2 Chronicles 10:13

Authorized King James Version

And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּֽעֲנֵ֥ם
answered
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
#2
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#3
קָשָׁ֑ה
them roughly
severe (in various applications)
#4
וַֽיַּעֲזֹב֙
forsook
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#5
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ
And the king
a king
#6
רְחַבְעָ֔ם
Rehoboam
rechabam, an israelite king
#7
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
עֲצַ֥ת
the counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#9
הַזְּקֵנִֽים׃
of the old men
old

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection