But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.

2 CHRONICLES 10:8KJV
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2 Chronicles 10:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 10:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 10:8 describes how Rehoboam, the new king of Israel, rejected the advice given to him by the older, experienced advisors and instead chose to listen to the counsel of the younger men who had grown up with him. This decision set the stage for the events that would soon divide the kingdom.

In this verse, the focus is on a turning point for Rehoboam. The older men had served his father Solomon and likely offered wisdom from years of experience, but Rehoboam turned away from their guidance. Instead, he sought advice from his peers, the young men who were close to him and shared his background. This choice reflects a shift in leadership style and priorities, which would have serious consequences for the nation.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 10:8

  • "forsook" (עָזַב, ‘azav): This word means to leave, abandon, or reject. The verse emphasizes that Rehoboam did not just ignore the older men's advice—he actively abandoned it, showing a deliberate choice.
  • "counsel" (עֵצָה, ‘etsah): This word refers to advice or guidance. The use of this word highlights the importance of wise advice in leadership decisions.
  • "old men" (זָקֵן, zaqen): This term points to men who were not just elderly but respected for their wisdom and experience, especially in the context of serving Solomon.
  • "young men" (יֶלֶד, yeled): This word usually means "boys" or "youths," emphasizing the inexperience of those Rehoboam chose to listen to instead.

Why 2 Chronicles 10:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Rehoboam’s decision was not accidental or forced; he made a conscious choice to reject seasoned advice in favor of less experienced voices.
  • The contrast between the "old men" and the "young men" sets up a major theme in the chapter: the consequences of ignoring wisdom and experience in leadership.
  • Understanding this moment helps explain why the kingdom soon split, as Rehoboam’s actions directly led to unrest and division among the people of Israel.

Where else these words appear

“gave” 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.

“men” Hebrew H3206 · used in 76 verses

  • Genesis 4:23 And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
  • Exodus 21:4 If his master have given him a wife, and she have born him sons or daughters; the wife and her children shall be her master's, and he shall go out by himself.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:14 And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

“counsel” Hebrew H6098 · used in 85 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
  • Job 22:18 Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
  • Isaiah 14:26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

“up” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.