2 Chronicles 10:12 - Meaning and Application

We may learn here, first, that when public affairs are in turmoil, harsh action only makes things worse. A sharp reply like Rehoboam’s only stirs up anger and adds fuel to the fire. A pilot must keep a steady hand in a storm. Many people have been pushed into trouble they never meant to cause because others dealt too harshly with what they intended.

We may also learn that, whatever people plan and scheme, God is still carrying out his own work and fulfilling his word. Not one small part of what he has spoken will fail. The cause of the king’s stubbornness and lack of sense was from God, so that he might carry out the word spoken by Ahijah, the prophet (2 Chronicles 10:15). This does not excuse Rehoboam’s foolishness, or lessen his guilt for pride and anger. It only shows that God was using even those sins to bring about his purpose.

We also see that earthly wealth, honor, and power are very uncertain. Solomon ruled over all Israel, and one would think he had secured the kingdom for his family for many generations. Yet before his body was even cold in the grave, ten of the twelve tribes broke away from his son. All the good Solomon had done for Israel was forgotten, and they said, “What share do we have in David?” In the same way, many cast off the rule of Christ, even after all he has done to bind people to himself forever. They still say, “We will not have this man to rule over us.” But that rebellion will surely bring them to ruin.

We may also learn that God often visits the sins of the fathers on the children. Solomon turned away from God, and so it was not he but his son who lost the loyalty of most of the people. By letting the painful results of sin continue long after the sinner’s death, God shows how serious sin is, and perhaps gives a hint of how lasting its punishment may be. Anyone who sins against God does not only hurt his own soul, but may also harm his children more than he realizes.

Finally, when God is carrying out his threats, he also sees to it that his promises do not fail. Solomon’s sin is remembered, and because of it his son loses ten tribes. Yet David’s faithfulness is also remembered, along with the promise made to him. For David’s sake, his grandson was left with two tribes. The failures of God’s people will not cancel any promise made to Christ, their Head. They may be disciplined, but the covenant will not be broken (Psalm 89:31-34).