part of God's sovereign plan due to Solomon's apostasy ([2 Chronicles 10:15](/2_chronicles/10-15 "2 Chronicles 10:15 - God's Hand in the Division")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "tribute" (Hebrew: מַס, _mas_) refers to the system of forced labor or conscription for public works projects, which had been a significant burden since the time of Solomon's extensive building programs, including the temple and his palace ([1 Kings 5:13-18](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13-18 - Solomon's Forced Labor")). Hadoram, as the "overseer of the tribute," was the chief administrator of this deeply unpopular system. His very presence would have been a stark reminder of the oppression the people endured. The stoning was a culturally recognized form of capital punishment in ancient Israel, often carried out by the community for grave offenses, but here it is an act of popular revolt, signifying absolute rejection and murderous rage. Shechem, where this confrontation occurred, was a historically significant site for Israelite assemblies and covenants, making it an ironic and potent location for the breaking of the Davidic covenant with the northern tribes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the **Consequences of Foolish Leadership**, as Rehoboam's pride, lack of discernment, and oppressive attitude directly led to the loss of a significant portion of his kingdom. His failure to listen to sound, elder counsel and his embrace of tyrannical policies alienated the people, demonstrating that true authority is built on service, not mere power. It also highlights **Popular Rebellion and Divine Judgment**, where the people's violent uprising, while seemingly an act of human will, is presented by the Chronicler as a fulfillment of God's prophetic word concerning the division of the kingdom due to Solomon's sin ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). The stoning of Hadoram and Rehoboam's panicked flight underscore the depth of the people's anger and their determination to cast off a tyrannical ruler, acting as agents, albeit unwitting, of divine judgment. Ultimately, [2 Chronicles 10:18](/2_chronicles/10-18 "2 Chronicles 10:18 - The Catalyst for Division") serves as the immediate catalyst for **The Division of the Kingdom**, an irreparable split between the ten northern tribes (who would follow Jeroboam) and the southern kingdom of Judah (loyal to Rehoboam), permanently altering the political and religious landscape of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hadoram (Hebrew, _hadoram'_):** This name, likely a variant of Adoniram or Adoram (as found in parallel accounts like [1 Kings 12:18](/1_kings/12-18 "1 Kings 12:18 - Hadoram's Stoning")), means "Adon is exalted" or "My Lord is exalted." Ironically, the one whose name exalts the Lord is violently rejected by the very people he oversees, becoming a casualty of a king who failed to exalt the Lord through righteous governance. As the chief official "over the tribute," Hadoram embodied the oppressive system of forced labor, making him a direct and highly visible target for the people's accumulated rage and frustration. His death signifies the people's forceful rejection not only of Rehoboam's policies but also of the legacy of heavy taxation and conscription inherited from Solomon's reign.
* **Tribute (Hebrew, מַס, _mas'_):** This term refers to forced labor, conscripted workers, or corvée labor, a system where citizens were compelled to work for the state without pay, often on large public works projects. Solomon had extensively utilized this system for his ambitious building projects, including the Temple and his palace, which placed immense burdens on the populace, particularly the northern tribes. Hadoram's role as "overseer of the tribute" (or forced labor) made him the personification of this oppressive system. His violent death was not merely an attack on an individual but a symbolic and literal act of rebellion against the very structure of royal exploitation that the people sought to dismantle.
* **Stoned (Hebrew, סָקַל, _saqal'_):** The verb "saqal" specifically denotes death by stoning. This method of execution was prescribed in Mosaic Law for certain grave offenses (e.g., blasphemy, idolatry), signifying the community's collective judgment and rejection of the offender. In this context, the stoning of Hadoram is not a legal execution but a spontaneous, violent act of collective outrage and rebellion by the people. It demonstrates the depth of their fury and their complete rejection of Rehoboam's authority and the oppressive system Hadoram represented. The act is brutal and definitive, leaving no doubt about the people's resolve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that [was] over the tribute":** In a display of profound misjudgment and perhaps a desperate attempt to assert control or collect the demanded tribute, Rehoboam dispatched his chief administrator of forced labor. This action reveals Rehoboam's utter lack of empathy and political acumen; he sent the very symbol of the people's oppression to a populace already seething with resentment, effectively throwing fuel on a raging fire. It underscores his failure to grasp the gravity of the situation and the depth of the people's grievances.
* **"and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died":** This clause describes the immediate and violent consequence of Rehoboam's folly. The "children of Israel" here specifically refers to the northern tribes, who, having been provoked by Rehoboam's harsh words, responded with lethal force. The stoning of Hadoram was a visceral act of rebellion, a collective expression of their absolute refusal to submit to further oppression. His death was not an accident but a deliberate, public execution by the enraged populace, signaling their complete break from the Davidic monarchy's authority.
* **"But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to [his] chariot, to flee to Jerusalem":** Witnessing the brutal murder of his chief official and facing the full force of the people's wrath, Rehoboam's bravado evaporated. His immediate reaction was self-preservation. He hastily mounted his chariot and fled back to Jerusalem, the capital of Judah, his ancestral territory. This ignominious retreat symbolizes the complete collapse of his authority over the northern tribes and marks the de facto division of the kingdom. His flight underscores his failure as a leader and the irreversible nature of the breach.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is evident in Rehoboam's decision to send Hadoram, the very embodiment of the hated "tribute" system, to a people demanding relief from it. This act, intended to assert authority, instead provoked the ultimate rebellion and resulted in Hadoram's death. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as Hadoram's violent death and Rehoboam's panicked flight clearly predict the impending and permanent division of the united monarchy, which is explicitly stated in the subsequent verse. The rapid sequence of events—Rehoboam sending Hadoram, the stoning, and Rehoboam's flight—creates a sense of **Dramatic Climax** and rapid escalation, emphasizing the irreversible nature of the people's revolt. Furthermore, Hadoram serves as a **Symbol** of the oppressive policies of Solomon's reign and Rehoboam's continuation of them; his death is thus a symbolic slaying of the oppressive system itself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in Israelite history, marked by Rehoboam's disastrous leadership and the violent rebellion, serves as a powerful testament to the consequences of pride, unrighteous governance, and a failure to heed wise counsel. The Chronicler emphasizes that while human choices were clearly at play, this division was ultimately orchestrated by God as a direct consequence of Solomon's unfaithfulness and idolatry, demonstrating divine sovereignty even in the midst of human folly and sin. It underscores the principle that leadership, especially in God's covenant people, is a sacred trust requiring humility, wisdom, and a commitment to justice and righteousness, rather than self-serving power. The narrative implicitly teaches that God holds leaders accountable for their actions and that His justice will ultimately prevail, even if it means the fracturing of a divinely established kingdom.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction")
* [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon's House")
* [Psalm 78:70-72](/psalm/78-70 "Psalm 78:70-72 - God's Choice of David as Shepherd")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Rehoboam's downfall and the kingdom's division offers profound lessons for all, not just those in positions of authority. It serves as a stark reminder that pride, stubbornness, and a refusal to listen to wise, empathetic counsel can lead to catastrophic consequences, both personally and corporately. In our own lives, we are often faced with choices between immediate gratification or perceived strength, and the path of humility, service, and genuine listening. This passage challenges us to consider whose counsel we prioritize – is it the comfortable echo chamber of those who affirm our biases, or the sometimes uncomfortable but truthful wisdom of those who seek our true well-being and the good of others? It calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, recognizing that true strength lies not in wielding power oppressively, but in serving others with compassion and justice, and being responsive to their legitimate needs and concerns.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be acting like Rehoboam, prioritizing my own will or comfort over the wise counsel of others or the needs of those around me?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater spirit of humility and a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives, especially when they challenge my preconceived notions?**
* **What are the potential "yokes" or burdens that I, or my community, might be placing on others, either intentionally or unintentionally, and how can I work to lighten them?**

