So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day.

2 CHRONICLES 10:12KJV
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2 Chronicles 10:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 10:12 mean?

2 Chronicles 10:12 describes how Jeroboam and all the people returned to King Rehoboam on the third day, just as the king had instructed them, to hear his decision about their request. The verse highlights the people's obedience to the king's command and sets the stage for the important response Rehoboam is about to give.

In this verse, Jeroboam acts as a representative for the people of Israel, and they all approach Rehoboam in Shechem after he asked them to come back in three days. The situation is tense, as the people are hoping for a favorable answer to their plea for lighter labor and taxes. This meeting is a turning point, as the king's reply will have major consequences for the future of the kingdom.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 10:12

  • The word for "people" (עָם, ʿam) refers to the gathered community of Israel, emphasizing that this was not just a private negotiation but a matter involving the whole nation.
  • The word for "came" (בּוֹא, bo) is a common verb for arriving or approaching, showing the people's active participation in seeking an answer from their king.
  • The phrase "third day" (יוֹם שְׁלִישִׁי, yom shelishi) is repeated, stressing the exact timing and the people's careful attention to the king's instructions.

Why 2 Chronicles 10:12 matters

  • This verse shows the people's willingness to follow royal protocol and respect the king's process, even as they are seeking relief from hardship.
  • It marks the critical moment before Rehoboam's fateful decision, which will soon lead to the division of the kingdom.
  • The careful mention of timing and obedience highlights the seriousness of the people's request and the weight of the king's coming answer.

Where else these words appear

“Rehoboam” Hebrew H7346 · used in 41 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:43 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 14:29 Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • 2 Chronicles 11:3 Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,

“third” Hebrew H7992 · used in 94 verses

  • Genesis 1:13 And the evening and the morning were the third day.
  • Judges 20:30 And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and put themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times.
  • 1 Chronicles 24:23 And the sons of Hebron; Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.

“Jeroboam” Hebrew H3379 · used in 95 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
  • 1 Kings 14:30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.
  • 2 Kings 15:1 In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign.