2 Chronicles 10:12

After three days, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, since the king had said, "Come back to me on the third day."

Study Bible

After three days
The phrase "after three days" signifies a period of waiting and anticipation. Biblically, the number three often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection. This period allowed Rehoboam time to consider the counsel he received, reflecting a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures where decisions were not made hastily. The three-day period also echoes other significant biblical events, such as Jonah's three days in the belly of the fish (Jonah 1:17) and Jesus' resurrection on the third day (Matthew 16:21), suggesting a time of testing followed by revelation or decision.

Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam
Jeroboam, who had been a servant of Solomon, represents the northern tribes of Israel. His return with "all the people" indicates a collective action and a unified front from the tribes seeking relief from heavy burdens imposed by Solomon. This moment is pivotal in Israel's history, as it sets the stage for the division of the kingdom. The gathering of the people reflects the communal nature of decision-making in ancient Israel, where leaders were expected to heed the voice of the people.

since the king had said, “Come back to me on the third day.”
Rehoboam's instruction to return on the third day shows his initial willingness to engage with the people's request, though it ultimately leads to a fateful decision. This directive highlights the king's authority and the expectation of a royal decree. The phrase underscores the importance of leadership and the consequences of decisions made by those in power. Rehoboam's choice to follow the harsh counsel of his younger advisors rather than the elders' advice results in the division of the kingdom, fulfilling the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah (1 Kings 11:29-31). This moment foreshadows the need for wise and compassionate leadership, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd who listens to His people (John 10:14-16).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and the king of Judah. His decision-making in this chapter leads to the division of the united kingdom of Israel.

2. Jeroboam
A former official of Solomon who becomes the leader of the northern tribes and eventually the king of Israel after the kingdom splits.

3. The People
Representatives of the tribes of Israel who come to Rehoboam seeking relief from the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon.

4. Shechem
The place where Rehoboam went to be crowned king and where the people gathered to make their request.

5. The Third Day
A significant time frame in biblical accounts, often associated with divine intervention or revelation.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Wise Counsel
Rehoboam's failure to heed the advice of the elders demonstrates the necessity of seeking and valuing wise, experienced counsel in decision-making.

Leadership and Servanthood
True leadership involves serving others and considering their needs, as opposed to exerting power for personal gain.

Consequences of Pride and Arrogance
Rehoboam's pride and refusal to listen led to the division of the kingdom, illustrating how pride can lead to destructive outcomes.

The Role of God's Sovereignty
Despite human decisions, God's sovereign plan unfolds. The division of the kingdom was part of God's judgment and plan for Israel.

The Significance of Timing
The "third day" motif reminds us of God's perfect timing in His plans and purposes, encouraging patience and trust in His timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Rehoboam's decision-making process about the importance of seeking wise counsel?

2. How does the division of the kingdom illustrate the consequences of pride and poor leadership?

3. In what ways does the account of Rehoboam and Jeroboam reflect the broader biblical theme of servanthood in leadership?

4. How can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty in this passage to our own lives, especially when facing difficult decisions?

5. What other biblical events or accounts involve significant actions or revelations occurring on the "third day," and what do they teach us about God's timing?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
This chapter provides a parallel account of the events in 2 Chronicles 10, offering additional details about the counsel Rehoboam received.

Exodus 5
The people's request for relief from heavy burdens echoes the Israelites' plea to Pharaoh for freedom from slavery.

Proverbs 15:22
Highlights the importance of seeking wise counsel, contrasting with Rehoboam's choice to follow the advice of his peers rather than the elders.

Matthew 12:25
Jesus speaks about a kingdom divided against itself, which can be related to the division of Israel following Rehoboam's decision.