2 Chronicles 10:5

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

And he said {H559} unto them, Come again {H7725} unto me after three {H7969} days {H3117}. And the people {H5971} departed {H3212}.

He said to them, "Come back to me after three days." So the people left.

Rehoboam answered, “Come back to me in three days.” So the people departed.

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

2 Chronicles 10:5 records King Rehoboam's initial response to the delegation from the northern tribes of Israel. They had approached him at Shechem, where he was to be confirmed as king, with a petition to lighten the heavy burdens of taxation and forced labor imposed during his father Solomon's reign. Rehoboam's instruction for them to "Come again unto me after three days" signifies a period of deliberation before he would render his decision.

Context

This verse is a crucial point in the narrative that leads to the division of the united kingdom of Israel. After King Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne. The people, led by Jeroboam, voiced their grievances over the onerous "yoke" (heavy taxes and labor) that Solomon had placed upon them to fund his extensive building projects. Rehoboam's request for a three-day delay was a customary practice in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, allowing a ruler time to consult advisors and carefully consider a significant national issue before making a pronouncement.

Key Themes

  • The Weight of Leadership: Rehoboam immediately faces a critical challenge to his authority and the unity of the kingdom, highlighting the immense responsibility and pressure that comes with kingship.
  • The Importance of Counsel: The delay indicates Rehoboam's initial recognition that he needed advice, setting the stage for his fateful consultations with both the seasoned elders and his youthful peers.
  • Foreshadowing of Division: While the act of deliberation itself is neutral, this verse tragically sets the stage for Rehoboam's eventual disastrous decision, which directly leads to the schism of the kingdom of Israel into Judah and Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Come again unto me after three days" is straightforward and indicates a standard period for consideration. In Hebrew culture, "three days" could signify a short, decisive period for reflection or preparation. There are no complex Hebrew linguistic nuances beyond its literal meaning; it simply underscores the customary practice of taking time to make weighty decisions.

Practical Application

  • Seek Wise Counsel: Rehoboam's initial move to seek counsel is a good example, though his subsequent choice of which counsel to follow proves fatal. This highlights the importance for leaders today to seek broad, wise, and unbiased advice, rather than just affirmation.
  • Deliberation Over Haste: The principle of taking time to consider significant decisions, rather than reacting impulsively, remains valuable. However, true wisdom involves not just pausing, but also genuinely seeking God's guidance and acting justly.
  • Consequences of Poor Decisions: This verse, as a prelude to Rehoboam's grave error, serves as a timeless reminder that leadership choices have profound and lasting consequences, impacting many lives and even generations.
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.

  • Proverbs 3:28

    Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.

  • 1 Kings 12:5

    And he said unto them, Depart yet [for] three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.
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