Bible Commentaries
2 Chronicles 10

Verses 1-19

Despotism is seldom transmissible. That Solomon had been an autocrat and had ruled with a hand of iron under the velvet is evidenced by the words of the men of Israel, "Thy father hath made our yoke grievous." If this is a startling suggestion, history testifies to the likelihood of its correctness. Some of the worst tyrants the world ever had robbed the people of their rights, and kept them passive by the deadly drug of gorgeous displays. So did Lorenzo de Medici in Florence; so did our own Charles I.

With the death of Solomon men breathed anew, and discovered their chains. This was the occasion for a bid for freedom. Jeroboam returned from Egypt to be spokesman of peace. Rehoboam showed his folly in taking the advice of the hot-headed youths of his court. He attempted to continue the despotism of his father, though he lacked his father's refinement and ability to fascinate. The result was immediate. The ten tribes revolted. The nation was riven in twain, and, judging by purely human calculation, Judah was on the verge of a war which would have ended in her defeat.