Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary2 Chronicles 10

Rehoboam Succeeds SolomonThis section teaches us that even the wisest leaders cannot please everyone. Solomon did many things to make his people happy, but some still complained, especially about taxes and hard work. When people are unhappy, sometimes their complaints are not fair. The people of Israel had peace and plenty during Solomon’s reign, yet they found reasons to grumble. The story warns us that leaders can cause problems by being too harsh with those under them. Rehoboam made a mistake by trying to act as powerful as his father without the same wisdom. Good leaders should listen to others and be kind, because gentle words are very powerful. The section also shows that God sometimes lets people follow foolish advice to fulfill His own plans.v. 1: When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam went to Shechem, because all the Israelites had gathered there to make him king. This was the beginning of his rule and the time when he would have to make important decisions.

Rehoboam's FollyThis section teaches us some important lessons about leadership and God’s plans. When people are upset, harsh actions and words only make things worse. Good leaders need to be calm and gentle during difficult times. Even when people make bad choices, God can still use the situation to fulfill His promises. Wealth and power are not permanent—Solomon ruled over all Israel, but soon after his death, most of the tribes left his son. This shows how quickly things can change. Sometimes, the results of a parent’s sins affect their children, as happened to Solomon’s family. But even when God punishes, He still keeps His promises. Because of God’s promise to David, his family kept two tribes, even though the others left (Psalm 89:31-34 ).v. 12: Three days later, Jeroboam and all the people returned to King Rehoboam to hear his answer. They hoped for a gentle reply and a change in their situation.

v. 13: King Rehoboam answered them harshly. He rejected the wise advice of the elders and chose to speak roughly to the people.

v. 14: He followed the advice of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will make it even heavier.” This made the people even more angry and upset.

v. 15: The king did not listen to the people, because this turn of events was from God. God used this situation to fulfill the word He had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite, showing that His promises always come true .

v. 16: When all Israel saw that the king would not listen to them, they rebelled and said, “What share do we have in David?” They left Rehoboam and made Jeroboam king over most of Israel. This shows how quickly the kingdom was divided.

v. 17: Only the Israelites living in the cities of Judah stayed loyal to Rehoboam. The rest of the tribes followed Jeroboam.

v. 18: King Rehoboam sent Hadoram, who was in charge of forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. Rehoboam managed to escape to Jerusalem. This showed how serious the split had become.

v. 19: From that day on, the kingdom of Israel was divided. Israel was in rebellion against the house of David, just as God had said would happen.