2 Chronicles 10:6
“King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, “What counsel do you give me about how to answer these people?””
What does 2 Chronicles 10:6 mean?
When Rehoboam became king of Israel, the people asked him to lighten the heavy taxes his father Solomon had imposed. Rather than deciding alone, Rehoboam turned to the older advisors who had served Solomon faithfully and seen how the kingdom actually worked. These weren't just any elders, but experienced men who understood both the king's responsibilities and the people's needs, making them valuable guides for this difficult moment. This scene shows us that seeking wisdom from those with real experience is often the right instinct. Rehoboam was facing a genuine dilemma where his decision could either stabilize or fracture his kingdom, so consulting trusted voices made sense. Unfortunately for him, he later rejected their advice in favor of younger counselors who told him what he wanted to hear, but his initial impulse to ask demonstrates something important: strength sometimes looks like humility enough to listen.