2 Chronicles 10:8

KJV

But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he forsook {H5800} the counsel {H6098} which the old men {H2205} gave {H3289} him, and took counsel {H3289} with the young men {H3206} that were brought up {H1431} with him, that stood {H5975} before {H6440} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

But he didn't take the advice the older men gave him; instead he consulted the young men he had grown up with, who were now his attendants.

Berean Standard Bible

But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.

American Standard Version

But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men that were grown up with him, that stood before him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 10:8 marks the pivotal moment of King Rehoboam's reign, where he deliberately rejects the seasoned and compassionate counsel of his father's experienced advisors in favor of the harsh, power-centric advice offered by his youthful peers. This fateful decision, driven by a desire to assert absolute authority rather than serve the people, directly precipitates the tragic division of the united kingdom of Israel, serving as a profound cautionary tale about the perils of pride and the rejection of wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the narrative of the divided monarchy. Following the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascends to the throne. The people, burdened by Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor, gather at Shechem to appeal to Rehoboam for relief. Prior to this verse, Rehoboam had consulted two groups: first, the "old men" who had served his father, whose advice was to serve the people kindly and speak good words to them ([2 Chronicles 10:7](/2_chronicles/10-7 "2 Chronicles 10:7 - The Elders' Counsel to Rehoboam")). This verse, however, shows Rehoboam's decisive turn away from this wise counsel, directly leading to his infamous response to the people in the subsequent verses and the ultimate fragmentation of the kingdom into Israel and Judah ([2 Chronicles 10:16](/2_chronicles/10-16 "2 Chronicles 10:16 - The Division of the Kingdom")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "elders" held significant positions of authority and respect, embodying accumulated wisdom, experience, and the community's collective memory. Their counsel was typically sought and highly valued in matters of governance and justice. Shechem itself was a historically significant location for covenant renewals and assemblies, adding weight to the people's gathering there. Rehoboam's choice to listen to "young men" who were "brought up with him" suggests a preference for familiar, perhaps less challenging, voices from his immediate court circle, over the established, respected wisdom of the elders. This decision reflects a broader cultural tension between traditional wisdom and youthful ambition, with profound consequences for the political landscape of the time.
* **Key Themes:** Rehoboam's actions in this verse underscore several enduring themes. Primarily, it highlights **the peril of rejecting wise counsel**, demonstrating how dismissing experienced, sound advice in favor of less mature or self-serving perspectives can lead to disastrous outcomes, as seen in [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel"). Secondly, it starkly contrasts **youthful arrogance with experienced wisdom**, portraying Rehoboam's preference for asserting power rather than exercising humble, compassionate leadership. Finally, it serves as a powerful cautionary tale about **leadership and discernment**, emphasizing that effective governance requires not just authority, but also the humility to listen, the wisdom to discern between flattery and truth, and the foresight to understand the long-term implications of one's decisions for the well-being of the people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **forsook (Hebrew, _'azav'_):** This verb implies a deliberate and active abandonment, not merely an oversight or a passive disregard. Rehoboam consciously turned away from the counsel, indicating a willful rejection of a path that was clearly presented to him. It suggests a decisive break from the wisdom of the past.
* **old men (Hebrew, _zeqenim'_):** This term refers to elders, individuals who, by virtue of their age and experience, were considered wise, prudent, and authoritative within the community. They represented continuity, tradition, and a deep understanding of the people and the principles of governance, having served King Solomon himself.
* **young men (Hebrew, _yeladim'_):** While literally meaning "boys" or "youths," in this context, it refers to Rehoboam's peers, those who had grown up with him in the royal court. The implication is a lack of seasoned judgment, practical experience in governance, and perhaps a tendency towards impulsive or self-serving advice, contrasted sharply with the `zeqenim`.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him":** This clause establishes Rehoboam's active and deliberate rejection of the wise and compassionate advice offered by his father's seasoned advisors. It highlights his unwillingness to embrace a leadership style rooted in service and empathy, which would have preserved the kingdom's unity.
* **"and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him":** This phrase reveals Rehoboam's preference for the advice of his peers, individuals who shared his background and likely his youthful perspective on power and authority. Their counsel, as revealed in subsequent verses, was harsh and focused on increasing royal dominance, rather than alleviating the people's burdens.
* **"that stood before him":** This detail indicates that these young men were part of Rehoboam's immediate entourage or court, perhaps eager to solidify their influence alongside the new king. Their proximity and access made their voices more readily heard, despite their lack of governmental experience.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Chronicles 10:8 is **Contrast**, specifically between the "old men" and the "young men," and the differing counsel they offer. This stark opposition highlights the two divergent paths available to Rehoboam: one of wisdom, humility, and service, and the other of arrogance, power, and oppression. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as Rehoboam's choice here clearly signals the impending disaster—the division of the kingdom—that will unfold due to his poor judgment. The narrative functions as a powerful **Cautionary Tale**, illustrating the severe consequences of rejecting sound, experienced advice and succumbing to the allure of pride and unchecked authority. There is also an element of **Irony**, as Rehoboam's attempt to strengthen his rule through harshness ultimately leads to its fragmentation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Rehoboam's tragic decision in 2 Chronicles 10:8 resonates deeply with biblical themes of wisdom, discernment, and the nature of true leadership. The narrative underscores that genuine authority, particularly in a divinely established kingdom, is not about domination but about humble service and seeking the welfare of the people. Rehoboam's failure to heed the wisdom of the elders, preferring the flattery of his peers, mirrors a recurring biblical motif where pride precedes a fall, and the rejection of godly counsel leads to ruin. This serves as a powerful reminder that wisdom is a gift from God, often mediated through experienced individuals, and that leaders are accountable for the choices they make regarding the counsel they receive.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")
* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Plans Fail Without Counsel")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Rehoboam's fateful choice offers timeless lessons for every individual, especially those in positions of leadership or influence. It compels us to critically evaluate the sources of our counsel, urging us to prioritize wisdom, experience, and integrity over flattery, self-interest, or mere familiarity. In a world that often values youthful innovation above seasoned experience, Rehoboam's story reminds us that true progress and stability often depend on drawing from the wellspring of accumulated wisdom. We are challenged to cultivate humility, recognizing our own limitations and the immense value of diverse perspectives. Our decisions, whether personal, professional, or spiritual, carry consequences that extend far beyond ourselves, impacting communities, families, and even generations. Therefore, seeking God's wisdom and discerning counsel becomes not just a good practice, but a vital necessity for flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to reject wise counsel, especially when it challenges my desires or preconceived notions?**
* **How do I discern between genuine, beneficial advice and flattery, self-serving perspectives, or peer pressure?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate humility and openness to wisdom from unexpected sources, even when it's difficult to hear?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "old men" and "young men" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "old men" were likely experienced elders and advisors who had served King Solomon throughout his reign. They represented the traditional wisdom, political acumen, and a deep understanding of the people's burdens and the kingdom's stability. Their counsel was to serve the people kindly to secure their perpetual loyalty. The "young men" were Rehoboam's peers, those who had grown up with him in the royal court. They lacked the practical experience of governance and the long-term perspective of the elders. Their advice, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 10:9-11](/2_chronicles/10-9 "2 Chronicles 10:9-11 - The Young Men's Counsel"), was harsh, advocating for an increase in royal power and a more oppressive rule, reflecting a desire to assert authority rather than build consensus.

