Why did Rehoboam ask for three days before giving an answer? Setting the scene 2 Chronicles 10 opens with the united kingdom at a crossroads. Solomon has died, and his son Rehoboam is about to be crowned at Shechem. Jeroboam and “all Israel” approach the new king with a simple request: lighten the heavy labor and tax burden Solomon had imposed. Verse 5 records Rehoboam’s immediate response: “Rehoboam answered, ‘Return to me in three days.’ So the people departed.” The three-day pause: practical wisdom • Consulting advisers was normal royal protocol. Rehoboam needed time to gather the elders and the younger men (vv. 6–11). • Wise delay mirrors principles found in Proverbs: – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (15:22) – “He who answers before he hears—this is folly and shame to him.” (18:13) • A measured response signaled respect. Asking the people to “return” implied their voices mattered, at least formally. • Transition of power always brings uncertainty. Three days allowed Rehoboam to assess loyalties, secure the throne, and weigh possible unrest. The three-day pause: God’s larger plan • Behind the scenes, the pause served divine purposes announced years earlier. The prophet Ahijah had told Jeroboam that ten tribes would be torn from Solomon’s line because of idolatry (1 Kings 11:29-33). • 2 Chronicles 10:15 explains, “the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from God.” The delay was part of how the LORD would fulfill His word. • During those three days, Rehoboam’s heart was tested. Would he heed the elders’ gracious counsel or the youthful advisors’ harsh advice? His choice exposed deeper spiritual realities—whether he would lead in humility (Deuteronomy 17:18-20) or in pride. Takeaways for today • Pause before decisive words. Even kings needed time; how much more do we. • Seek seasoned counsel first. Rehoboam heard it but rejected it; we are called to embrace it (James 1:19). • Recognize God’s sovereignty over human delays. Isaiah 46:10 reminds us He declares “the end from the beginning”; every pause fits His redemptive plan. • Authority must reflect servant-hearted leadership. The elders advised, “If you will be kind to these people … they will be your servants forever” (2 Chronicles 10:7). Christ later perfected that model (Mark 10:45). |
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