2 Chronicles 13:7

Then worthless and wicked men gathered around him to resist Rehoboam son of Solomon when he was young, inexperienced, and unable to resist them.

Study Bible

Then worthless men
The phrase "worthless men" in Hebrew is "בְּנֵי בְלִיַּעַל" (bene beliyaal), which translates to "sons of Belial." This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe individuals who are morally corrupt and rebellious against God. In the context of 2 Chronicles 13:7, these men are characterized by their lack of integrity and their opposition to rightful authority. Historically, this reflects the turbulent period following Solomon's reign, where loyalty to the Davidic line was tested. Theologically, it serves as a warning against aligning with those who reject divine order.

wicked scoundrels
The term "wicked scoundrels" further emphasizes the moral depravity of these individuals. The Hebrew word "רְשָׁעִים" (reshaim) is often translated as "wicked" and denotes those who are actively engaged in evil deeds. This phrase underscores the nature of the opposition faced by Rehoboam, highlighting the spiritual battle between righteousness and wickedness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment and the dangers of being influenced by those who do not honor God.

gathered around him
The act of gathering around suggests a deliberate and organized effort to support Jeroboam against Rehoboam. This reflects the political and social dynamics of the time, where factions and alliances were common. Theologically, it illustrates how easily people can be swayed by charismatic leaders, even when such leaders stand in opposition to God's chosen ones. It challenges believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to seek God's wisdom in choosing whom to follow.

and opposed Rehoboam
The opposition to Rehoboam, Solomon's son, signifies a direct challenge to the Davidic covenant, which promised a lasting dynasty to David's descendants. This opposition is not merely political but also spiritual, as it represents a rebellion against God's established order. Historically, this reflects the division of the kingdom and the resulting strife. For believers, it serves as a call to uphold God's promises and to trust in His sovereignty, even amidst challenges.

son of Solomon
Rehoboam's identity as the "son of Solomon" is significant, as it ties him to the legacy of wisdom and prosperity associated with Solomon's reign. However, it also highlights the contrast between Solomon's wisdom and Rehoboam's inexperience. This serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom, rather than relying solely on one's heritage or position.

when Rehoboam was young and inexperienced
Rehoboam's youth and inexperience are critical factors in the narrative. The Hebrew word "נַעַר" (na'ar) can mean young or inexperienced, indicating a lack of maturity and preparedness for leadership. This highlights the vulnerability of leaders who are not grounded in wisdom and understanding. It serves as an exhortation for believers to grow in spiritual maturity and to seek God's guidance in all aspects of life.

and unable to resist them
Rehoboam's inability to resist the opposition reflects his lack of strength and wisdom at that time. This phrase underscores the consequences of failing to seek God's counsel and the importance of being spiritually equipped to face challenges. It serves as a reminder that true strength and resilience come from reliance on God, rather than human abilities or strategies.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, whose reign was marked by division and conflict. His inexperience and poor decision-making led to the fracturing of the united kingdom of Israel.

2. Worthless Men and Wicked Scoundrels
These individuals are described as morally corrupt and rebellious, taking advantage of Rehoboam's inexperience to oppose him. The Hebrew term used here, (bene beliyaal), often refers to individuals who are lawless or without value.

3. The Division of the Kingdom
This event refers to the split of the united kingdom of Israel into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, largely due to Rehoboam's failure to heed wise counsel.

4. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who led the rebellion against Rehoboam. His leadership was marked by idolatry and a departure from the worship of Yahweh.

5. The Kingdom of Judah
The southern kingdom, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, which remained under the rule of Rehoboam after the division.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Godly Counsel
Rehoboam's failure to seek and heed godly advice led to the division of the kingdom. As believers, we should prioritize seeking wisdom from God and godly advisors in our decision-making processes.

The Dangers of Inexperience and Pride
Rehoboam's inexperience and pride made him vulnerable to manipulation by wicked individuals. We must remain humble and teachable, recognizing our need for growth and guidance.

The Consequences of Rebellion
The actions of the "worthless men" serve as a warning against rebellion and lawlessness. Aligning ourselves with God's will and authority is crucial for maintaining unity and peace.

Leadership and Responsibility
Leaders bear a significant responsibility to lead with wisdom and integrity. Rehoboam's account reminds us of the impact leadership decisions can have on others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we ensure that we are seeking and following godly counsel in our own lives, especially when faced with difficult decisions?

2. In what ways can pride and inexperience lead to poor decision-making, and how can we guard against these pitfalls?

3. What are some modern examples of "worthless men" or influences that can lead us away from God's will, and how can we resist them?

4. How does the division of the kingdom under Rehoboam's rule illustrate the consequences of failing to follow God's guidance?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a leadership challenge. How did you seek God's wisdom, and what was the outcome? How can this experience inform your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
This chapter provides a parallel account of the events leading to the division of the kingdom, highlighting Rehoboam's rejection of wise counsel and the subsequent rebellion led by Jeroboam.

Proverbs 11:14
This verse emphasizes the importance of wise counsel, which Rehoboam failed to seek, leading to disastrous consequences for the kingdom.

1 Samuel 2:12
The term "worthless men" is also used to describe the sons of Eli, illustrating a pattern of rebellion and moral corruption.