What number verse is 2 Chronicles 10:9 in the Bible?

2 Chronicles 10:9 is the 11,405th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — 2 Chronicles 10:9 sits at position 11,405.

Translation

King James Version

And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us?

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KJV (with Strong's)

And he said ^H559 unto them, What advice ^H3289 give ye that we may return ^H7725 answer ^H1697 to this people ^H5971, which have spoken ^H1696 to me, saying ^H559, Ease ^H7043 somewhat the yoke ^H5923 that thy father ^H1 did put ^H5414 upon us?

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Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, "What advice would you give me, so that we can give an answer to these people who said to me, 'Lighten the yoke that your father laid on us'?"

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Berean Standard Bible

He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”

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American Standard Version

And he said unto them, What counsel give ye, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that thy father did put upon us lighter?

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World English Bible Messianic

He said to them, “What counsel do you give, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Make the yoke that your father put on us lighter?’”

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And he sayd vnto them, What counsel giue ye, that we may answere this people, which haue spoken to mee, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put vpon vs, lighter?

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Young's Literal Translation

and he saith unto them, `What are ye counselling, and we answer this people that have spoken unto me, saying, Make light somewhat of the yoke that thy father put upon us?'

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

2 Chronicles 10:9 encapsulates a pivotal moment in the early reign of King Rehoboam, Solomon's son, as he confronts a critical decision that will shape the future of the Israelite kingdom. Having been approached by the northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, with an urgent plea to alleviate the oppressive burdens imposed by his father, Rehoboam seeks counsel. This verse specifically records his direct inquiry to his younger peers, soliciting their advice on how to respond to the people's demand for relief from the "yoke" of heavy taxation and forced labor, thereby setting the stage for a choice that would irrevocably divide the united monarchy.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within the narrative immediately following the death of King Solomon and the assembly of all Israel at Shechem, where Rehoboam was to be confirmed as king. The preceding verses 2 Chronicles 10:1-5 detail the people's initial approach, led by Jeroboam, articulating their profound grievance concerning the "heavy yoke" Solomon had placed upon them and demanding lighter burdens as a prerequisite for their loyalty. Rehoboam initially consults the seasoned elders who had faithfully served his father 2 Chronicles 10:6-7, who offer wise, conciliatory advice advocating for humility and service. However, 2 Chronicles 10:8 marks a crucial turning point, as Rehoboam rejects the elders' counsel and turns instead to the young men with whom he had grown up. Verse 9, therefore, is Rehoboam's explicit appeal to this younger, less experienced cohort, precisely stating the problem and soliciting their advice, thereby underscoring his dangerous inclination towards their perspective over the wisdom of the elders. The subsequent verses 2 Chronicles 10:10-11 reveal the harsh, unyielding counsel of the young men, which directly precipitates Rehoboam's disastrous response and the tragic division of the kingdom.
Historical & Cultural Context: The unified Israelite kingdom, while prosperous under Solomon, was experiencing significant internal strain due to his ambitious building projects, lavish lifestyle, and extensive military and administrative expenditures. These endeavors necessitated immense taxation and the imposition of widespread forced labor (corvée), which disproportionately affected the northern tribes. While Judah, the king's own tribe, may have reaped more direct benefits and felt less of the burden, the northern tribes, with their distinct geographical and cultural identity, bore the brunt of the labor and taxation, fostering deep-seated resentment. Shechem, the chosen site for this assembly, held profound historical and religious significance for the northern tribes, making it a natural and potent location for their grievances to be voiced and for a new king to be formally recognized. Culturally, it was often expected that a new monarch would inaugurate his reign with acts of beneficence and a demonstrable concern for his people, frequently including a reduction in existing burdens. Rehoboam's consultations reflect a common ancient Near Eastern practice of seeking counsel, but his specific choice of advisors and his ultimate decision reveal a profound misjudgment of the volatile political and social realities of his kingdom, particularly the simmering discontent among the northern tribes.
Key Themes: This verse, and indeed the broader narrative of 2 Chronicles 10, powerfully illuminates several enduring biblical themes. Firstly, the Theme of Leadership and Counsel is paramount, showcasing the critical importance of seeking and heeding wise counsel, and the devastating consequences of rejecting it. Rehoboam's decision to favor the advice of his inexperienced peers over that of the seasoned elders underscores a profound failure in discernment that would prove fatal to the unity of the kingdom, echoing the wisdom found in Proverbs 11:14 that "where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Secondly, the Theme of the Burden of the Yoke is central. The "yoke" (Hebrew: ‘ol) is a potent metaphor throughout Scripture, symbolizing oppressive servitude, heavy taxation, or burdensome laws, as vividly expressed in the people's plea to ease their burden. This theme highlights the human cost of unchecked power and the legitimate grievances of an oppressed populace seeking justice. Lastly, the Theme of Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility is subtly yet powerfully present. While Rehoboam makes a free choice, the Chronicler later reveals that this division was part of God's sovereign plan to fulfill His word to Jeroboam through the prophet Ahijah (compare 2 Chronicles 10:15 with 1 Kings 11:29-39). Rehoboam's folly, though a consequence of his own choices, became the instrument of God's larger redemptive purposes, setting the stage for the distinct histories of the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Advice (Hebrew, yâʻats', H3289): This word (H3289) is a primitive root meaning "to advise," "to deliberate," or "to resolve." In this context, it signifies the specific guidance Rehoboam is actively seeking to formulate a diplomatic and effective response to the people's demands. The very nature and source of this "advice" are determinative for the future of the kingdom, highlighting the profound weight and significance of the counsel being solicited. It implies a strategic planning process, not merely a casual opinion.
Yoke (Hebrew, ʻôl', H5923): This term (H5923) literally refers to a wooden beam placed on the neck of an animal for plowing or drawing a heavy load. As a powerful and pervasive metaphor in the Old Testament, "yoke" here vividly symbolizes the oppressive burdens of forced labor, heavy taxation, and authoritarian rule that Solomon had imposed. The people's plea to "ease somewhat the yoke" is not merely a request for lighter taxes but a profound cry for relief from what they perceived as a form of servitude and a fundamental change in the nature of their governance, reflecting a desire for liberation from an unbearable burden.

