The Church Fathers on this verse

2 Chronicles 10:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But Roboam reigned over the children of Israel that dwelt in the cities of Juda.

Douay-Rheims

וּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל הַיֹּֽשְׁבִ֖ים בְּעָרֵ֣י יְהוּדָ֑ה וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם רְחַבְעָֽם׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

One Church Father comments on this verse

Ambrose of Milan

4th centuryChurch Father

He was abandoned and repudiated by the people, managing with great difficulty to retain the allegiance of two tribes for the sake of David's legacy. Judah and Benjamin stayed faithful to King Rehoboam, while the other tribes opted to follow Jeroboam as their leader (see 2 Chronicles 10:19). This illustrates that justice under the law enhances authority, whereas injustice diminishes it. What kind of reign can prevail through wickedness, if it cannot even govern a single household? True benevolence is essential not only for governing a nation, but also for honoring the rights of individuals. Acts of kindness play a crucial role, as they aspire to uplift all by bestowing favors, drawing attention, and earning goodwill.

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Passages read together with this verse.