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2 Chronicles 10:18

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Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that [was] over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to [his] chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

Then king {H4428} Rehoboam {H7346} sent {H7971} Hadoram {H1913} that was over the tribute {H4522}; and the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} stoned {H7275} him with stones {H68}, that he died {H4191}. But king {H4428} Rehoboam {H7346} made speed {H553} to get him up {H5927} to his chariot {H4818}, to flee {H5127} to Jerusalem {H3389}.

King Rechav'am then sent Hadoram, who was in charge of forced labor; but the people of Isra'el stoned him to death. King Rechav'am managed to mount his chariot and flee to Yerushalayim.

Then King Rehoboam sent out Hadoram, who was in charge of the forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. And King Rehoboam mounted his chariot in haste and escaped to Jerusalem.

Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram, who was over the men subject to taskwork; and the children of Israel stoned him to death with stones. And king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 10:18 vividly describes the climax of the people's rebellion against King Rehoboam, marking a pivotal moment in Israelite history: the definitive split of the united monarchy.

Context

This verse follows Rehoboam's disastrous decision to disregard the wise counsel of the elders, who advised him to lighten the burdens imposed by his father, Solomon (2 Chronicles 10:7). Instead, Rehoboam heeded the foolish advice of his younger peers, promising to increase the people's yoke (2 Chronicles 10:11). The people of Israel, particularly the northern tribes, had come to Shechem to make Rehoboam king, but also to negotiate relief from the heavy labor and taxation that characterized Solomon's reign (1 Kings 12:4, a parallel account). Rehoboam's dismissive and harsh response ignited an immediate and violent uprising.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Foolish Leadership: Rehoboam's pride and lack of discernment led directly to the loss of a significant portion of his kingdom. His failure to listen to sound advice and his oppressive attitude alienated the people.
  • Popular Rebellion and Divine Judgment: The stoning of Hadoram and Rehoboam's hasty retreat highlight the depth of the people's anger and their determination to cast off a tyrannical ruler. This event is portrayed in Scripture as a divine consequence for the house of David's increasing apostasy and Solomon's compromises, as God had foretold to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:31).
  • The Division of the Kingdom: This verse is the immediate catalyst for the irreparable split between the northern tribes (who would follow Jeroboam) and the southern kingdom of Judah (loyal to Rehoboam). The phrase "the children of Israel" here specifically refers to the ten northern tribes who rebelled, leading to the lasting division seen in 2 Chronicles 10:19.

Linguistic Insights

The term "tribute" (Hebrew: מַס, mas) refers to forced labor or conscripted workers, often for public works projects. Hadoram, as the "overseer of the tribute," was therefore the chief administrator of this deeply unpopular system of forced labor. His position made him a direct symbol of the very oppression the people sought to escape, making him a prime target for their wrath.

Practical Application

This historical account offers timeless lessons for leadership and governance. It underscores the importance of:

  1. Listening to Wise Counsel: Leaders should seek and heed advice from experienced and discerning individuals, not just those who flatter or confirm existing biases.
  2. Empathy and Responsiveness: Understanding the burdens and concerns of those being led is crucial for maintaining peace and stability. Oppressive or unsympathetic leadership often leads to unrest and division.
  3. The Consequences of Pride: Rehoboam's downfall serves as a cautionary tale against arrogance and the belief that power alone can subdue a populace. Humility and servant leadership are essential for long-term success.
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 (May 20, 2025) 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 5:14 (5 votes)

    And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses: a month they were in Lebanon, [and] two months at home: and Adoniram [was] over the levy.

  • 1 Kings 4:6 (4 votes)

    And Ahishar [was] over the household: and Adoniram the son of Abda [was] over the tribute.

  • 2 Chronicles 24:21 (2 votes)

    And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.

  • Acts 7:57 (2 votes)

    Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

  • Acts 7:58 (2 votes)

    And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.