This verse from 2 Chronicles 13:7 is describing a period of instability and rebellion that occurred shortly after Rehoboam became king of Judah, following the death of his father, Solomon. Let's break down the meaning:
"Worthless men were gathered to him, wicked fellows..." This refers to a group of disreputable and morally corrupt individuals who joined forces against Rehoboam. The terms "worthless" and "wicked" suggest they were opportunistic, self-serving, and likely had a disregard for law and order.
"...who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon..." This highlights the core issue: these men formed a coalition to oppose Rehoboam's rule. "Strengthened themselves" implies they gained power and influence, likely through numbers and perhaps even some military organization.
"...when Rehoboam was young and tender hearted, and could not withstand them." This explains why the rebellion was successful, at least initially. "Young" could refer to his age or, more likely, his inexperience as a ruler. "Tenderhearted" doesn't necessarily mean compassionate in a positive sense. Here, it implies Rehoboam was easily intimidated, lacked the decisiveness or strength of character needed to quell the rebellion, and was perhaps naive. He wasn't able to stand up to the pressure and challenge presented by these rebellious individuals. "Could not withstand them" indicates his inability to effectively suppress or deter their growing power and influence.
In essence, the verse depicts a situation where a weak and inexperienced king, Rehoboam, was unable to control a group of rebellious and unscrupulous individuals who saw an opportunity to gain power and influence in the instability following Solomon's death. This sets the stage for the division of the kingdom, as the ten northern tribes eventually broke away to form the Kingdom of Israel. The verse serves to criticize Rehoboam's leadership and sets the context for the broader narrative of political and religious turmoil during his reign.
This verse from 2 Chronicles 13:7 is describing a period of instability and rebellion that occurred shortly after Rehoboam became king of Judah, following the death of his father, Solomon. Let's break down the meaning:
"Worthless men were gathered to him, wicked fellows..." This refers to a group of disreputable and morally corrupt individuals who joined forces against Rehoboam. The terms "worthless" and "wicked" suggest they were opportunistic, self-serving, and likely had a disregard for law and order.
"...who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon..." This highlights the core issue: these men formed a coalition to oppose Rehoboam's rule. "Strengthened themselves" implies they gained power and influence, likely through numbers and perhaps even some military organization.
"...when Rehoboam was young and tender hearted, and could not withstand them." This explains why the rebellion was successful, at least initially. "Young" could refer to his age or, more likely, his inexperience as a ruler. "Tenderhearted" doesn't necessarily mean compassionate in a positive sense. Here, it implies Rehoboam was easily intimidated, lacked the decisiveness or strength of character needed to quell the rebellion, and was perhaps naive. He wasn't able to stand up to the pressure and challenge presented by these rebellious individuals. "Could not withstand them" indicates his inability to effectively suppress or deter their growing power and influence.
In essence, the verse depicts a situation where a weak and inexperienced king, Rehoboam, was unable to control a group of rebellious and unscrupulous individuals who saw an opportunity to gain power and influence in the instability following Solomon's death. This sets the stage for the division of the kingdom, as the ten northern tribes eventually broke away to form the Kingdom of Israel. The verse serves to criticize Rehoboam's leadership and sets the context for the broader narrative of political and religious turmoil during his reign.