And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people?

2 CHRONICLES 10:6KJV
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2 Chronicles 10:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 10:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 10:6 describes how King Rehoboam asked the older advisors who had served his father Solomon for their advice on how he should respond to the people’s request. Rehoboam wanted to know what answer he should give to the people who had come to him with concerns.

In this scene, Rehoboam has just become king after Solomon’s death, and the people of Israel have approached him asking for relief from heavy burdens. The verse shows Rehoboam turning first to experienced counselors—men who had served under his father—for guidance. This sets up a contrast between the wisdom of age and experience and the advice Rehoboam will later seek from his younger peers.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 10:6

  • "counsel" (יָעַץ, ya‘ats): This word means to advise or give guidance. The verse highlights that Rehoboam is actively seeking advice, not just making decisions on his own.
  • "old" (זָקֵן, zaqen): This word refers to elders or older men, often respected for their wisdom and experience. The verse emphasizes that these were not just any advisors, but those who had served Solomon.
  • "return" (שׁוּב, shuv): This word means to turn back or return. Here, it refers to giving a reply or answer back to the people, showing that Rehoboam is considering how to respond thoughtfully.

Why 2 Chronicles 10:6 matters

  • This verse highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel, especially from those with experience and a proven track record.
  • The verse sets up the tension in the story, as Rehoboam’s choice of whose advice to follow will have major consequences for the kingdom.
  • By showing that Rehoboam first turned to his father’s advisors, the verse draws attention to the legacy of Solomon’s reign and the expectations placed on his successor.

Where else these words appear

“What” Hebrew H349 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 44:34 For how shall I go up to my father, and the lad be not with me? lest peradventure I see the evil that shall come on my father.
  • Deuteronomy 7:17 If thou shalt say in thine heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?
  • Song of Solomon 1:7 Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

“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 H3289 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • 2 Chronicles 25:16 And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.
  • Isaiah 3:3 The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.