2 Chronicles 10:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 10:5 captures a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, marking King Rehoboam's initial, seemingly prudent, response to the urgent petition of the northern tribes. Having inherited a kingdom burdened by his father Solomon's extensive building projects and heavy taxation, Rehoboam is confronted at Shechem by a delegation demanding relief from the "heavy yoke." His instruction for them to "Come again unto me after three days" signals a period of deliberation, setting the stage for a decision that would irrevocably alter the trajectory of the united monarchy and lead to its tragic division.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the dramatic narrative of the kingdom's dissolution, immediately following the northern tribes' appeal to Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 10:3-4). The people, led by Jeroboam, articulate their grievances, specifically referencing the "grievous service" and "heavy yoke" imposed by King Solomon. Rehoboam's request for a three-day delay is the first step in his decision-making process, directly preceding his consultations with the older, experienced advisors and then with his youthful peers (2 Chronicles 10:6-8). The subsequent verses (2 Chronicles 10:9-11) reveal the conflicting counsel he receives, culminating in his disastrous choice to adopt the harsh advice of his young friends, leading to the immediate rebellion of the ten northern tribes and the division of the kingdom (2 Chronicles 10:16-19). This verse, therefore, acts as a critical pause before the unfolding catastrophe.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this event is Shechem, a historically significant site in Israel, often associated with covenant renewal and leadership transitions (e.g., [Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")). Rehoboam's presence there for his coronation underscores the traditional practice of kings seeking popular affirmation, particularly from all twelve tribes. The "heavy yoke" refers to the substantial forced labor (corvée) and taxation levied by Solomon to fund his vast building programs, including the Temple, his palace, and numerous cities (e.g., [1 Kings 9:15-19](/1_kings/9-15 "1 Kings 9:15-19 - Solomon's Building Projects")). Such burdens, while common in ancient Near Eastern empires, had become oppressive for the Israelites, threatening their tribal autonomy and economic stability. A three-day period for deliberation was a customary practice for rulers facing significant decisions, allowing time for consultation, reflection, and the gathering of information before issuing a binding decree.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate the narrative of 2 Chronicles. Firstly, it highlights **The Peril of Unwise Leadership**, as Rehoboam's initial, seemingly reasonable, delay ultimately leads to a catastrophic decision due to his choice of counsel. The weight of the crown is immediately apparent, underscoring the immense responsibility of a monarch. Secondly, it emphasizes **The Critical Importance of Counsel**, setting the stage for Rehoboam's fateful choice between the wisdom of the elders, who advised clemency and service (2 Chronicles 10:7), and the foolishness of his peers, who advocated for increased oppression (2 Chronicles 10:10-11). Thirdly, the verse subtly **Foreshadows Division and Judgment**. While the act of deliberation is neutral, the tension inherent in the people's demand and Rehoboam's delay tragically sets the stage for the fulfillment of God's prophetic word concerning the tearing of the kingdom from Solomon's house due to his idolatry (e.g., [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). The very act of the people departing underscores their compliance, yet it also creates a dramatic pause before the impending, irreversible schism.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Come again" (Hebrew, _shuv_):** This verb literally means "to turn back," "to return." In this context, it signifies a command for the delegation to reappear before the king. It implies a temporary reprieve or postponement, a deferral of the decision. The use of this imperative highlights Rehoboam's authority, even in this moment of apparent indecision, and sets the expectation for a future, definitive pronouncement.
* **"three days" (Hebrew, _shlosha yamim_):** The period of "three days" is a common motif in biblical narratives, often signifying a short, decisive, or significant interval. It is a period sufficient for reflection, consultation, and preparation, but also short enough to maintain the urgency of the matter. While not inherently symbolic here, its brevity underscores the immediate pressure on Rehoboam and the people's expectation of a swift resolution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes Rehoboam as the speaker, asserting his royal authority and control over the proceedings. It signifies his direct engagement with the people's petition, acknowledging their presence and their grievances. This direct address sets the tone for the subsequent command, indicating that the decision-making process is now formally underway under his leadership.
* **"Come again unto me after three days."**: This is Rehoboam's specific directive. It is a command for a temporary adjournment, indicating that he requires time before rendering a verdict on the weighty matter of the people's "heavy yoke." This period is ostensibly for consultation and careful consideration, a seemingly wise initial step for a new monarch facing a critical challenge to his reign.
* **"And the people departed."**: This final clause signifies the people's immediate obedience to the king's instruction. They comply with his request for a delay, trusting that the king will use this time to deliberate wisely and justly. Their departure creates a moment of suspense, a calm before the storm, as the narrative pauses to anticipate the king's eventual, fateful decision.

