In a time of national division, a weak leader allowed unscrupulous followers to seize influence and further fracture Israel.
“and worthless men gathered to him, worthless men, who were insolent toward Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and timid and could not hold his own against them.” (v.7) This verse follows the narrative in which a faction of Israel secedes under Jeroboam’s leadership while Rehoboam, the rightful heir to the throne as the son of Solomon, struggles to maintain unity. The phrase “worthless men gathered to him” indicates the kind of opportunistic and morally bankrupt individuals who rallied around Jeroboam. Their insolence toward Rehoboam underscores the disrespect they showed toward the Davidic line, the same lineage from which Jesus would ultimately descend (Matthew 1:6-16). Since Rehoboam was “young and timid,” he did not fortify himself with the wise counsel or firm resolve needed to withstand these insurgents at that crucial point in history.
This verse alludes to the broader political climate of the kingdom of Judah in approximately 930 B.C., when Rehoboam had just come to power following Solomon’s death (1 Kings 11:43). Rehoboam’s uncertain leadership opened the door for rebellion that split the once-united monarchy into two distinct nations: Israel in the north, ruled by Jeroboam, and Judah in the south, under Rehoboam. Historically, Rehoboam reigned from about 931 to 913 B.C., a time marked by tension and frequent confrontation with the northern kingdom. While 2 Chronicles 13:7 does not mention a specific geographical location, it belongs to a portion of Scripture that frequently references Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom, and Shechem, an important northern city (1 Kings 12:1-2). These places were central in shaping the unfolding narrative.
By highlighting “worthless men” who influenced the course of events, Scripture underscores the importance of godly counsel and the tragic outcome when leaders surround themselves with individuals who act dishonorably. Such alliances too often lead to division, strife, and a turning away from the Lord’s commands, as illustrated in the history of both kingdoms. Nevertheless, God remains faithful to His promises and ultimately works through the line of David to bring forth redemption in Christ (Revelation 5:5). In this verse, we see that human weakness does not derail divine plans, because even when shortcomings pave the way for turmoil, the Lord’s covenant continues to guide history toward its appointed end.
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2 Chronicles 13:7 meaning
“and worthless men gathered to him, worthless men, who were insolent toward Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and timid and could not hold his own against them.” (v.7) This verse follows the narrative in which a faction of Israel secedes under Jeroboam’s leadership while Rehoboam, the rightful heir to the throne as the son of Solomon, struggles to maintain unity. The phrase “worthless men gathered to him” indicates the kind of opportunistic and morally bankrupt individuals who rallied around Jeroboam. Their insolence toward Rehoboam underscores the disrespect they showed toward the Davidic line, the same lineage from which Jesus would ultimately descend (Matthew 1:6-16). Since Rehoboam was “young and timid,” he did not fortify himself with the wise counsel or firm resolve needed to withstand these insurgents at that crucial point in history.
This verse alludes to the broader political climate of the kingdom of Judah in approximately 930 B.C., when Rehoboam had just come to power following Solomon’s death (1 Kings 11:43). Rehoboam’s uncertain leadership opened the door for rebellion that split the once-united monarchy into two distinct nations: Israel in the north, ruled by Jeroboam, and Judah in the south, under Rehoboam. Historically, Rehoboam reigned from about 931 to 913 B.C., a time marked by tension and frequent confrontation with the northern kingdom. While 2 Chronicles 13:7 does not mention a specific geographical location, it belongs to a portion of Scripture that frequently references Jerusalem, the capital of the southern kingdom, and Shechem, an important northern city (1 Kings 12:1-2). These places were central in shaping the unfolding narrative.
By highlighting “worthless men” who influenced the course of events, Scripture underscores the importance of godly counsel and the tragic outcome when leaders surround themselves with individuals who act dishonorably. Such alliances too often lead to division, strife, and a turning away from the Lord’s commands, as illustrated in the history of both kingdoms. Nevertheless, God remains faithful to His promises and ultimately works through the line of David to bring forth redemption in Christ (Revelation 5:5). In this verse, we see that human weakness does not derail divine plans, because even when shortcomings pave the way for turmoil, the Lord’s covenant continues to guide history toward its appointed end.