### FAQ

**Q: Who was Hadoram and why was he stoned?**

Answer: Hadoram was the chief official "over the tribute" (or forced labor) under King Rehoboam, and likely also under his father, Solomon. He was stoned by the northern tribes of Israel because he represented the oppressive system of forced labor and heavy taxation that the people vehemently opposed. Rehoboam, in a grave miscalculation, sent Hadoram to address the rebellious people, effectively sending the very symbol of their oppression. The stoning was a spontaneous act of extreme popular rage and rebellion, signifying the people's absolute rejection of Rehoboam's authority and the policies of the Davidic monarchy. His death was a direct catalyst for the full-scale revolt and the subsequent division of the kingdom, as seen in [2 Chronicles 10:19](/2_chronicles/10-19 "2 Chronicles 10:19 - The Division of Israel").

**Q: Was the division of the kingdom solely Rehoboam's fault, or was it God's will?**

Answer: The biblical narrative presents the division of the kingdom as both a consequence of Rehoboam's foolish choices and a fulfillment of God's sovereign will. Rehoboam's pride, his rejection of the elders' wise counsel, and his harsh response to the people's plea were undeniably the immediate human catalysts for the split. His actions demonstrated a profound failure of leadership. However, the Chronicler explicitly states that "the turn of affairs was from God" ([2 Chronicles 10:15](/2_chronicles/10-15 "2 Chronicles 10:15 - God's Hand in the Division")), indicating that this event was part of God's predetermined plan. This divine judgment was a consequence of King Solomon's idolatry and unfaithfulness to the covenant, as prophesied by the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). Thus, human responsibility and divine sovereignty are interwoven in this tragic but purposeful historical event.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The disastrous reign of Rehoboam, marked by pride, oppression, and the fracturing of a kingdom, stands in stark contrast to the perfect kingship of Jesus Christ. Rehoboam sought to increase the people's burden, but Christ came to lighten it, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). While Rehoboam fled in fear from the people's wrath, Jesus, the true King, willingly faced the wrath of God for His people, enduring the ultimate rejection and crucifixion to secure their salvation ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - He was pierced for our transgressions")). Unlike Rehoboam, who lost a kingdom due to his pride, Christ, though eternally divine, humbled Himself to become a servant, ultimately receiving a kingdom that will never be divided or destroyed ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation"); [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion")). The failed human kingship of Rehoboam underscores the desperate need for a perfect, just, and compassionate King—one who rules not with a heavy yoke of forced labor, but with grace, truth, and sacrificial love, gathering all His people into an eternal, undivided kingdom ([Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9 "Ephesians 1:9-10 - God's Plan to Unite All Things in Christ")).

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 Kings 5:14

And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, [and] two months at home: and Adoniram [was] over the levy.

1 Kings 4:6

And Ahishar [was] over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda [was] over the tribute.

2 Chronicles 24:21

And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.

Acts 7:57

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

Acts 7:58

And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.