#### Literary Devices
The simplicity of 2 Chronicles 10:5 belies its profound literary significance, primarily employing **Foreshadowing** and **Dramatic Pause**. The verse acts as a quiet, yet potent, **Foreshadowing** of the impending national catastrophe. Rehoboam's request for a three-day delay, while outwardly a sensible act of deliberation, sets in motion the chain of events that will lead to the kingdom's division. The very act of the "people departed" creates a **Dramatic Pause**, a moment of suspense before the revelation of Rehoboam's ultimate decision. This pause heightens the tension, allowing the reader to anticipate the gravity of the choice Rehoboam faces and the irreversible consequences that will follow. The seemingly innocuous command and the people's compliance are charged with tragic irony, as this brief interlude will prove to be the last moment of unity before the kingdom is irrevocably torn apart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse, marking a period of royal deliberation, deeply connects to broader biblical themes concerning the nature of leadership, the consequences of human choices, and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan. Rehoboam's failure to heed wise counsel, which becomes evident after this three-day delay, underscores the biblical emphasis on wisdom as a divine gift essential for righteous governance (Proverbs 8:15-16). His subsequent decision to increase the people's burden, rather than lighten it, reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of leadership as service, a principle consistently taught in Scripture. Ultimately, this human failure serves as the immediate catalyst for the division of the kingdom, which, though a result of human sin and folly, also aligns with God's prophetic judgment against Solomon's idolatry (1 Kings 11:9-13). Thus, the verse highlights the intricate interplay between human responsibility and divine sovereignty in the outworking of history.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")
* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Plans Fail for Lack of Counsel")
* [1 Kings 12:15](/1_kings/12-15 "1 Kings 12:15 - God's Hand in the Division")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rehoboam's initial, seemingly prudent, act of seeking a three-day delay before making a monumental decision offers a valuable lesson in the importance of deliberation and seeking counsel. In our own lives, whether in personal choices, family matters, or leadership roles within our communities or workplaces, the impulse to react impulsively can be detrimental. This verse reminds us of the wisdom in pausing, gathering information, and prayerfully considering the implications of our actions. However, the tragic outcome of Rehoboam's story also serves as a potent warning: the *act* of deliberation is not enough; the *quality* of the counsel sought and the *wisdom* with which it is applied are paramount. True wisdom involves not just pausing, but actively seeking God's guidance through His Word and prayer, and discerning counsel that aligns with His principles of justice, mercy, and humility. Our decisions, particularly those made in positions of influence, have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only ourselves but also those under our care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with significant decisions, do I tend to react impulsively or take time for careful deliberation?**
* **What kind of counsel do I seek, and how do I discern wise counsel from foolish counsel?**
* **How does my decision-making process reflect my reliance on God's wisdom rather than solely on human wisdom or personal desires?**
* **What are the potential long-term consequences of my current decisions, and how can I ensure they honor God and serve others well?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rehoboam ask for three days, and what was the significance of this period?**

Answer: Rehoboam requested a three-day delay primarily to allow himself time for deliberation and consultation before making a critical decision that would affect the entire kingdom. This was a customary practice in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, where rulers would often take a period to consult advisors, gather information, and weigh the implications of significant pronouncements. The "three days" itself is a common biblical time marker, often signifying a short, decisive period for reflection, preparation, or the unfolding of a significant event. While not inherently symbolic in this context, it underscores the immediate pressure on Rehoboam and the people's expectation of a swift, yet considered, resolution. Tragically, this period of delay, intended for wise counsel, ultimately led to his disastrous choice to reject the advice of the elders and embrace the harsh counsel of his youthful peers, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 10:6-11](/2_chronicles/10-6 "2 Chronicles 10:6-11 - Rehoboam's Counsel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Rehoboam's failure and the subsequent division of the kingdom, initiated by the pause in 2 Chronicles 10:5, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Rehoboam, a king who failed to lighten the people's burden and instead promised a heavier yoke, stands in stark contrast to Jesus, the perfect King who invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. While Rehoboam's reign led to division and increased oppression, Jesus declares, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). Rehoboam's rejection of wise counsel led to the tearing apart of the earthly kingdom, but Christ, the embodiment of divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24), came to unite a spiritual kingdom. He is the true Son of David who establishes an everlasting kingdom, not through oppressive burdens, but through sacrificial love and the offer of eternal life ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Kingdom of Christ")). The division of Israel foreshadows humanity's separation from God due to sin, a chasm that Christ alone bridges through His atoning work on the cross, bringing reconciliation and unity to all who believe, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and Unity")). Thus, Rehoboam's failure to lead and unite points forward to the perfect leadership and unifying power of Christ, who truly bears our burdens and establishes a kingdom of peace and grace.

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

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.