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

2 CHRONICLES 10:13KJV
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2 Chronicles 10:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 10:13 mean?

2 Chronicles 10:13 describes how King Rehoboam responded harshly to the people of Israel, choosing to ignore the advice of the older advisors. Instead of speaking gently or listening, Rehoboam answered the people in a rough, unfriendly manner.

The verse takes place right after the people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, asked Rehoboam to lighten the heavy workload his father Solomon had placed on them. Rehoboam had two sets of counselors: older men who advised kindness, and younger men who suggested a tougher approach. Here, Rehoboam rejects the wisdom of the elders and speaks to the people with severity, setting the stage for the kingdom’s division.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 10:13

  • "Roughly" (קָשֶׁה, qāšeh): This word means "hard," "severe," or "harsh." It shows that Rehoboam’s answer was not just unfriendly but intentionally tough and unyielding, which would have felt like a slap in the face to the people.
  • "Forsook" (עָזַב, ʿāzab): This word means "to leave behind" or "abandon." The verse emphasizes that Rehoboam did not just ignore the elders’ advice—he actively turned away from it, making a deliberate choice.

Why 2 Chronicles 10:13 matters

  • The verse highlights a turning point where Rehoboam’s decision leads directly to the split of Israel into two kingdoms, showing the real-world consequences of rejecting wise counsel.
  • The focus on "roughly" and "forsook" underlines that Rehoboam’s actions were not accidental or minor; he made a clear, harsh choice against gentleness and wisdom.
  • This moment connects to a wider biblical theme about the importance of listening to experienced advice and the dangers of pride or stubbornness in leadership.

Where else these words appear

“roughly” Hebrew H7186 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 42:7 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
  • Deuteronomy 26:6 And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:
  • 2 Chronicles 10:4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.

“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,

“counsel” Hebrew H6098 · used in 85 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
  • Job 22:18 Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
  • Isaiah 14:26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.