2 Chronicles 10:13

And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,

And the king {H4428} answered {H6030} them roughly {H7186}; and king {H4428} Rehoboam {H7346} forsook {H5800} the counsel {H6098} of the old men {H2205},

and the king answered them harshly. Abandoning the advice of the older men, King Rechav'am

And the king answered them harshly. King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders

And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,

Commentary

2 Chronicles 10:13 KJV captures a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, detailing King Rehoboam's fateful decision that led directly to the division of the united monarchy.

Context

Following the death of King Solomon, the people of Israel approached his son, Rehoboam, at Shechem with a plea to lighten the heavy yoke of service and taxation that Solomon had imposed. Rehoboam initially sought counsel from two groups: the experienced elders who had served his father, and the young men with whom he had grown up. The elders advised him to speak kindly and serve the people, promising their loyalty. However, the younger generation encouraged a harsher approach, suggesting he declare he would increase their burdens. This verse reveals Rehoboam's choice: he publicly adopted the severe counsel of his peers, dismissing the wisdom of the seasoned advisors, setting the stage for national upheaval.

Key Themes

  • Rejection of Wise Counsel: The verse highlights the tragic consequences of a leader who forsook the counsel of the old men. This decision directly led to the fracturing of the kingdom, illustrating the critical importance of heeding seasoned wisdom, as often emphasized in Scripture (e.g., Proverbs 11:14).
  • Pride and Arrogance: Rehoboam's "rough" answer stemmed from a desire to assert his authority and control, rather than serve. His pride blinded him to the long-term implications of his words and actions, demonstrating how arrogance can undermine leadership and alienate those meant to be led.
  • The Power of Words: Rehoboam's harsh response served as the catalyst for the people's rebellion. This illustrates how words, especially from those in authority, carry immense power and can either build up or tear down, unite or divide.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "answered them roughly" uses the Hebrew word qasheh (ืงึธืฉึถืื”), which means "hard, severe, cruel, or harsh." This conveys Rehoboam's unyielding and confrontational tone. The word "forsook" (Hebrew azab, ืขึธื–ึทื‘) implies a deliberate and conscious abandonment of the elders' sound advice, not just a casual oversight. It signifies a decisive turning away from a path of wisdom.

Practical Application

Rehoboam's failure serves as a timeless warning for leaders and individuals alike. It underscores the importance of:

  • Seeking and Valuing Counsel: Always be open to advice, especially from those with experience and a proven track record of wisdom. True wisdom often comes from those who have walked a longer path.
  • Humility in Leadership: Effective leadership requires humility, a willingness to serve, and the ability to listen. Arrogance often leads to isolation and poor decision-making.
  • Considering Consequences: Before acting or speaking, especially in crucial moments, consider the potential long-term impact of your decisions. Rehoboam's short-sightedness resulted in the division of the kingdom, a consequence that shaped Israelite history for centuries.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 42:30 (2 votes)

    The man, [who is] the lord of the land, spake roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country.

  • 1 Samuel 25:10 (2 votes)

    And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who [is] David? and who [is] the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

  • 1 Samuel 25:11 (2 votes)

    Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give [it] unto men, whom I know not whence they [be]?

  • Genesis 42:7 (2 votes)

    ยถ And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.

  • 2 Chronicles 10:8 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Exodus 10:28 (2 votes)

    And Pharaoh said unto him, Get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more; for in [that] day thou seest my face thou shalt die.

  • 1 Kings 20:6 (2 votes)

    Yet I will send my servants unto thee to morrow about this time, and they shall search thine house, and the houses of thy servants; and it shall be, [that] whatsoever is pleasant in thine eyes, they shall put [it] in their hand, and take [it] away.