Rehoboam's Folly and the Division of the Kingdom
2 Chronicles 10:1-11:4
2 C.10.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שכמה: NOUN,f,sg,suff,3,f
- כי: CONJ
- שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להמליך: VERB,hiph,inf
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:1 (verbal): Direct parallel account—Rehoboam goes to Shechem because all Israel has come there to make him king; Chronicles retells the Kings narrative.
- Judges 9:6 (structural): Abimelech is made king at Shechem after the leaders of the city assemble there—similar motif of Shechem as the site where a leader is proclaimed by a popular assembly.
- Joshua 24:1 (thematic): Shechem functions as a central meeting place where Joshua gathers all the tribes for covenantal and leadership decisions, echoing the theme of national assembly at Shechem.
- 1 Samuel 8:4-5 (thematic): Israel's collective demand for a king and involvement in selecting a monarch parallels the theme of popular participation in establishing royal leadership.
Alternative generated candidates
- Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.
- And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.
2 C.10.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כשמע: CONJ
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- במצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ברח: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- מפני: PREP
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 11:40 (quotation): Direct parallel account: states that Jeroboam fled to Egypt to escape Solomon and remained there until Solomon's death (same event described).
- 1 Kings 12:2 (verbal): Very similar wording and narrative beat: Jeroboam is described as still being in Egypt when he hears of events in Israel, echoing 2 Chronicles 10:2.
- 1 Kings 11:26-31 (structural): Background narrative (Ahijah's prophecy and Jeroboam's rise) that explains why Jeroboam fled to Egypt—provides the causative context for the flight mentioned in 2 Chr 10:2.
- 1 Kings 12:20 (thematic): Continuation/result of Jeroboam's return from Egypt: Israel rebels against Rehoboam and makes Jeroboam king—connects the flight/return in 2 Chr 10:2 with its political outcome.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard it—he was in Egypt, having fled from King Solomon—Jeroboam returned from Egypt.
- When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard it—he was in Egypt, for he had fled from before King Solomon—Jeroboam returned from Egypt.
2 C.10.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלחו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:3 (verbal): Direct verbal parallel: 1 Kings recounts the same line—Jeroboam and all Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam—using nearly identical wording.
- 1 Kings 12:1 (structural): Sets the scene for the same event (Rehoboam going to Shechem) and functions as the opening of the parallel narrative in Kings.
- 1 Kings 12:4 (thematic): Continuing the same exchange: Israel's demand that Rehoboam lighten his father's heavy yoke is the content introduced by 2 Chr 10:3's 'and they spoke to Rehoboam, saying...'.
- 1 Kings 12:16 (structural): Describes the immediate outcome of the confrontation introduced in 2 Chr 10:3—the ten tribes rejecting Rehoboam—completing the narrative arc of this scene.
Alternative generated candidates
- They sent and called him; Jeroboam and all Israel came, and they spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
- Then they sent and called him; and Jeroboam and all Israel came, and they spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
2 C.10.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- הקשה: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עלנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ועתה: CONJ
- הקל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מעבדת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- הקשה: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- ומעלו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg+3ms
- הכבד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ונעבדך: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,pl
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:4 (quotation): ציטוט מקביל כמעט מילולי באותו סיפור — העם מבקש מרחבעם 'להקל' את העול שעשה שלמה עליהם.
- 1 Kings 12:12-14 (structural): המשך הסצנה הנרטיבית: רחבעם מייעץ עם הזקנים והצעירים — המסגרת שמציגה את בקשת העם ואת ההחלטה שאחר כך מובילה לחלוקה.
- Matthew 11:28-30 (thematic): שיתוף במטפורת ה'עול'/'יוק' — ישו מציג יוק קל ונשיאה קלה כהפך לרעיונו של הקלה מעול דתי/כבד.
