2 Chronicles 10:1 - Meaning and Application

We can notice here that even the wisest and best people cannot please everyone. Solomon enlarged and strengthened his kingdom, and he did everything one would think could make his people happy and comfortable. Yet he may have been unwise in laying heavy taxes and demanding forced labor, or at least people had reason to think so. No one is perfectly wise. It is likely that when Solomon drifted from God and from his duty, his wisdom failed him, and God let him go his own way in this poor policy.

Solomon’s wealth was also drained by his love of women. It is likely he used his people’s money to support the pride, luxury, and idol worship that came with those relationships. Even so, restless and ungrateful people will often complain about government and claim they suffer wrongs when they have little cause. Had they not enjoyed peace in Solomon’s day? They were not being raided by enemies, as in earlier times. They were not living in fear of war or forced to risk their lives in battle.

Had they not also had plenty, both food and money? What more did they want? They were truly blessed if only they had understood their own good. Yet they complained that Solomon made their yoke heavy. If anyone says this about Christ’s yoke, hoping to break free from his rule, we know he has given no cause for such a complaint. Christ’s yoke is easy, and his burden is light. He never made us serve with an offering, nor wear us out with incense.

Many people ruin themselves and their own interests by treating those below them with pride and harshness. Rehoboam thought that because he was king, he could demand as much as his father had, and do whatever he pleased. He wore his father’s crown, but he did not have his father’s wisdom. He should have remembered that he was not Solomon, and that he needed a different approach. A wise man, like Solomon, may do as he will; but a fool like Rehoboam must do as he can.

A strong horse may be handled with force by someone who knows how to manage it. But if an unskilled rider tries the same thing, he is in danger. Rehoboam paid a high price for threatening people, speaking proudly, and trying to force matters. Job showed wisdom as well as goodness when he did not despise the case of his male or female servant when they argued with him (Job 31:13). Instead, he listened patiently, weighed their reasons, and answered kindly. Such careful concern for those under authority, and a willingness to make life easier for them, will bring comfort and honor to those in church, government, and family leadership.

Gentle advice is usually wiser than harsh pressure. Kindness can do what force cannot. Most people prefer to be approached with patience and mildness. Rehoboam’s older, experienced advisers told him to take this path (v. 7): “Be kind to these people, please them, and speak good words to them, and you will keep them forever.” Good words cost very little, except some self-denial, and yet they often gain much good.

God often carries out his own wise purposes by leaving people to their own foolish choices. He does not need to do more to ruin them than let them follow their pride and passion.