2 Chronicles 11:3

Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,

Speak {H559} unto Rehoboam {H7346} the son {H1121} of Solomon {H8010}, king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and to all Israel {H3478} in Judah {H3063} and Benjamin {H1144}, saying {H559},

"Speak to Rechav'am the son of Shlomo, king of Y'hudah, and to all Isra'el in Y'hudah and Binyamin; tell them

“Tell Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah and all the Israelites in Judah and Benjamin

Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,

Commentary

2 Chronicles 11:3 marks a pivotal moment in the history of the divided kingdom of Israel, highlighting God's direct intervention to prevent civil war and establish His sovereign will.

Context of 2 Chronicles 11:3

Following the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne. However, his refusal to lighten the heavy burdens imposed by his father led to a rebellion of ten northern tribes, who then made Jeroboam their king. This left Rehoboam ruling only over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, which remained loyal to the Davidic dynasty. Incensed by this secession, Rehoboam gathered a formidable army of 180,000 chosen men, intending to forcibly bring the northern tribes back under his dominion. This verse introduces the divine command given to the prophet Shemaiah, instructing him to intervene and stop Rehoboam's impending attack. The parallel account, which further emphasizes the divine origin of this command, can be found in 1 Kings 12:22-24.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Intervention: The most prominent theme is God's active involvement in human affairs. Despite the political turmoil and Rehoboam's desire for vengeance, God steps in to prevent further bloodshed and to ensure His will for the divided kingdom is established. This demonstrates that God's plans supersede human ambition and conflict, even when human actions lead to division.
  • Obedience to God's Word: The instruction to "Speak unto Rehoboam" highlights the crucial importance of heeding prophetic counsel. God communicates His will through His chosen messengers, and the response of the king and the people to this divine word is paramount. Their obedience, as detailed in the very next verse (2 Chronicles 11:4), averts a potentially devastating internal conflict within Israel.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: While not directly stated in this verse, the very need for God's intervention stems from Rehoboam's earlier pride and his rejection of wise counsel, which led to the division of the kingdom in the first place (2 Chronicles 10:14). God, in His mercy, prevents the full, destructive consequences of that initial disobedience.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "Speak unto Rehoboam" uses the Hebrew verb dabber (דַּבֵּר), which often implies a direct, authoritative, and formal communication, especially when referring to a divine message. It's not a mere suggestion but a clear command from God, delivered through His prophet Shemaiah, to halt the military campaign. This emphasis underscores the divine origin and binding nature of the message, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even in times of intense political strife and division. It encourages us to seek and obey God's guidance, especially when our natural inclinations might lead to conflict, retaliation, or harmful actions. Just as God intervened to prevent civil war in ancient Israel, He often works to bring peace and order out of chaos, calling us to align our plans with His righteous will. Our willingness to listen to and obey divine counsel can avert significant negative outcomes and lead to God's blessing, even when it means sacrificing our own desires for vindication or control.

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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

  • 2 Kings 17:34 (2 votes)

    Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;

  • Philippians 3:5 (2 votes)

    Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

  • Genesis 49:28 (2 votes)

    ¶ All these [are] the twelve tribes of Israel: and this [is it] that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.

  • Exodus 24:4 (2 votes)

    And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

  • Revelation 7:4 (2 votes)

    And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

  • Revelation 7:8 (2 votes)

    Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.