- Isaiah 9:4 (thematic): תיאור דיכוי באמצעות 'עול' ו'מקל' של הדכאים; שימוש בדימוי העול כדי לתאר שמירה על העם מפני שלטון כבד.
- Jeremiah 28:10-11 (allusion): מעשה שבירת ה'יוק' כסמל לשחרור מעול נבואי־פוליטי; משתף במוטיב הסרת העול מהצוואר כהתנגדות לדיכוי.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Your father made our yoke heavy; now lighten the harsh service of your father's heavy yoke, and we will serve you.”
- “Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore lighten the harsh labor of your father and the heavy burden which he put upon us, and we will serve you.”
2 C.10.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- עוד: ADV
- שלשת: NUM,m,pl,abs
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושובו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:4 (quotation): Direct parallel in the Deuteronomistic history: Rehoboam tells the people to come back to him after three days — Chronicles repeats this command nearly verbatim.
- 1 Kings 12:5 (verbal): Immediate verbal/structural parallel: both accounts record that the people then departed (the same concise phrase about the people going away).
- 1 Kings 12:6–11 (thematic): Contextual parallel: the three-day interval allows Rehoboam time to consult elders and young advisors; these verses narrate the contrasting counsel that follows the delay.
- 2 Chronicles 10:6 (structural): Close intra-book parallel/continuation: the next verse in Chronicles shows Rehoboam consulting the elders and young men, explaining why he asked for three days.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to them, “Come back to me in three days.” And the people went away.
- And he said to them, “Come back to me after three days.” So the people departed.
2 C.10.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויועץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הזקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עמדים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- בהיתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- איך: ADV
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- נועצים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
- להשיב: VERB,qal,inf
- לעם: PREP
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:6 (verbal): Direct parallel in Kings: Rehoboam consults the elders who served Solomon; nearly identical wording and narrative function.
- 1 Kings 12:8–11 (structural): Shows the alternative counsel Rehoboam seeks from the young men and contrasts the elders' advice with the youth's harsher recommendations.
- 1 Kings 12:15 (structural): Records Rehoboam's decision to follow the young men's counsel rather than the elders', demonstrating the outcome of rejecting elder advice in this episode.
- Exodus 18:13–24 (thematic): Jethro's counsel to Moses about delegating judgment and appointing capable elders: a broader theme of seeking and organizing wise counsel for governance.
- Proverbs 11:14 (thematic): Wisdom maxim affirming the necessity of many counselors for safety—literature that undergirds the positive view of elder counsel reflected in Chronicles.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king consulted the elders who had stood before Solomon his father while he was alive: “How do you advise that I answer these people?”
- Then the king consulted with the elders who had stood before Solomon his father while he was alive, saying, “How do you counsel that I should answer this people?”
2 C.10.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אם: CONJ
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- לטוב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להעם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ורציתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- ודברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- דברים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- טובים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- עבדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:7 (quotation): Direct verbal parallel — the elders' counsel to Rehoboam is repeated almost word-for-word in 1 Kings, advising gentleness and promising that kind speech will secure the people's loyalty.
- 1 Kings 12:1-17 (structural): Broader narrative parallel — the whole episode of Rehoboam's consultation (elders vs. young men) and the resulting schism, which frames the advice in v.7 and its rejection.
- Proverbs 25:11 (thematic): Theme of persuasive speech — a 'word fitly spoken' wins and is valuable, echoing the idea that well-chosen, pleasant words gain people's hearts and loyalty.
- Proverbs 16:21 (thematic): Pleasant words increase persuasion — links wisdom in speech with the ability to win and influence others, paralleling the counsel to speak kindly to secure servants.
- Matthew 20:25-28 (thematic): Leadership and willing service — Jesus teaches that true leadership is by service and humility; similarly, Rehoboam could have secured willing service by treating the people well rather than ruling harshly.
Alternative generated candidates
- They answered him, “If you will be kind to this people and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be your servants for ever.”
