King James Version
What Does 2 Chronicles 10:4 Mean?
“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.”
Context
2
And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was in Egypt, whither he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt.
3
And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying,
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.
5
And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.
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?
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **Made . . . grievous . . . ease thou.**—Made *hard* . . . *lighten.*
**Now therefore.**—*And now.* Kings and the Syriac here, “and thou now”—*w’attah ‘attah:* an assonance which the chronicler has avoided, at the expense of the proper emphasis, which lies on *thou.* (Some Hebrew MSS. and the Vulgate and Arabic read, *and thou.*) (Comp. 2Chronicles 10:10, *and thou . . . lighten it.*)
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
2 Chronicles 10:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 2 Chronicles 10:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge