2 Chronicles 10:6

And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye [me] to return answer to this people?

And king {H4428} Rehoboam {H7346} took counsel {H3289} with the old {H2205} men that had stood {H5975} before {H6440} Solomon {H8010} his father {H1} while he yet lived {H2416}, saying {H559}, What {H349} counsel give {H3289} ye me to return {H7725} answer {H1697} to this people {H5971}?

King Rechav'am consulted the older men who had been in attendance on Shlomo his father during his lifetime and asked, "What advice would you give me as to how to answer these people?"

Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked.

And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people?

Commentary

2 Chronicles 10:6 introduces a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, immediately following the death of King Solomon and the succession of his son, Rehoboam. The verse describes Rehoboam's initial step in addressing the grievances of the people, who had approached him with a petition to lighten the heavy burdens imposed during Solomon's reign, particularly forced labor and taxation.

Historical and Cultural Context

Upon Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel faced a critical juncture. The northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, confronted Rehoboam at Shechem, demanding relief from the oppressive service and "heavy yoke" (often referring to harsh labor or taxation) that had characterized Solomon's ambitious building projects. Rehoboam, as the new monarch, was faced with a significant leadership challenge. His decision would determine the future unity of the nation. His act of seeking counsel from the "old men" who had served his father, King Solomon, indicates an initial recognition of the gravity of the situation and the value of seasoned experience. These men were not merely aged but possessed practical wisdom gained from years of advising a king renowned for his own wisdom, King Solomon himself.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Seeking Wise Counsel: Rehoboam's first action is to seek advice, a positive sign of leadership. However, the narrative highlights the importance not just of seeking counsel, but of discerning and ultimately following good counsel.
  • The Value of Experience: The "old men" represent wisdom born of experience, having witnessed the successes and challenges of Solomon's lengthy reign. Their perspective would naturally lean towards stability and maintaining the kingdom's unity.
  • Leadership and Succession: This verse underscores the immense pressure and critical decisions faced by new leaders. Rehoboam's choices here set the stage for the dramatic division of the kingdom of Israel into two separate entities.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "took counsel" (וַיִּוָּעַץ, vayyiva'atz) indicates a deliberate act of consultation, seeking advice or deliberation. The "old men" (הַזְּקֵנִים, haz'qenim) refers not just to their age but to their status as elders and experienced advisors. Their counsel would typically be rooted in traditional wisdom and a deep understanding of the people and royal administration.

Practical Application

The account of Rehoboam serves as a timeless lesson for leaders in any sphere—government, business, or even family. It emphasizes the critical importance of seeking advice from those with proven experience and wisdom, especially during times of crisis or significant transition. While seeking counsel is prudent, the narrative further implies the necessity of discerning which counsel to follow. True wisdom often lies in understanding the long-term implications of decisions and valuing the well-being of those being led over personal pride or short-sighted gains. This verse encourages us to consider the source and nature of the advice we receive, especially when facing pivotal choices.

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Cross-References

  • Job 32:7 (4 votes)

    I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

  • Job 8:8 (2 votes)

    ¶ For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:

  • Job 8:9 (2 votes)

    (For we [are but of] yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth [are] a shadow:)

  • Proverbs 12:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise.

  • Proverbs 19:20 (2 votes)

    ¶ Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

  • Jeremiah 42:20 (2 votes)

    For ye dissembled in your hearts, when ye sent me unto the LORD your God, saying, Pray for us unto the LORD our God; and according unto all that the LORD our God shall say, so declare unto us, and we will do [it].

  • 2 Samuel 17:5 (2 votes)

    Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.