- They spoke to him, saying, “If you will be kind to this people and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be your servants for ever.”
2 C.10.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעזב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עצת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- הזקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יעצהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויועץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הילדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- גדלו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff:3ms
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- העמדים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:8 (verbal): Direct, near-verbatim parallel in the Kings account: Rehoboam forsakes the elders' counsel and consults the young men who grew up with him.
- 1 Kings 12:6-11 (structural): The broader narrative in Kings presenting both sets of advisers and the exchange that leads Rehoboam to reject the elders and follow the youths' harsher advice, matching Chronicles' structure.
- Proverbs 11:14 (thematic): Affirms the necessity of many counselors for stability and success—a principle violated when Rehoboam dismisses the elders' counsel.
- Proverbs 12:15 (thematic): Contrasts the wise who accept counsel with the fool who trusts only his own way, thematically paralleling Rehoboam's refusal of elder advice in favor of youthful counsel.
Alternative generated candidates
- But he rejected the counsel of the elders that they had given him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him.
- But he abandoned the counsel of the elders that they had given him, and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him.
2 C.10.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- מה: PRON,int
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- נועצים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
- ונשיב: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הקל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- העל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:9 (quotation): Direct parallel in the Deuteronomistic history; virtually the same question—Rehoboam asks his advisors what to reply to the people's complaint about Solomon's heavy yoke.
- 1 Kings 12:4 (verbal): Contains the people's actual complaint ('your father's yoke was heavy—lighten it'), which is the statement Rehoboam refers to in 2 Chr 10:9.
- 1 Kings 12:7 (structural): Records the same sequence of events—Rehoboam first consulting the older advisors—paralleling the counsel-seeking context of 2 Chronicles 10:9.
- 2 Chronicles 10:13 (thematic): Later verse in Chronicles noting Rehoboam rejected the elders' counsel; thematically explains the consequence of the exchange described in 10:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to them, “What do you advise that I should answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put upon us’?”
- He said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?”
2 C.10.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- הילדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- גדלו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff:3ms
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כה: ADV
- תאמר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לעם: PREP
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- הכביד: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עלנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- הקל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מעלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- כה: ADV
- תאמר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- קטני: NOUN,m,pl,poss,1,sg
- עבה: ADJ,m,pl
- ממתני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,poss,1,sg
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:10 (quotation): Direct parallel/near-quotation: the same wording about 'the young men who had grown up with him' advising Rehoboam what to say to the people.
- 1 Kings 12:11 (verbal): Continuation of the same scene: the young men's counsel is stated explicitly here (tell the people you will increase the yoke), contrasting with the elders' advice.
- 1 Kings 12:13-14 (thematic): The people's complaint ('your father made our yoke heavy') and Rehoboam's refusal of the elders' counsel echo the conflict described in 2 Chr 10:10.
- 1 Kings 12:15-16 (structural): The outcome of following the young men's advice (Rehoboam's harsh reply and the ensuing secession of the northern tribes) provides the narrative consequence of the counsel mentioned in 2 Chr 10:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- The young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, “Thus shall you say to the people who spoke to you: ‘Your father loaded you with a heavy yoke; but make it lighter for us’—thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's waist.’”
- The young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus shall you say to the people who spoke to you: ‘Your father made our yoke heavy; now lighten it for us.’ Tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist.’”
2 C.10.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- העמיס: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
- על: PREP
- כבד: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- אסיף: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,sg
- על: PREP
- עלכם: PREP+PRON,2,m,pl
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יסר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- בשוטים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- בעקרבים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:11 (quotation): Direct parallel / near-verbatim repetition of Rehoboam's words about increasing the yoke and exchanging 'whips' for 'scorpions.' Chronicles here retells the same speech found in Kings.
- 1 Samuel 8:11-18 (thematic): Samuel's warning about the consequences of having a king (levying sons and daughters, property and service) echoes the theme of royal oppression and heavy burdens placed on the people.
