2 Chronicles 10:13

And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,

2 Chronicles 10:13 (KJV)

Context

This verse records the moment King Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, answered the people of Israel roughly and rejected the counsel of the older advisors. The people, led by Jeroboam, had asked Rehoboam to lighten the heavy burdens and harsh labour imposed during Solomon’s reign. Rehoboam first consulted the elders who had served his father, and they advised him to respond favourably. But he turned instead to the young men he had grown up with, who urged him to answer harshly.

Meaning

The verse summarises Rehoboam’s fateful choice: he spoke roughly and forsook the counsel of the old men. The word “forsook” indicates a deliberate rejection, not mere neglect. Rehoboam valued the agreement of his peers over the wisdom of experienced advisors. His harsh response reflected pride and a desire to assert authority rather than serve the people.

Biblical connections

The parallel account in 1 Kings 12:13 confirms the same event. Scripture elsewhere warns that “a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1) and that pride precedes destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Rehoboam’s rejection of wise counsel led to the rebellion of the ten northern tribes and the division of the kingdom, leaving only Judah and Benjamin under his rule.

Application

This verse calls readers to value godly counsel, especially from those with experience and maturity. It warns against responding to others with harshness or pride. Rehoboam’s example shows that rejecting wise advice can have lasting consequences for families, churches, and nations. Believers are encouraged to listen humbly, weigh counsel carefully, and respond with grace.

Reflection

Rehoboam’s rough answer reveals a heart more concerned with power than with people. His account invites self-examination: do we seek advice from those who speak truth, or only from those who agree with us? Do we answer others with gentleness or with harshness? The verse reminds us that wisdom begins with humility and a willingness to learn from others.