**What was the immediate consequence of Rehoboam's decision?**

Answer: Rehoboam's decision to reject the elders' compassionate counsel and instead follow the harsh advice of his youthful peers had immediate and devastating consequences. When he delivered his arrogant and unyielding response to the people's plea for lighter burdens, ten of the twelve tribes of Israel immediately rebelled against his rule. This led to the permanent division of the united kingdom of Israel, which had flourished under David and Solomon, into two separate entities: the northern kingdom of Israel (under Jeroboam) and the southern kingdom of Judah (under Rehoboam). This dramatic fragmentation is chronicled in [2 Chronicles 10:16-19](/2_chronicles/10-16 "2 Chronicles 10:16-19 - The Division of the Kingdom") and marked a profound turning point in Israel's history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Rehoboam's tragic failure to heed wise counsel and his embrace of self-serving power stand in stark contrast to the perfect leadership of Jesus Christ. While Rehoboam sought to assert his dominion through harshness, Christ 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")). Rehoboam rejected wisdom, leading to the division of his earthly kingdom; Christ, however, is the very wisdom of God incarnate ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Wisdom of God")), whose counsel always leads to life, reconciliation, and peace. Unlike Rehoboam's decision which fragmented a nation, Jesus's ultimate sacrifice on the cross broke down the dividing wall of hostility, uniting Jew and Gentile into one new humanity under His headship ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). His kingdom is not of this world, established by earthly power or human counsel, but is an eternal, undivided spiritual kingdom founded on truth and love ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). He is the true King, whose reign brings ultimate unity and whose wisdom is unfailing, guiding His people into all truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")).

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 1:25

But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

2 Samuel 17:14

And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite [is] better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For the LORD had appointed to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring evil upon Absalom.

Ecclesiastes 10:2

A wise man's heart [is] at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

Ecclesiastes 10:3

Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth [him], and he saith to every one [that] he [is] a fool.

2 Chronicles 25:15

Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?

2 Chronicles 25:16

And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

Ecclesiastes 10:16

¶ Woe to thee, O land, when thy king [is] a child, and thy princes eat in the morning!