- Proverbs 13:24 (thematic): Uses rod/discipline imagery ('whoever spares the rod hates his son')—parallels the metaphor of corrective/disciplinary instruments (whips/scourges) applied to subjects.
- Isaiah 10:5-6 (thematic): Speaks of Assyria as the 'rod' or instrument of punishment—similar metaphor of a ruler or instrument used to chastise a people, resonating with the scourge imagery in Rehoboam's threat.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Now my father laid upon you a heavy yoke; I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”
- “Now my father laid upon you a heavy yoke; but I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”
2 C.10.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- השלשי: NUM,ord,m,sg,def
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- שובו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ביום: PREP
- השלשי: NUM,ord,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:12 (quotation): Direct parallel/near‑identical wording in the Deuteronomistic account: Jeroboam and all the people come to Rehoboam on the third day as the king had appointed.
- 1 Kings 12:1-5 (structural): Sets the same scene and petition: Israel assembles before Rehoboam and asks him to lighten Solomon's heavy yoke — the background to the third‑day meeting.
- 1 Kings 12:13-15 (verbal): Continues the parallel narrative: Rehoboam consults advisors (elders and peers) and gives the harsh answer that precipitates the break initiated at the third‑day meeting.
- 1 Kings 12:16-17 (thematic): Records the outcome of the meeting on the third day — the people rebel, and Jeroboam is made king over Israel; thematically tied to the assembly in 2 Chr 10:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king had said, “Come back to me on the third day.”
- So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king had commanded, saying, “Come back to me on the third day.”
2 C.10.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויענם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קשה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ויעזב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- עצת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- הזקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:14 (verbal): Direct parallel account of Rehoboam rejecting the advice of the older counselors — Chronicles echoes Kings' wording about forsaking the elders' counsel.
- 1 Kings 12:15 (structural): Continues the Kings narrative: explains the outcome as divinely ordained, paralleling Chronicles' explanation for the king's stubborn decision.
- Exodus 7:3 (allusion): Uses the motif of a ruler's hardened/obstinate heart (Pharaoh) — parallels the description of a king responding harshly or being hardened.
- Proverbs 11:14 (thematic): Contrasts consequences of lacking wise counsel — thematically relevant to Rehoboam's decision to abandon experienced advisers.
- Psalm 81:12 (thematic): Speaks of God giving people over to their own stubbornness when they refuse counsel, echoing the theological interpretation of the king's obstinacy.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king answered them harshly; Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the elders.
- And the king answered the people harshly; and Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the elders.
2 C.10.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כעצת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cs
- הילדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אכביד: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עלכם: PREP+PRON,2,m,pl
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- אסיף: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יסר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- בשוטים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- בעקרבים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:14 (quotation): Direct parallel in the Deuteronomistic account — the young men's words are quoted almost verbatim: increase the yoke, 'my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.'
- 1 Kings 12:6-11 (structural): The broader scene that frames 2 Chronicles 10:14 — the contrast between the elders' counsel to be conciliatory and the young men's harsher advice that Rehoboam follows.
- Jeremiah 27:8-11 (thematic): Uses the image of a yoke to denote political submission and punishment; thematically related to Rehoboam's threat to increase the people's burden (the 'yoke').
- Revelation 9:3-5 (allusion): Speaks of tormenting, scorpion-like creatures whose sting causes prolonged anguish. The reference to 'scorpions' in 2 Chronicles functions similarly as an image of severe and painful punishment.
Alternative generated candidates
- He spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy; I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”
- He spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”
2 C.10.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- נסבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעם: PREP
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למען: PREP
- הקים: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחיהו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- השלוני: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:15 (verbal): Almost identical wording — states Rehoboam did not listen because 'the turn of events was from the LORD' to fulfill what was spoken by Ahijah to Jeroboam (direct verbal parallel).
