2 Chronicles 10:7

KJV

And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they spake {H1696} unto him, saying {H559}, If thou be kind {H2896} to this people {H5971}, and please {H7521} them, and speak {H1696} good {H2896} words {H1697} to them, they will be thy servants {H5650} for ever {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to him, "If you will treat these people kindly, pleasing them and giving them favorable consideration, they will be your servants forever."

Berean Standard Bible

They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.”

American Standard Version

And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This pivotal verse captures the counsel given to Rehoboam, Solomon's son, by the elder statesmen of Israel as he prepared to ascend the throne. They advised him that if he would demonstrate kindness, serve the people's needs, and speak gracious words to them, their loyalty and willing service would be secured perpetually. This counsel stood in stark contrast to the oppressive policies of his father and foreshadowed the tragic division of the kingdom when Rehoboam ultimately rejected this wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Israel's history, immediately following the death of King Solomon and preceding the formal ascension of his son, Rehoboam, to the throne. The narrative in [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - The Division of the Kingdom") parallels [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - Rehoboam's Folly and the Kingdom's Division"). The northern tribes, who had borne the brunt of Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor, approached Rehoboam with a collective plea to lighten their burdens. In response, Rehoboam sought counsel from two distinct groups: the seasoned elders who had served his father, and his younger peers. This verse presents the wise, compassionate advice offered by the experienced older counselors, setting the stage for Rehoboam's fateful decision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The united monarchy of Israel, under David and Solomon, had reached its zenith, but at a significant cost to the populace, particularly the northern tribes. Solomon's ambitious building projects, including the Temple and his palace, required immense resources and forced labor, creating widespread discontent. Upon a new king's accession, it was customary for the people to present petitions, often seeking redress for grievances. The elders' counsel reflects an understanding of the delicate balance required for stable governance in a tribal society, where loyalty was often conditional and earned through just rule rather than simply inherited. The geographical setting, with the northern tribes distinct from Judah, also played a role in their collective identity and willingness to challenge the central authority in Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme emerging from this verse is **wisdom in leadership**. The elders' advice champions a style of governance rooted in empathy, service, and gracious communication, contrasting sharply with the authoritarian approach that had characterized the latter part of Solomon's reign. It underscores the profound truth that true authority and lasting loyalty are cultivated through genuine care for the people, rather than through coercion or oppression. This passage also highlights the **consequences of leadership choices**, as Rehoboam's subsequent rejection of this sound counsel, detailed in [2 Chronicles 10:12-19](/2_chronicles/10-12 "2 Chronicles 10:12-19 - Rehoboam's Harsh Reply and the Kingdom's Division"), directly led to the tragic **division of the united kingdom** into Israel (north) and Judah (south), a pivotal event in Israel's history. The power of words, both to build up and to tear down, is also a significant underlying theme, echoing principles found throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kind (Hebrew, _tov_):** The Hebrew word טוֹב (_tov_) here means "good," "pleasant," or "agreeable." When applied to a person's disposition or actions, it signifies a benevolent, favorable, and gracious attitude. The counselors are not merely suggesting superficial pleasantness but a fundamental goodness in Rehoboam's character and his approach to governance, one that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of his subjects.
* **Please them (Hebrew, _ʿābad_):** The KJV translation "please them" somewhat softens the force of the Hebrew verb עָבַד (_ʿābad_), which literally means "to serve," "to work for," or "to minister to." This is a crucial insight: the elders were not advising Rehoboam to simply make the people happy through appeasement, but to genuinely *serve their needs* and dedicate himself to their welfare. This concept is foundational to the biblical principle of servant leadership.
* **Good words (Hebrew, _devarim tovim_):** This phrase, דְּבָרִים טוֹבִים (_devarim tovim_), emphasizes the importance of communication. "Good words" are not just polite words, but words that are favorable, encouraging, affirming, and constructive. They imply a willingness to listen, to understand, and to respond with empathy and wisdom, rather than with dismissiveness or arrogance. The contrast with Rehoboam's later harsh and threatening words underscores the power of speech to either unite or divide.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they spake unto him, saying,"**: This introduces the direct counsel given by the seasoned, older advisors to Rehoboam, highlighting that this was a deliberate and formal transmission of wisdom.
* **"If thou be kind to this people,"**: This establishes the conditional premise. The elders propose that Rehoboam's success hinges on his disposition towards his subjects, specifically on demonstrating a benevolent and gracious character in his rule.
* **"and please them,"**: This clause, more accurately translated as "and serve them," deepens the nature of the required kindness. It's not just a passive attitude but an active commitment to minister to the people's needs, to put their interests first, and to alleviate their burdens.
* **"and speak good words to them,"**: This emphasizes the critical role of communication. A leader's words carry immense weight, and the elders advise that gracious, affirming, and empathetic speech is essential for fostering trust and loyalty.
* **"they will be thy servants for ever."**: This is the promised outcome, the consequence of following the wise counsel. The people's "servitude" would not be forced labor or grudging submission, but willing, loyal, and perpetual service, born out of respect, gratitude, and a sense of being well-governed.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs a **Conditional Statement** ("If... then..."), which is a common rhetorical device in wisdom literature to present cause-and-effect relationships. This structure clearly links Rehoboam's actions (kindness, service, good words) to the desired outcome (the people's perpetual loyalty). Furthermore, the passage uses **Contrast** and **Foreshadowing**. The wise counsel itself stands in stark contrast to the oppressive policies of Solomon and, more significantly, to Rehoboam's ultimate rejection of this advice. This contrast dramatically highlights Rehoboam's folly. The elders' words also serve as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the dire consequences that will unfold because Rehoboam chose a different path, leading to the kingdom's division. The simplicity and directness of the language also lend an air of **Proverbial Wisdom** to the counsel, aligning it with broader biblical teachings on righteous governance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The counsel given to Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 10:7 transcends its immediate historical context, offering profound theological insights into the nature of leadership, the power of words, and the dynamics of human relationships, both within a kingdom and within the covenant community. It implicitly champions the principle of servant leadership, where authority is exercised not through domination but through genuine care and service for those being led. This approach fosters willing submission and lasting loyalty, reflecting a divine pattern of governance where God, though sovereign, relates to His people with kindness and grace, inviting their willing obedience. The verse also underscores the immense power of communication, demonstrating that gentle, affirming words can build up and unite, while harsh words can alienate and destroy. Rehoboam's failure to heed this wisdom led to the fracturing of God's chosen nation, serving as a stark reminder that even divinely appointed leaders must govern with wisdom and humility.

