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.