And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was in Egypt, whither he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt.

2 CHRONICLES 10:2KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 10:2 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 10:2 mean?

2 Chronicles 10:2 tells how Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who had been living in Egypt to escape King Solomon, heard news that led him to return from Egypt. This sets up Jeroboam’s reappearance in Israel after a time of exile.

The verse is part of the story where the kingdom of Israel is about to split. Jeroboam had fled to Egypt (called מִצְרַיִם, "Mitzrayim") because Solomon (שְׁלֹמֹה, "Shelomoh") saw him as a threat. Now, after Solomon’s death, Jeroboam hears something important—likely about the new king, Rehoboam—and decides it is safe to come back. This moment is key because Jeroboam’s return will play a major role in the events that follow.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 10:2

  • מִצְרַיִם (Mitzrayim, "Egypt"): Egypt was often a place of refuge for those fleeing danger in Israel. Jeroboam’s time in Egypt shows he was avoiding Solomon’s reach and possibly gaining support or safety there.
  • נָס (nas, "fled"): The word used for "fled" suggests a hurried escape from real danger, not just a casual departure. Jeroboam’s flight was for his life.
  • פָּנִים (panim, "presence"): The phrase "from the presence of Solomon" uses a word that often means "face" or "before," highlighting that Jeroboam was avoiding direct confrontation with the king.

Why 2 Chronicles 10:2 matters

  • This verse explains why Jeroboam was absent from Israel and sets up his significant role in the coming division of the kingdom.
  • The mention of Egypt as a place of refuge connects Jeroboam’s story to earlier biblical figures, like Moses, who also fled there for safety.
  • Understanding Jeroboam’s return helps clarify the political tension and uncertainty in Israel after Solomon’s death, showing how leadership transitions could be dangerous and unpredictable.

Where else these words appear

“Nebat” Hebrew H5028 · used in 25 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 22:52 And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin:
  • 2 Kings 15:18 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

“fled” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

“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.