* [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")
* [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath")
* [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless wisdom embedded in 2 Chronicles 10:7 offers profound lessons for all individuals, whether in positions of formal leadership or in daily interactions within families, communities, and workplaces. It challenges us to consider how we exercise influence and how our words and actions impact those around us. True leadership, as modeled here, is less about demanding submission and more about earning trust through genuine care, empathy, and a willingness to serve. It reminds us that lasting relationships, whether between a king and his subjects or between friends and family members, are built on a foundation of kindness and respectful communication, not on coercion or harshness. Our words, in particular, possess immense power to either build up or tear down, to foster unity or sow discord. This passage calls us to be intentional about speaking "good words"—words that encourage, affirm, and bring life—and to cultivate a heart of service in all our interactions, recognizing that such an approach not only blesses others but also secures a deeper, more willing connection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to lead or influence others, and how might you apply the principle of "being kind" and "serving" in those contexts?**
* **Reflect on the power of your own words. How often do you speak "good words" that build up and encourage, versus words that might be dismissive or critical?**
* **Can you recall a time when someone's kindness or gracious words profoundly impacted your willingness to cooperate or serve them? What did you learn from that experience?**
* **When faced with difficult decisions or challenging interactions, do you seek wise counsel from experienced individuals, or do you tend to rely solely on your own judgment or the advice of those who simply affirm your existing inclinations?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rehoboam reject such seemingly wise advice, and what does that tell us about human nature?**

Answer: Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' counsel, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 10:8-14](/2_chronicles/10-8 "2 Chronicles 10:8-14 - Rehoboam's Folly"), was primarily driven by pride, a desire for unchecked power, and a preference for the "tough" advice of his younger, inexperienced peers. He wanted to assert his authority forcefully rather than earn it through service. This tells us much about human nature: the temptation to choose a path of perceived strength and dominance over humility and service is a recurring theme. It illustrates the danger of surrounding oneself with "yes-men" who validate one's own inclinations, even when those inclinations are detrimental. Furthermore, the biblical narrative often attributes such outcomes to God's sovereign will, allowing events to unfold as part of His larger plan, as seen in [2 Chronicles 10:15](/2_chronicles/10-15 "2 Chronicles 10:15 - God's Hand in the Division").

**What is the significance of the Hebrew word _ʿābad_ ("serve") in this context for understanding leadership?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _ʿābad_ (עָבַד), translated as "please them" in the KJV, literally means "to serve," "to work for," or "to minister to." Its use here is profoundly significant because it shifts the understanding of leadership from a position of being served to one of serving. The elders were not suggesting that Rehoboam merely appease the people, but that he genuinely dedicate himself to their well-being and needs. This aligns with the concept of **servant leadership**, a principle later exemplified by Jesus Christ, who taught that true greatness is found in serving others (e.g., [Matthew 20:26-28](/matthew/20-26 "Matthew 20:26-28 - Jesus Teaches Servant Leadership")). It suggests that legitimate authority and lasting loyalty are earned when leaders prioritize the welfare of those under their charge, rather than their own power or comfort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wise counsel given to Rehoboam in 2 Chronicles 10:7 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. While Rehoboam chose a path of harshness and oppression, leading to the division of an earthly kingdom, Jesus, the true King of Israel, established an eternal kingdom built entirely on the principles of kindness, humble service, and life-giving words. He is the quintessential servant leader, who came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Unlike Rehoboam, whose words were "harsher than his father's" ([2 Chronicles 10:14](/2_chronicles/10-14 "2 Chronicles 10:14 - Rehoboam's Harsh Reply")), Jesus spoke "words of eternal life" ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Peter's Confession")), and "no one ever spoke like this man!" ([John 7:46](/john/7-46 "John 7:46 - Officers Marvel at Jesus' Words")). He promised that His "yoke is easy and [His] burden is light" ([Matthew 11:30](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Jesus' Easy Yoke")), inviting willing discipleship through grace and love, not through heavy burdens or forced labor. Thus, the loyalty and eternal "servitude" of those who follow Christ are secured forever, not by the threat of a whip, but by the overwhelming kindness, sacrificial service, and good words of the Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) who laid down His life for His people.

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 15:1

¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

1 Kings 12:7

And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

Genesis 49:21

Naphtali [is] a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.

2 Samuel 15:2

And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was [so], that when any man that had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, Of what city [art] thou? And he said, Thy servant [is] of one of the tribes of Israel.

2 Samuel 15:6

And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.