King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 10:8 Mean?

2 Chronicles 10:8 in the King James Version says “But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him...” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.”

2 Chronicles 10:8 · KJV

Context

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?

7

And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever.

8

But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.

9

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?

10

And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Foolish leadership rejecting wise counsel. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַֽיַּעֲזֹ֛ב1 of 14

“But he forsook”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֶת2 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עֲצַ֥ת3 of 14

“the counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

הַזְּקֵנִ֖ים4 of 14

“which the old men”

H2205

old

אֲשֶׁ֣ר5 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

וַיִּוָּעַ֗ץ6 of 14

“gave”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

וַיִּוָּעַ֗ץ7 of 14

“gave”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

אֶת8 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הַיְלָדִים֙9 of 14

“with the young men”

H3206

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

אֲשֶׁ֣ר10 of 14
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

גָּֽדְל֣וּ11 of 14

“that were brought up”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

אִתּ֔וֹ12 of 14
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

הָעֹֽמְדִ֖ים13 of 14

“with him that stood”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לְפָנָֽיו׃14 of 14

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Study Guide

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 10:8 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 10:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 1:252 Samuel 17:14Proverbs 9:9Isaiah 30:1Proverbs 25:12Ecclesiastes 10:16

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