Verses 1-19

A.M. 3029. — B.C. 975.

The people request Rehoboam to ease their grievances, 2 Chronicles 10:1-5. Rehoboam, rejecting the old men’s counsel, by the advice of the young men, answers them roughly, 2 Chronicles 10:6-15. Ten tribes revolt, 2 Chronicles 10:16-19.

NOTES ON CHAPTER 10.

2 Chronicles 10:1. Rehoboam, went to Shechem, &c. — See 1 Kings 12., where this chapter is explained, so that little need be added here.

2 Chronicles 10:3. And they sent and called him — Or rather, as the Targum properly translates it, For they sent, assigning a reason why he returned from Egypt.

2 Chronicles 10:4. Thy father made our yoke grievous — It is probable, when Solomon had declined from God, that God left him to himself to act thus impoliticly.

2 Chronicles 10:7. If thou be kind to this people — Moderate counsels are generally best. Gentleness will do what violence will not do. Good words cost nothing but a little self-denial, and yet they purchase great things.

2 Chronicles 10:16. Now, David, see to thine own house — When public affairs are in a ferment, violent proceedings do but make ill worse. Many have been driven to the mischief they did not intend, by being too severely dealt with.