Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He asked them, “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” New Living Translation “What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?” English Standard Version And he said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” Berean Standard Bible He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” Berean Literal Bible And he said to them, “What do you⁺ counsel, and how should we answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten from the yoke that your father gave to us’?” King James Bible And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us? New King James Version And he said to them, “What advice do you give? How should we answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” New American Standard Bible He said to them, “What advice do you give, so that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” NASB 1995 So he said to them, “What counsel do you give that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” NASB 1977 So he said to them, “What counsel do you give that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” Legacy Standard Bible So he said to them, “What counsel do you give that we may respond to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” Amplified Bible He asked them, “What advice do you give to us regarding the answer to these people, who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” Berean Annotated Bible He asked them, “What message do you⁺ advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’ Christian Standard Bible He asked them, “What message do you advise we send back to this people who said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible He asked them, “What message do you advise we send back to these people who said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us?” American Standard Version And he said unto them, What counsel give ye, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that thy father did put upon us lighter? Contemporary English Version He asked, "What do you think I should say to these people who asked me to make their work easier?" English Revised Version And he said unto them, What counsel give ye, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that thy father did put upon us lighter? GOD'S WORD® Translation He asked them, "What is your advice? How should we respond to these people who are asking me to lighten the burden my father put on them?" Good News Translation "What do you advise me to do?" he asked. "What shall I say to the people who are asking me to make their burdens lighter?" International Standard Version As a result, he asked them, "What's your advice, so we can give an answer to these people who have asked me, 'Please lighten the burden that your father put on us'?" NET Bible He asked them, "How do you advise me to respond to these people who said to me, 'Lessen the demands your father placed on us'?" New Heart English Bible He said to them, "What counsel do you give, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, 'Make the yoke that your father put on us lighter?'" Webster's Bible Translation And he said to them, What advice give ye, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father put upon us? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” World English Bible He said to them, “What counsel do you give, that we may give an answer to these people, who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Make the yoke that your father put on us lighter?’” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand he says to them, “What are you counseling, and we answer this people that have spoken to me, saying, Make light [some] of the yoke that your father put on us?” Berean Literal Bible And he said to them, “What do you⁺ counsel, and how should we answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten from the yoke that your father gave to us’?” Young's Literal Translation and he saith unto them, 'What are ye counselling, and we answer this people that have spoken unto me, saying, Make light somewhat of the yoke that thy father put upon us?' Smith's Literal Translation And he will say to them, What counsel ye? and we will turn back word to this people who spake to me, saying, Lighten from the yoke which thy father gave upon us. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he said to them: What seemeth good to you? or what shall I answer this people, who have said to me: Ease the yoke which thy father laid upon us? Catholic Public Domain Version And he said to them: “How does it seem to you? Or how should I respond to this people, who have said to me, ‘Lift up the yoke that your father imposed upon us?’ ” New American Bible He said to them, “What answer do you advise us to give this people, who have told me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father imposed on us’?” New Revised Standard Version He said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he said to them, What advice do you give me that we may return answer to this people who have spoken to me, saying, Lighten the yoke which your father did put upon us, and we will serve you? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he said to them: “What answer do you advise to return to this people who spoke with me, and they were saying to me: ”Take away from us the oppression with which your father oppressed us and we will work for you?” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And he said unto them: 'What counsel give ye, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying: Make the yoke that thy father did put upon us lighter?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And he said to them, What do ye advise that I should answer this people, who spoke to me, saying, Ease somewhat of the yoke which thy father laid upon us? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Rebellion Against Rehoboam…8But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. 9He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” 10The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you should make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!… Cross References He asked them, 1 Kings 12:6 Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 11:14 For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. “What message do you advise 1 Kings 12:7 They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” Proverbs 20:18 Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. that we send back to these people 1 Kings 12:10-11 The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! / Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’” Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. who have spoken to me, saying, Exodus 1:11-14 So the Egyptians appointed taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. / But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. / They worked the Israelites ruthlessly … Exodus 2:23-25 After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God. / So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. / God saw the Israelites and took notice. Nehemiah 5:1-5 About that time there was a great outcry from the people and their wives against their fellow Jews. / Some were saying, “We and our sons and daughters are numerous. We must get grain in order to eat and stay alive.” / Others were saying, “We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards, and our homes to get grain during the famine.” … ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” 1 Kings 12:4 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” Acts 15:10 Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Treasury of Scripture And he said to them, What advice give you that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that your father did put on us? What advice 2 Chronicles 10:6 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 Samuel 17:5,6 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith… 1 Kings 22:6-8 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king… Ease 2 Chronicles 10:4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee. Jump to Previous Advice Advise Counsel Counselling Ease Less Lighter Opinion Somewhat YokeJump to Next Advice Advise Counsel Counselling Ease Less Lighter Opinion Somewhat Yoke2 Chronicles 10 1. The Israelites, assembled at Shechem to crown Rehoboam, 3. by Jeroboam make a suit of relaxation unto him, 6. Rehoboam, refusing the old mens' counsel, answers them roughly, 16. Ten tribes revolting, kill Hadoram, and make Rehoboam flee He asked them Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, is seeking counsel from his advisors. This reflects a common practice among ancient Near Eastern kings who often relied on a council of elders or advisors for decision-making. The act of seeking advice indicates a moment of potential humility or uncertainty in leadership, contrasting with the wisdom of his father, Solomon, who was known for his discernment. “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” Persons / Places / Events 1. RehoboamThe son of Solomon and the king of Israel at this time. He is seeking counsel on how to respond to the people's request for lighter burdens. 