2 Chronicles 13:7

And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.

And there are gathered {H6908} unto him vain {H7386} men {H582}, the children {H1121} of Belial {H1100}, and have strengthened {H553} themselves against Rehoboam {H7346} the son {H1121} of Solomon {H8010}, when Rehoboam {H7346} was young {H5288} and tenderhearted {H7390}{H3824}, and could not withstand {H2388} them {H6440}.

There rallied around him worthless brutes who were too strong for Rechav'am the son of Shlomo to withstand when he was young and inexperienced.

Then worthless and wicked men gathered around him to resist Rehoboam son of Solomon when he was young, inexperienced, and unable to resist them.

And there were gathered unto him worthless men, base fellows, that strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tender-hearted, and could not withstand them.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 13:7 is part of King Abijah of Judah's impassioned speech to Jeroboam and the army of Israel, delivered just before a significant battle between the two divided kingdoms. This verse highlights the character of those who supported Jeroboam's rebellion against Rehoboam, Solomon's son, and underscores Rehoboam's initial vulnerability as a young ruler.

Context

The verse describes the origins of the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, following the death of King Solomon and the subsequent division of the united monarchy. Rehoboam, Solomon's successor, alienated the ten northern tribes by refusing to lighten their burdens, instead threatening to increase them (1 Kings 12:14; 2 Chronicles 10:14). This rejection of wise counsel led to the fulfillment of God's prophecy that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon's house (1 Kings 11:31). Abijah, speaking years later, characterizes Jeroboam's initial supporters as "vain men" and "children of Belial" who took advantage of Rehoboam's inexperience and lack of resolve.

Key Themes

  • Ungodly Influence: The verse powerfully illustrates the danger of surrounding oneself with corrupt or worthless individuals. Jeroboam gathered those who were morally bankrupt to strengthen his position against the rightful heir.
  • Leadership and Vulnerability: Rehoboam's description as "young and tenderhearted" (or weak-hearted/irresolute) points to his initial lack of firm leadership and experience. A leader's character and decisiveness are crucial in times of crisis.
  • The Nature of Rebellion: Abijah's speech frames Jeroboam's rebellion not just as a political uprising but as a movement supported by morally depraved individuals, highlighting its spiritual dimension and opposition to God's established order.
  • Consequences of Poor Counsel: Rehoboam's earlier choice to listen to his young, foolish advisors over the seasoned elders contributed directly to the kingdom's division, making him vulnerable to the schemes of "vain men."

Linguistic Insights

  • "Vain men": The Hebrew term here implies men who are empty, worthless, idle, or devoid of moral substance. They are unreliable and often associated with deceit and mischief.
  • "Children of Belial": This is a strong and significant biblical idiom. Belial (Hebrew: ื‘ึฐืœึดื™ึผึทืขึทืœ, bฤ•liyyaโ€˜al) literally means "worthlessness," "wickedness," or "good-for-nothing." It denotes extreme depravity, lawlessness, and rebellion against God and authority. Individuals called "children of Belial" are characterized by utter wickedness and a destructive nature. In later tradition, Belial became associated with a demonic figure or even Satan, emphasizing the profound evil of these individuals.
  • "Tenderhearted": The Hebrew phrase (ืจึทืšึฐ ืœึตื‘ึธื‘, rakh levav) means "soft of heart" or "weak of heart." While it can imply compassion, in this context, it suggests a lack of firmness, resolve, or courage, making Rehoboam unable to effectively "withstand" or resist the forces arrayed against him.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for all individuals, especially those in positions of influence:

  • Discern Your Companions: Be mindful of who you allow to influence you. The company we keep profoundly impacts our decisions and character. As 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, "evil communications corrupt good manners."
  • Cultivate Strength and Wisdom: For leaders, whether in family, community, or ministry, developing wisdom, discernment, and steadfastness is crucial. Being "tenderhearted" in a way that leads to indecision or susceptibility to manipulation can have dire consequences.
  • Recognize Ungodly Agendas: Understand that not all opposition is legitimate. Some individuals or groups may operate out of "worthlessness" or "wickedness," seeking only to gain power or sow discord. Identifying the "children of Belial" allows for a more effective response.
  • The Importance of Righteous Counsel: Rehoboam's failure to heed wise counsel opened the door for his downfall. Seeking and valuing godly, experienced advice is vital for navigating life's challenges.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 12:13

    ยถ So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam [was] one and forty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which the LORD had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name [was] Naamah an Ammonitess.

  • Judges 9:4

    And they gave him threescore and ten [pieces] of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.

  • Proverbs 28:19

    ยถ He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough.

  • Isaiah 3:4

    And I will give children [to be] their princes, and babes shall rule over them.

  • 2 Chronicles 11:1

    ยถ And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen [men], which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.

  • 2 Chronicles 11:4

    Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam.

  • Acts 17:5

    But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.