What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 10:13?

And the king answered them harshly

• The moment Rehoboam opened his mouth, the tone was set: “And the king answered them harshly” (2 Chronicles 10:13).

• A harsh reply is the opposite of God’s wisdom—“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

• Rehoboam’s rough speech instantly widened the gap between ruler and people, revealing a heart out of step with the servant-leadership modeled by David (2 Samuel 5:2) and ultimately by Christ (Matthew 20:25-28).

• The same event is recorded in 1 Kings 12:13, underscoring how pivotal this failure of speech became in Israel’s history.

• Practical takeaway:

– Harsh words ignite rebellion.

– True authority expresses itself through humble, measured speech (Proverbs 16:21; Colossians 4:6).

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King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders

• The Spirit notes, “King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders” (2 Chronicles 10:13b), highlighting a deliberate choice.

• Earlier, the elders counseled, “If you will be kind to this people and please them and speak good words to them, they will be your servants forever” (2 Chronicles 10:7).

• Rehoboam discarded seasoned counsel in favor of the brash advice of his peers (2 Chronicles 10:8-11), illustrating Proverbs 11:14—“Where there is no guidance, a people falls.”

• The pattern of rejecting wise counsel echoes Israel’s tragic cycles (Isaiah 30:1; Jeremiah 7:24).

• For leaders and followers alike:

– Seek counsel from those who fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:7; 27:9).

– Measure every plan against God’s revealed Word (Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Psalm 19:7-8).

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summary

Rehoboam’s harsh answer and rejection of wise counsel show how a single moment of pride can fracture a kingdom. Scripture warns that leaders who ignore godly advice and speak without grace court disaster, while those who heed wisdom and answer gently foster unity and blessing.