- 1 Kings 11:29-39 (allusion): Ahijah the Shilonite's prophecy to Jeroboam predicting that God would tear the kingdom from Solomon and give ten tribes to Jeroboam — the prophetic source cited in 2 Chr 10:15.
- 1 Kings 11:11-13 (thematic): God's decree to remove most of the kingdom from Solomon because of his unfaithfulness, providing the theological basis for the fulfillment noted in 2 Chr 10:15.
- 1 Kings 12:19-20 (structural): Narrative account of Israel's rejection of Rehoboam and the crowning of Jeroboam (the actual division/rebellion), showing the fulfillment and consequence referred to in 2 Chr 10:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- The king would not listen to the people, for it was the turn of events from the LORD to fulfill the word that the LORD had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat.
- So the king did not listen to the people, for the purpose was from the LORD, to fulfill the word which the LORD had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat.
2 C.10.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- וישיבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- מה: PRON,int
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- חלק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בדויד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- נחלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בבן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאהליך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עתה: ADV
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- ביתך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאהליו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:16-20 (quotation): Direct parallel account in the Deuteronomistic history; contains the same words and narrative (the people reject Rehoboam and say, 'What share have we in David? ... To your tents, O Israel').
- 2 Samuel 15:10 (thematic): Shows a similar phenomenon earlier in David's reign when the people abandon David for Absalom—illustrates the motif of Israel withdrawing loyalty from the Davidic king.
- 1 Samuel 8:7-9 (thematic): God's diagnosis that the people 'have rejected me' when demanding a king echoes the theme of popular rejection of legitimate rule and the consequences of choosing human leaders over covenantal order.
- 2 Chronicles 11:1-4 (structural): Chronicles' immediate sequel: the division's aftermath and God's instruction to Rehoboam not to fight; structural parallel that follows directly from the people's withdrawal and frames the split between Judah and Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- All Israel, seeing that the king did not heed them, answered the king, “What portion have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Now look to your own house, O David.” So all Israel went to their tents.
- And all Israel, when they saw that the king would not listen to them, answered the people, “What share have we in David? There is no inheritance for us in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Now look to your own house, O David.” So all Israel went to their tents.
2 C.10.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הישבים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl,def
- בערי: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וימלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:17 (structural): Parallel account of the same event in the Deuteronomistic history: the kingdom splits and the narrative records who remained under Rehoboam’s rule in Judah’s towns.
- 1 Kings 12:20 (verbal): Explicitly states that Israel rebelled against the house of David and that only the tribe of Judah followed Rehoboam—a direct thematic match to Rehoboam’s rule over those in Judah.
- 2 Chronicles 11:1 (thematic): Continues the Chronicler’s perspective on the aftermath: Rehoboam strengthens himself as king in Judah after the northern tribes secede, underscoring his reign over Judah’s cities.
- 2 Chronicles 11:13-14 (thematic): Describes priests and Levites abandoning the northern kingdom to serve Rehoboam in Judah— reinforces the division and the consolidation of religious and political life under Rehoboam in Judah’s towns.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the Israelites who lived in the cities of Judah remained under the rule of Rehoboam.
- But the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah—Rehoboam reigned over them.
2 C.10.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הדרם: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- המס: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וירגמו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והמלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התאמץ: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,sg
- לעלות: VERB,qal,inf
- במרכבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לנוס: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:18 (verbal): Direct parallel narrative (same episode): Rehoboam sends Adoram/Adoniram over the forced labor, who is stoned by the Israelites and dies; Rehoboam hastens to his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.
- 1 Kings 12:19-20 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation in Kings describing the fallout of the stoning: Israel rejects Rehoboam, makes Jeroboam king, and the kingdom is effectively divided—paralleling the political consequences and Rehoboam's retreat.
- 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 (thematic): Thematic parallel within Chronicles: Zechariah son of Jehoiada is stoned by the people at the temple. Both passages depict mob violence resulting in the death of an official/leader.