2. The Elders Older advisors who had served Solomon, Rehoboam's father. They represent wisdom and experience in leadership. 3. The Young Men Rehoboam's contemporaries who grew up with him. They offer a contrasting perspective to the elders. 4. Israelites The people of Israel who are requesting relief from the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon. 5. Shechem The place where Rehoboam went to be made king, and where this consultation takes place. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselRehoboam's account underscores the necessity of seeking and heeding wise, experienced counsel, especially in leadership roles. Consequences of Ignoring Wisdom Ignoring the advice of the elders led to the division of the kingdom, illustrating the potential consequences of poor decision-making. The Role of Humility in Leadership Rehoboam's failure to humble himself and serve the people resulted in rebellion. True leadership often requires humility and a servant's heart. Generational Perspectives The differing advice from the elders and young men highlights the value of considering multiple generational perspectives in decision-making. Burden and Rest The people's request for a lighter yoke can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual rest and freedom offered by Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 10:9?2. How does Rehoboam's decision in 2 Chronicles 10:9 reflect poor leadership choices? 3. What can we learn about seeking wise counsel from 2 Chronicles 10:9? 4. How does Proverbs 15:22 relate to Rehoboam's actions in 2 Chronicles 10:9? 5. How can we apply the lesson of seeking godly advice in our lives? 6. What consequences arise from ignoring experienced advisors, as seen in 2 Chronicles 10:9? 7. How does 2 Chronicles 10:9 reflect on leadership and decision-making? 8. What historical context influenced the events in 2 Chronicles 10:9? 9. How does Rehoboam's choice in 2 Chronicles 10:9 challenge our understanding of wisdom? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 10? 11. What defines a group as a cult? 12. (2 Chronicles 10:6-8) Why would Rehoboam ignore experienced elders' counsel, despite the text indicating he had access to wisdom? 13. If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why does He say, 'I have not come to bring peace, but a sword' (Matthew 10:34)? 14. What are the genealogies and reigns of Israel's leaders? What Does 2 Chronicles 10:9 Mean He asked them• Rehoboam turns from the elders (2 Chronicles 10:6) to the young men who had grown up with him. His request for advice shows that even a king recognizes the need for counsel, echoing Proverbs 11:14, “Victory is won through many advisers.” • Yet the shift in audience is telling. The elders had firsthand experience under Solomon; these younger friends shared Rehoboam’s privileged upbringing. The text reminds us that where we seek counsel shapes the answers we receive—Proverbs 13:20 warns, “He who walks with the wise will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” What message do you advise that we send back • Rehoboam frames his query around messaging, not morality or justice. He wants to craft a reply, not necessarily find the right course. Compare 1 Kings 12:6–7, where the elders recommend becoming “servants” to the people for their good; the focus there is service, not spin. • The phrasing hints at political calculation. Proverbs 15:22 observes, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Success, however, depends on listening to godly counsel, not merely multiple voices. To these people who have spoken to me • Rehoboam distances himself from “these people,” the very Israelites he must shepherd. Good rulers identify with their flock, as David did (2 Samuel 5:2). Moses likewise interceded for Israel, calling them “Your people” before the Lord (Exodus 32:11). • The king’s tone foreshadows the division that will soon erupt (2 Chronicles 10:16). Proverbs 12:15 cautions, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” A listening posture could have held the kingdom together. Saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’ • Solomon’s building projects and administrative expansion brought heavy taxation and forced labor (1 Kings 4:20–28; 5:13–18). While prosperous, the people felt the strain. Their plea was neither unreasonable nor rebellious—Deuteronomy 17:20 expected kings to avoid lifting themselves above their brothers. • God had forewarned Israel that a human king might impose a “heavy yoke” (1 Samuel 8:10–18). The contrast with Christ is striking: Jesus invites, “My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30). • Rehoboam stands at a crossroads. Lightening the load could model servant leadership and preserve unity; tightening it will fracture the nation and fulfill the prophetic word spoken to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:31). summary Rehoboam’s simple-sounding request exposes deep issues: whose counsel he values, how he views God’s people, and whether he will rule as a servant or a tyrant. By asking peers rather than seasoned elders, he sets the stage for disaster. The verse challenges every reader in positions of influence to seek wise counsel, empathize with those they lead, and imitate the Servant-King who lifts burdens rather than adding to them. (9) And he said unto them.--The verse agrees with Kings to the letter.Hebrew He askedוַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say them, אֲלֵהֶ֗ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to “What מָ֚ה (māh) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what message דָּבָ֖ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause do you אַתֶּ֣ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you advise נֽוֹעָצִ֔ים (nō·w·‘ā·ṣîm) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3289: To advise, to deliberate, resolve that we send back וְנָשִׁ֥יב (wə·nā·šîḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again to these הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that people הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock who אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that have spoken דִּבְּר֤וּ (dib·bə·rū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue to me, אֵלַי֙ (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to saying, לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘Lighten הָקֵל֙ (hā·qêl) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 7043: To be slight, swift or trifling the yoke הָעֹ֔ל (hā·‘ōl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5923: A yoke your father אָבִ֖יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 1: Father put נָתַ֥ן (nā·ṯan) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set on us’?” עָלֵֽינוּ׃ (‘ā·lê·nū) Preposition | first person common plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Links 2 Chronicles 10:9 NIV2 Chronicles 10:9 NLT 2 Chronicles 10:9 ESV 2 Chronicles 10:9 NASB 2 Chronicles 10:9 KJV 2 Chronicles 10:9 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 10:9 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 10:9 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 10:9 French Bible 2 Chronicles 10:9 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 10:9 He said to them What counsel give (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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