2 Chronicles 10 - Introduction

All Israel intreat Reboboam to lighten the yoke laid upon them by Solomon. Rehoboam, despising the court of the old men, follows that of the young ones. Ten tribes separate themselves from him.

Before Christ 975.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, After what has been said on this chapter in 1 Kings 12 we have only to add, (1.) That men are readier to complain of the least expence which the wants of government call for, than to acknowledge how much indebted they are for the mercies and protection that they enjoy. (2.) Young heads are too hot to be wise counsellors. (3.) A soft answer disarms those whom opposition makes only more furious.

2nd, The ill effects of Rehoboam's severity appear in the revolt of the ten tribes. They who drive too furiously overturn themselves. He rejected good advice, and deserved to be given up to his folly. God's counsel thus was fulfilled, though Rehoboam had only himself to blame for his lost. It was a mercy that God left him yet a part of his father's dominions, and that all had not revolted. But God in wrath still remembers mercy, and does not give us all the chastisements which our iniquities deserve.