- 2 Samuel 15:13-14 (thematic): Thematic parallel of a king forced to flee the capital during a revolt (David fleeing Jerusalem during Absalom’s rebellion), echoing the motif of royal flight in the face of popular uprising.
Alternative generated candidates
- King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. Then King Rehoboam hurried to get into his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.
- And King Rehoboam sent Hadoram who was over the tribute; and the people of Israel stoned him with stones, and he died. Then King Rehoboam made haste to get into his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.
2 C.10.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפשעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:19 (verbal): Direct parallel in the Deuteronomistic account: the exact statement that Israel rebelled against the house of David 'to this day.'
- 1 Kings 12:16-17 (structural): Immediate narrative context in Kings: the people reject Rehoboam, return to their tents, and set the stage for the northern revolt and selection of Jeroboam.
- 1 Kings 11:29-39 (thematic): Ahijah's prophecy announcing Jeroboam's rise and the future division of the kingdom—provides prophetic/theological background for the later rebellion against David's house.
- 2 Chronicles 11:1-4 (thematic): Chronicles' continuation after the split: Rehoboam consolidates Judah and laments Israel's rebellion, showing the immediate consequences for the Davidic house.
- Psalm 78:59-64 (thematic): A liturgical retelling of Israel's repeated rebellion and God's judgment—echoes the theme of persistent revolt against rightful leadership and covenant consequences.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.
- Thus Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.
2 C.11.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויקהל: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ובנימן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- ושמונים: NUM,card,pl,m
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- בחור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- להלחם: VERB,hitp,inf
- עם: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להשיב: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- הממלכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לרחבעם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:21 (quotation): Direct parallel account: Rehoboam returns to Jerusalem and assembles 180,000 chosen men of Judah and Benjamin to fight to restore the kingdom (nearly identical report).
- 1 Kings 12:22-24 (structural): Immediate parallel episode in Kings: the prophet Shemaiah (the man of God) tells Rehoboam not to fight against Israel; explains why the assembled army does not engage.
- 1 Kings 12:16-17 (thematic): Background to the conflict: Israel's rejection of Rehoboam and secession precipitate Rehoboam's attempt to muster forces and regain the kingdom.
- 2 Chron.11:2-4 (structural): The very next verses in Chronicles recount the prophetic warning (Shemaiah) that prevents the war and instructs Rehoboam to accept the division, completing the local narrative context for verse 11:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- Rehoboam came to Jerusalem and gathered the house of Judah and Benjamin—180,000 chosen men to fight against Israel and to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam.
- And Rehoboam came to Jerusalem and assembled of the house of Judah and Benjamin one hundred and eighty thousand valiant men to fight against Israel, to bring the kingdom back to Rehoboam.
2 C.11.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- שמעיהו: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:22 (quotation): Direct parallel account of the same event—God's word comes to Shemaiah the man of God with instruction to Rehoboam; Chronicles and Kings preserve the same prophetic message.
- 1 Kings 12:23-24 (thematic): Continuation of the same episode in Kings: the divine message prevents Rehoboam and Israel from civil war—same theological point that God intervenes to stop bloodshed.
- Jeremiah 1:4 (verbal): Uses the same prophetic formula 'the word of the LORD came to...'—illustrates the common OT narrative/prophetic introduction applied to a spokesman of God.
- 1 Kings 17:2 (verbal): Another instance where 'the word of the LORD came to' introduces a man of God (Elijah); highlights the recurring motif of divine communication to prophetic figures.
Alternative generated candidates
- The word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, a man of God, saying,
- But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
2 C.11.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביהודה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנימן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:22-24 (quotation): Same report that the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah to speak to Rehoboam and to Judah/Benjamin, forbidding war and declaring the division to be God's doing — nearly identical wording and function.
- 1 Kings 12:16-17 (thematic): Describes the refusal of the northern tribes and their departure (the secession of Israel), which is the background and occasion for the divine message addressed to Rehoboam and Judah/Benjamin.
