A. Rehoboam chs. 10-12This writer selected three things to stress in regard to Rehoboam’s reign: the division of the kingdom (ch. 10), characteristics of both the northern and southern kingdoms, but especially Rehoboam’s (ch. 11), and Egypt’s invasion of Rehoboam’s kingdom (ch. 12). read more
1. The division of the nation ch. 10This account is very similar to the one in 1 Kings 12. Solomon’s son Rehoboam did not act wisely and therefore lost his kingdom. The Chronicler added that a prophet had foretold this situation (2 Chronicles 10:15; cf. 2 Chronicles 11:1-4). The division of the kingdom looked like a tragedy, but it was part of God’s plan for His people. That would have given hope to the original readers since the captivity looked like a tragedy, but prophets had foretold it... read more
IV. THE REIGNS OF SOLOMON’S SUCCESSORS CHS. 10-36"With the close of Solomon’s reign we embark upon a new phase in Chr.’s account of Israel’s history. That account can be broadly divided . . . into the pre-Davidic era, the time of David and Solomon, and the period of the divided monarchy up until the Babylonian exile." [Note: McConville, p. 150.] ". . . the Chronicler never regarded the northern monarchy as anything but illegitimate and a rebellion against God’s chosen dynasty. As far as he was... read more
Reign of RehoboamThis chapter is a repetition of 1 Kings 12:1-19 with slight differences.2. Returned out of Egypt] Preferable to 1 Kings 12:2, ’Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt.’4. Thy father made, etc.] The passages in 1 Kings 5:13-14; 1 Kings 11:28, which throw light upon the oppressiveness of Solomon, are omitted by the Chronicler. read more
(7) If thou be kind to this people.—A free paraphrase of, “If to-day thou become a servant to this people and serve them” (Kings)—words which may have seemed inappropriate to the redactor, in connection with the king, but which form a pointed antithesis to the last clause of the verse, “they will be thy servants for ever.”And please them.—Be propitious to them, receive them graciously (raçah). (Genesis 33:10.) Kings, “answer them.” read more
REHOBOAM AND ABIJAH: THE IMPORTANCE OF RITUAL2 Chronicles 10:1-19; 2 Chronicles 11:1-23; 2 Chronicles 12:1-16; 2 Chronicles 13:1-22THE transition from Solomon to Rehoboam brings to light a serious drawback of the chronicler’s principle of selection. In the history of Solomon we read of nothing but wealth, splendor, unchallenged dominion, and superhuman wisdom; and yet the breath is hardly out of the body of the wisest and greatest king of Israel before his empire falls to pieces. We are told,... read more
II. THE REBELLION OF THE TEN TRIBES CHAPTER 10 1. Rehoboam made king (2 Chronicles 10:1 ) 2. Jeroboam’s return from Egypt and his request (2 Chronicles 10:2-5 ) 3. Rehoboam’s answer (2 Chronicles 10:6-15 ) 4. The revolt and Rehoboam’s flight (2 Chronicles 10:16-19 ) What followed Solomon’s fall when he turned away from the Lord, who so graciously had appeared unto him twice, is unrecorded in the Chronicles. 1 Kings 11:9-43 contains these events. Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, had lifted... read more
JEROBOAM LEADS A REVOLT (vv.1-18) Rehoboam was inaugurated as king at Shechem. Jereboam who had gone to Egypt for fear of King Solomon, hearing of Solomon's death, returned to Israel. The tribes of Israel had some respect for this capable leader, and asked him to intercede for them to Rehoboam. Thus Jereboam and others with him came to Rehoboam, telling him that Solomon had laid heavy burdens on them and asking him to lighten this severe bondage so that they would willingly serve him... read more
REHOBOAM AND JEHOSHAPHAT REHOBOAM (2 Chronicles 10-12) The story of the rejected counsel of the older men and what came of it (chap. 10) is practically as in 1 Kings 12:0 , and furnishes an illustration of the relation of divine sovereignty to human free agency. The fortification of Judah’s cities against Israel (chap. 11) was dwelt upon in the earlier books, as well as the return of the priests and Levites to Jerusalem. Rehoboam’s “wise” action (2 Chronicles 11:23 ) is to be taken in the... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Chronicles 10:7
7. If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them—In the Book of Kings [1 Kings 12:7], the words are, "If thou wilt be a servant unto this people, and wilt serve them." The meaning in both is the same, namely, If thou wilt make some reasonable concessions, redress their grievances, and restore their abridged liberties, thou wilt secure their strong and lasting attachment to thy person and government. read more