Verse Breakdown

"And he said unto them,": This opening clause marks a deliberate shift in Rehoboam's consultative process. It introduces his direct address to his young counselors, signaling his rejection of the elders' advice and his active engagement in seeking an alternative perspective from a different, preferred source.
"What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people,": This is Rehoboam's specific and urgent request for counsel. He is not asking for a general opinion but for a concrete strategy or a precise message to deliver to the assembled tribes. The phrase "return answer" implies a formal, public declaration that will either appease the people and secure their loyalty or provoke them into rebellion.
"which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us?": This concluding clause reiterates the core demand of the people, ensuring his young advisors fully grasp the nature and urgency of the crisis. By repeating their exact words, Rehoboam emphasizes the profound burden they feel and the critical nature of their plea, thereby setting the precise parameters for the advice he seeks and highlighting the direct challenge to his nascent authority.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several impactful literary devices that deepen its meaning and foreshadow its outcome. A Rhetorical Question is evident in Rehoboam's direct inquiry, "What advice give ye...?" While it genuinely seeks an answer, it also serves to frame the critical decision before his young advisors, placing the burden of a solution squarely upon them and highlighting the gravity of the situation. The most prominent device is Metaphor, specifically the "yoke." This powerful image, borrowed from agricultural life, serves as a vivid and universally understood symbol of oppression, servitude, and heavy burdens. Its use immediately conveys the people's suffering and the perceived injustice of Solomon's reign, making their plea tangible and relatable. Furthermore, the verse contains a strong element of Foreshadowing. Rehoboam's deliberate turning to his young, inexperienced peers, explicitly seeking their counsel on such a momentous issue, subtly yet powerfully foreshadows the disastrous outcome. The reader, aware of the historical context and the subsequent events, can anticipate that this consultation will lead to folly rather than wisdom, setting the tragic stage for the division of the kingdom.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