- 2 Chronicles 11:4 (structural): Immediate continuation in Chronicles of the message introduced in 11:3; repeats the divine instruction through Shemaiah and the consequent obedience, showing close narrative parallel within the same book.
- 2 Chronicles 10:18 (verbal): Parallel account of the people's reaction when Rehoboam would not relent (they declare 'What portion do we have in David?'), the event that precipitates the separation between Israel and Judah/Benjamin referenced in 11:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the people of Judah and Benjamin,
- “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the people of Judah and Benjamin,
2 C.11.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תעלו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- תלחמו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- אחיכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,pl
- שובו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לביתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cs+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מאתי: PREP,1,sg
- נהיה: VERB,niphal,impf,1,pl
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- וישמעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מלכת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:22-24 (quotation): Almost identical wording: the prophet (Shemaiah) declares 'You shall not go up nor fight against your brethren; return every man to his house, for this thing is from Me,' and the people obey and cease fighting Jeroboam.
- 1 Kings 12:21-24 (structural): Full Kings narrative showing Rehoboam's mustering of an army to regain the ten tribes and God's intervention by a prophetic word that halts the campaign—provides the fuller context for Chronicles' compressed report.
- 2 Chronicles 10:16-19 (structural): The immediately preceding Chronicles account of the people's rejection of Rehoboam and their departure to their tents; sets the stage for the prophet's command in 11:4 and the cessation of hostilities.
- 1 Kings 12:20 (thematic): Summarizes the permanent separation—'So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day'—reflecting the outcome behind the prophet’s injunction that the division is from the LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- ‘Thus says the LORD: You shall not go up or fight against your brothers. Return every man to his house, for this thing is from me.’” They heeded the word of the LORD and returned, and did not fight against Jeroboam.
- ‘Thus says the LORD: You shall not go up and you shall not fight against your brethren; return every man to his house, for this thing is from Me.’ ” So they hearkened to the words of the LORD and returned; they did not march against Jeroboam.
And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.
When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard it—he was in Egypt, for he had fled from before King Solomon—Jeroboam returned from Egypt.
They sent and called him; and Jeroboam and all Israel came, and they spoke to Rehoboam, saying:
“Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore lighten the service of your father's heavy yoke and the heavy burden that he put upon us, and we will serve you.”
He said to them, “Come back to me in three days.” And the people departed.
The king consulted with the elders who had stood before Solomon his father while he was alive, saying, “How do you advise that I should answer this people?”
They spoke to him, saying, “If you will be kind to this people and please them and speak good words to them, they will be your servants forever.” But he abandoned the counsel of the elders who had advised him, and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him.
He said to them, “What do you counsel that we should answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?”
The young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus shall you speak to the people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy; now make it lighter for us’—thus shall you say to them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's waist.’”
“Now my father laid a heavy yoke upon you; I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”
Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king had commanded, saying, “Come to me again on the third day.”
The king answered them harshly; and King Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the elders.
He spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.” But the king did not listen to the people, for this was from the LORD, that he might fulfill the word which he had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat.
All Israel saw that the king would not listen to them, and the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? What inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Now see to your own house, O David.” So all Israel went to their tents. But the Israelites who dwelt in the cities of Judah remained under the rule of Rehoboam.
King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute, and the Israelites stoned him with stones so that he died. Then King Rehoboam hastened to get into his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. Thus Israel rebelled against the house of David to this day.
Rehoboam came to Jerusalem and gathered the house of Judah and Benjamin—one hundred and eighty thousand valiant men, to fight against Israel and to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam. And the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
“Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the people of Judah and Benjamin:
‘Thus says the LORD: You shall not go up or fight against your brothers. Return, every man, to his house; for this thing is from Me.’ ” So they listened to the words of the LORD and returned, and did not go against Jeroboam.