2 Chronicles 10:9

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?

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?

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'?"

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’?”

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?

2 Chronicles 10:9 (KJV) captures a pivotal moment in Israel's history, immediately following the death of King Solomon. This verse reveals King Rehoboam, Solomon's son and successor, seeking counsel on how to respond to the urgent demands of his people.

Historical and Cultural Context

After the immense building projects and lavish lifestyle of King Solomon, the people of Israel, particularly the northern tribes, felt heavily burdened by taxes and forced labor. They approached Rehoboam, appealing to him to "ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us." In response, Rehoboam initially sought advice from the older, experienced counselors who had served his father (2 Chronicles 10:6). However, he also consulted with his own generation, the young men with whom he had grown up, as highlighted in this verse. This consultation with his peers sets the stage for the crucial decision that will follow.

Key Themes

  • Leadership and Counsel: The verse emphasizes Rehoboam's critical need for advice in a time of national crisis. His decision to consult both seasoned veterans and his youthful peers sets the stage for a stark contrast in counsel regarding the kingdom's future.
  • The Burden of the Yoke: The phrase "ease somewhat the yoke" is a central motif. A "yoke" (Hebrew: molk or 'ol) literally refers to a wooden beam placed on animals for plowing or carrying burdens, but metaphorically it represents heavy oppression, servitude, and burdensome taxation. The people felt enslaved by Solomon's policies, despite his glorious reign.
  • Consequences of Decisions: Rehoboam's inquiry here directly precedes a choice that would have profound and lasting repercussions for the unity of the Israelite kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The term "yoke" (Hebrew: molk or 'ol) is a powerful metaphor throughout the Old Testament. It signifies servitude, burden, and oppressive rule. The people's plea was not just for lighter taxes, but for a fundamental change in the nature of their governance, from a heavy hand to a more merciful one. This concept of a "yoke" is later reinterpreted in the New Testament, where Jesus offers a contrasting "light yoke" to those who are weary and burdened, emphasizing spiritual rest over physical oppression.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for modern leadership and decision-making:

  • Seek Diverse Counsel: Rehoboam did seek advice, but the quality and source of that counsel proved critical. It's vital for leaders to consider advice from various perspectives, weighing wisdom against self-serving or inexperienced opinions.
  • Understand the People's Needs: Effective leadership requires genuinely listening to and understanding the burdens and concerns of those being led. Ignoring legitimate grievances can lead to widespread discontent and division.
  • The Weight of Decisions: Every decision, especially for those in authority, carries weight and has consequences. Rehoboam's choice based on the advice he received ultimately led to the schism of the kingdom of Israel, a stark reminder of the long-term impact of leadership choices.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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