2 Chronicles 10:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 10:18 mean?

2 Chronicles 10:18 describes how King Rehoboam sent Hadoram, the official in charge of forced labor or tribute, to the Israelites, but the people killed Hadoram by stoning him. After this violent act, Rehoboam quickly escaped in his chariot and fled to Jerusalem for safety.

This verse takes place right after the northern tribes of Israel rejected Rehoboam’s rule because of his harsh policies. The people’s attack on Hadoram, who represented royal authority and taxation, shows their complete rejection of Rehoboam’s leadership. The king’s urgent flight highlights how serious the rebellion was and marks the final break between the northern tribes and the house of David.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 10:18

• חֲדֹרָם (Hadoram, ḥăḏōrām): This is the name of the official sent by Rehoboam. Hadoram was in charge of the "tribute," meaning forced labor or taxes, making him a symbol of the king’s authority and unpopular policies.
• מַס (mas, H4522): This word means "tribute" or "forced labor." The use of this term shows that the people’s anger was directed at the system of heavy burdens imposed by the king, not just at one person.
• רָגַם (ragam, H7275): This verb means "to stone." The act of stoning Hadoram was a public, collective rejection of royal oppression, not just a personal attack.
• בָּרַח (barach, H5127): This verb means "to flee." Rehoboam’s quick escape underlines the danger he faced and the seriousness of the revolt.

Why 2 Chronicles 10:18 matters

• This verse makes clear that the split between Rehoboam and the northern tribes was not just political but involved real violence and deep anger over oppression.
• The killing of Hadoram, the tribute official, shows that the people’s rebellion was against the king’s policies, especially forced labor and heavy taxation.
• The urgency of Rehoboam’s flight to Jerusalem sets the stage for the permanent division of Israel into two kingdoms, a turning point in Israel’s history.