And when all Israel saw that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and we have none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: and now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.

2 CHRONICLES 10:16KJV
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2 Chronicles 10:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 10:16 mean?

2 Chronicles 10:16 describes how the people of Israel rejected King Rehoboam’s rule after he refused to listen to their requests, declaring that they no longer had any share or inheritance with the house of David and returning to their own homes. This verse marks the moment when the northern tribes broke away from the Davidic dynasty, leading to the division of the kingdom.

The verse shows the people speaking directly to the king, expressing their frustration by saying they have no “portion” (share) in David or “inheritance” in the son of Jesse, meaning they no longer see themselves as part of his kingdom. The historical setting is the aftermath of King Solomon’s death, when his son Rehoboam’s harsh response to the people’s plea for lighter burdens led to a split: the ten northern tribes rebelled, leaving only Judah and Benjamin under David’s line.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 10:16

  • "Portion" (חֵלֶק, cheleq): This word means a share or part in something. Here, it highlights the people’s sense of being cut off from the benefits or identity tied to David’s house.
  • "Inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, nachalah): This term refers to a lasting possession or heritage. By saying they have no inheritance in the son of Jesse, the people are rejecting any ongoing claim or loyalty to Rehoboam’s rule.
  • "Tents" (אֹהֶל, ohel): This word literally means tents or dwellings. The phrase “every man to your tents” is a call for everyone to return to their own homes, signaling the end of unity under the king.

Why 2 Chronicles 10:16 matters

  • This verse explains the dramatic turning point when Israel split into two kingdoms, which shapes much of the rest of the Old Testament narrative.
  • The language of “portion” and “inheritance” shows that the break was not just political but also about identity and belonging.
  • Understanding this moment helps clarify why later prophets and writers refer back to the division and the longing for unity under a future king from David’s line.

Where else these words appear

“Jesse” Hebrew H3448 · used in 39 verses

  • Ruth 4:17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
  • 1 Samuel 16:22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight.
  • 1 Samuel 25:10 And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master.

“portion” Hebrew H2506 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 14:24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.