2 Chronicles 10:9 profoundly highlights the theological implications of leadership and the dire consequences of rejecting divine wisdom. Rehoboam's inquiry, while superficially appearing prudent in seeking counsel, reveals a deeper spiritual blindness in his choice of advisors. The narrative powerfully underscores the biblical principle that true wisdom often resides with those who possess experience, humility, and a genuine heart for the well-being of the people, rather than those who pander to pride, self-interest, or a desire for unbridled power. This episode serves as a potent cautionary tale against hubris and the dangers of surrounding oneself with "yes-men" who merely confirm one's own biases rather than offering sound, challenging, and godly counsel. Ultimately, the division of the kingdom, though a direct result of Rehoboam's poor decision and the harsh counsel he embraced, is presented by the Chronicler as divinely ordained, a fulfillment of God's prophetic word to Jeroboam through the prophet Ahijah (compare 2 Chronicles 10:15 with 1 Kings 11:29-39). This demonstrates God's overarching sovereignty working through human choices, even flawed and sinful ones, to accomplish His ultimate purposes in history.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Rehoboam's critical dilemma in 2 Chronicles 10:9 offers timeless and profound lessons for leaders and individuals alike in every generation. The crucial choice of whom to seek counsel from, and whose advice to ultimately heed, is paramount. Rehoboam had direct access to seasoned, wise elders who offered a path of humility, service, and conciliation—a path that would have preserved the kingdom's unity and ensured his lasting reign over all Israel. Yet, tragically, he chose to align himself with the counsel of his inexperienced peers, who advocated for an increase in power and a more oppressive rule. This serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that true leadership, in any sphere of life, is not about asserting dominance or wielding unchecked authority, but rather about humbly serving the needs of those one leads, genuinely listening to their grievances, and responding with empathy, discernment, and profound wisdom. For us today, whether we are in positions of authority in our homes, workplaces, churches, or communities, or simply navigating complex personal decisions, the principle remains: diligently seek diverse, godly counsel, weigh it carefully against biblical wisdom, and choose the path of humility, service, and love over pride, self-interest, or the desire for control. The consequences of our decisions, particularly when made from positions of influence, can have far-reaching and lasting impacts, shaping not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us.

Questions for Reflection

When faced with difficult or pivotal decisions, from whom do you typically seek advice, and what qualities do you prioritize in your counselors?
How do you actively discern between wise, godly counsel and counsel that merely confirms your own desires, biases, or ambitions?
In what areas of your life might you be carrying or inadvertently imposing a "heavy yoke," either on yourself, your family, or on others under your influence?
What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater humility in your leadership, relationships, and decision-making processes, learning from Rehoboam's failure?

FAQ

Why did Rehoboam turn to the young men for advice after consulting the elders?

Answer: Rehoboam had initially consulted the older, experienced counselors who had faithfully served his father, Solomon. Their advice was both wise and conciliatory: to serve the people, speak kindly to them, and promise them lighter burdens, assuring him that the people would then serve him forever 2 Chronicles 10:7. This counsel, which emphasized humility, service, and long-term loyalty, likely did not align with Rehoboam's own youthful ambition, his desire to immediately assert his authority, or perhaps his perception of kingly power. He then turned to the young men with whom he had grown up, seeking counsel that would validate a more forceful, unyielding, and dominant approach. This suggests a preference for advice that reinforced his own inclinations towards power and control, rather than the more difficult, yet ultimately kingdom-preserving, path of humility and conciliation. His choice ultimately revealed his immaturity and lack of discernment.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The tragic narrative of Rehoboam's folly and the subsequent division of the kingdom, initiated by his response in 2 Chronicles 10:9, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Unlike Rehoboam, who sought to increase the "yoke" of his people through harsh demands and oppressive policies, Jesus offers a radically different kind of kingship and burden. He Himself declares, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Where Rehoboam's reign was characterized by increasing oppression, leading to division and suffering, Jesus' reign brings liberation from the true burdens of sin, the curse of the Law, and spiritual death. He is the wise King, the ultimate Counselor, who perfectly embodies the humility, sacrificial service, and divine wisdom that Rehoboam so desperately lacked. Jesus, the true Son of David, did not come to add to our burdens but to bear the ultimate "yoke" of humanity's sin on the cross, offering true freedom, peace, and eternal rest to all who would follow Him. His kingdom is not built on forced labor or heavy taxation, but on grace, unconditional love, and a light burden of discipleship, leading to abundant life and reconciliation, as beautifully prophesied in Isaiah 9:6-7. He is the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, truly easing our burdens and leading us to green pastures John 10:11.

