Book of 2 Chronicles - Chapter 10 - Verse 13

When King Rehoboam ascended to the throne after Solomon's death, he faced a crucial decision about how to rule his kingdom. He sought counsel from both the elders who had served his father and the younger men who had grown up with him. The elders advised him to be a humble and just ruler, willing to serve the people in order to gain their loyalty. However, the younger men urged him to assert his power and authority over the people, believing that fear and intimidation would lead to greater respect and obedience. In the end, Rehoboam chose to follow the advice of the younger men, responding roughly to the people and forsaking the wisdom of the elders. This decision ultimately led to the division of the kingdom of Israel, as the people rebelled against Rehoboam's harsh rule. The verse serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking wise counsel and making decisions with humility and compassion rather than pride and arrogance.

In this verse, we see King Rehoboam rejecting the advice of the older, more experienced men who served as his counselors. The word "roughly" used here can be interpreted theologically as representing the king's lack of patience, wisdom, and respect for those who have more years of experience than himself. This act of disregarding the counsel of the elders could symbolize a prideful attitude and a reliance on his own understanding rather than seeking wisdom from those who have gone before him. It serves as a cautionary tale for believers today to heed the advice of those who are older and wiser, recognizing the importance of humility and a teachable spirit in decision-making. Through a deeper word study of the term "roughly," we can glean insights into the consequences of arrogance and the benefits of seeking guidance from those who have walked the path before us.