This verse, 2 Chronicles 10:9, is part of the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, taking the throne of Israel. It follows a period of prosperity under Solomon, but also one of heavy taxation and forced labor. The people, suffering under this "heavy yoke," appeal to Rehoboam for relief.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"He said to them...": Rehoboam is speaking to his younger, more inexperienced advisors.
"...“What counsel do you give, that we may give an answer to these people, who have spoken to me...": Rehoboam recognizes he needs advice on how to respond to the people's demands. He's asking his advisors to help him craft a reply.
"...saying, ‘Make the yoke that your father put on us lighter?’”: This clarifies the people's request. They are asking Rehoboam to ease the burden of taxes and forced labor (the "yoke") that his father, Solomon, had imposed upon them. They are hoping for some relief under the new king.
In essence, Rehoboam is seeking advice from his advisors on how to respond to the people's plea for a reduction in their burdens. The crucial point is that the verse sets the stage for the pivotal decision Rehoboam is about to make, which will determine the fate of his kingdom.
The subsequent verses will reveal that Rehoboam, unfortunately, takes the advice of these younger advisors and makes a disastrous decision to increase the people's burdens, leading to the division of the kingdom. This verse, therefore, highlights the importance of wise counsel and the consequences of poor leadership.
This verse, 2 Chronicles 10:9, is part of the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, taking the throne of Israel. It follows a period of prosperity under Solomon, but also one of heavy taxation and forced labor. The people, suffering under this "heavy yoke," appeal to Rehoboam for relief.
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"He said to them...": Rehoboam is speaking to his younger, more inexperienced advisors.
"...“What counsel do you give, that we may give an answer to these people, who have spoken to me...": Rehoboam recognizes he needs advice on how to respond to the people's demands. He's asking his advisors to help him craft a reply.
"...saying, ‘Make the yoke that your father put on us lighter?’”: This clarifies the people's request. They are asking Rehoboam to ease the burden of taxes and forced labor (the "yoke") that his father, Solomon, had imposed upon them. They are hoping for some relief under the new king.
In essence, Rehoboam is seeking advice from his advisors on how to respond to the people's plea for a reduction in their burdens. The crucial point is that the verse sets the stage for the pivotal decision Rehoboam is about to make, which will determine the fate of his kingdom.
The subsequent verses will reveal that Rehoboam, unfortunately, takes the advice of these younger advisors and makes a disastrous decision to increase the people's burdens, leading to the division of the kingdom. This verse, therefore, highlights the importance of wise counsel and the consequences of poor leadership.