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 10 verses 1–11

1 ¶ And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king.

2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was in Egypt, whither he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt.

3 And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying,

4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.

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

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?

7 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.

8 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.

9 And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us?

10 And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

11 For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

We may observe here, 1. The wisest and best cannot give every body content. Solomon enriched and advanced his kingdom, did all (one would think) that could be done to make then happy and easy; and yet either he was indiscreet in burdening them with the imposition of taxes and services, or at least there was some colour of reason to think him so. No man is perfectly wise. It is probable that it was when Solomon had declined from God and his duty that his wisdom failed him, and God left him to himself to act in this impolitic manner. Even Solomon's treasures were exhausted by his love of women; and probably it was to maintain them, and their pride, luxury, and idolatry, that he burdened his subjects. 2. Turbulent and ungrateful spirits will find fault with the government, and complain of grievances, when they have very little reason to do so. Had they not peace in Solomon's time? They were never plundered by invaders, as formerly, never put in fear by the alarms of war, nor obliged to hazard their lives in the high places of the field. Had they not plenty - meat enough, and money enough? What would they more? O fortunatos nimium, sua si bona norint! - O happy, if they knew their happy state! And yet they complain that Solomon made their yoke grievous. If any complain thus of the yoke of Christ, that they might have a pretence to break his bands in sunder and cast away his cords from them, we are sure that he never gave them any cause at all for the complaint, whatever Solomon did. His yoke is easy, and his burden is light. He never made us serve with an offering, nor wearied us with incense. 3. Many ruin themselves and their interests by trampling upon and provoking their inferiors. Rehoboam thought that because he was king he might assume as much authority as his father had done, might have what he would, and do what he would, and carry all before him. But, though he wore his father's crown, he wanted his father's brains, and ought to have considered that, being quite a different man from what his father was, he ought to take other measures. Such a wise man as Solomon may do as we will, but such a fool as Rehoboam must do as he can. The high-mettled horse may be kicked and spurred by him that has the art of managing him; but, if an unskilful horseman do it, it is at his peril. Rehoboam paid dearly for threatening, and talking big, and thinking to carry matters with a high hand. It was Job's wisdom, as well as his virtue, that he despised not the cause of his man-servant or maid-servant, when they argued with him (Job 31:13), but heard them patiently, considered their reasons, and gave them a soft answer. And a similar tender consideration of those in subjection, and a forwardness to make them easy, will be the comfort and praise of all in authority, in the church, in the state, and in families. 4. Moderate counsels are generally wisest and best. Gentleness will do what violence will not do. Most people love to be accosted mildly. Rehoboam's old experienced counsellors directed him to this method (v. 7): "Be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, and thou art sure of them for ever." Good words cost nothing but a little self-denial, and yet they purchase good things. 5. God often fulfils the counsels of his own wisdom by infatuating men, and giving them up to the counsels of their own folly. No more needs to be done to ruin men than to leave them to themselves, and their own pride and passion.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–11. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

2 Samuel 17:5
Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.
2 Samuel 17:6
And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do after his saying? if not; speak thou.
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?
1 Kings 22:6
Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
1 Kings 22:8
And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.