2 Chronicles 10:10

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.

And the young men {H3206} that were brought up {H1431} with him spake {H1696} unto him, saying {H559}, Thus shalt thou answer {H559} the people {H5971} that spake {H1696} unto thee, saying {H559}, Thy father {H1} made {H3513} our yoke {H5923} heavy {H3513}, but make thou it somewhat lighter {H7043} for us; thus shalt thou say {H559} unto them, My little {H6995} finger shall be thicker {H5666} than my father's {H1} loins {H4975}.

The young men he had grown up with said to him, "The people who said to you, 'Your father made our yoke heavy, but you, make it lighter for us'- here's the answer you should give them: 'My little finger is thicker than my father's waist!

The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you should make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!

And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins.

Commentary

Context of 2 Chronicles 10:10

This verse occurs during the transition of power from King Solomon to his son Rehoboam. The northern tribes of Israel, burdened by the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed by Solomon for his extensive building projects, gathered at Shechem to make a conditional offer of loyalty to Rehoboam. They requested that he lighten the "heavy yoke" his father had placed upon them (see also 1 Kings 12:4, the parallel account). Rehoboam consulted first with the older advisors who had served his father and then with the younger men he had grown up with. This verse records the disastrous counsel given by these young advisors.

Key Themes in 2 Chronicles 10:10

  • Rehoboam's Folly: The verse highlights the terrible advice Rehoboam received and ultimately followed, demonstrating his lack of wisdom and discernment compared to his father Solomon (though Solomon's later reign had its own issues).
  • The Danger of Bad Counsel: It illustrates the detrimental impact of listening to inexperienced and arrogant advisors over seasoned wisdom.
  • Increased Oppression: The proposed response signifies a deliberate intention not merely to maintain but to *increase* the burden on the people, revealing a hard-hearted and tyrannical attitude.
  • The Seeds of Division: This counsel and Rehoboam's subsequent adoption of it directly led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel into the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah).

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins" uses vivid, bodily imagery common in the ancient Near East to convey strength, power, and authority. The "loins" were seen as a source of strength. By saying his *little finger* (the least strong part) would be thicker than his father's *loins* (a place of strength), Rehoboam (through the counsel of his young advisors) was boasting that his rule would be even more imposing and demanding than Solomon's, effectively saying, "You thought my father was tough? You haven't seen anything yet. My lightest touch will be heavier than his full strength."

Reflection and Application

2 Chronicles 10:10 serves as a powerful cautionary tale about leadership and counsel. It underscores the importance of seeking and heeding wise, experienced advice rather than counsel that appeals to pride or reinforces harsh tendencies. Rehoboam's adoption of this arrogant and oppressive stance led to immediate and devastating consequences for the kingdom. For leaders today, this verse is a reminder that true strength lies not in increasing burdens or asserting raw power, but often in listening to the needs of others and governing with humility and wisdom. It highlights how prideful and foolish words can have far-reaching, destructive effects.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 12:10 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Kings 12:11 (2 votes)

    And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

  • Proverbs 28:25 (2 votes)

    ¶ He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

  • 2 Samuel 17:7 (2 votes)

    And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel hath given [is] not good at this time.

  • 2 Samuel 17:13 (2 votes)

    Moreover, if he be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one small stone found there.

  • Proverbs 18:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

  • Proverbs 18:7 (2 votes)

    A fool's mouth [is] his destruction, and his lips [are] the snare of his soul.