10:1 Shechem Located 40 miles north of Jerusalem. It is unclear why the Israelites held Rehoboam’s coronation at Shechem instead of Jerusalem, the capital.

10:2 where he had fled from the presence of King Solomon The Chronicler does not include the story of Jeroboam’s rebellion against Solomon (see 1 Kgs 11:26–40). It was part of God’s punishment for Solomon’s idolatry (see note on 2 Chron 9:29).

10:4 Your father made our yoke heavy Refers to Solomon’s heavy taxation and forced labor.

10:5 In three days return to me again See 1 Kgs 12:5 and note.

10:6 with the elders See 1 Kgs 12:6 and note.

10:7 speak good words to them The advice offered by the old men included lightening the people’s burden.

10:8 young men See 1 Kgs 12:8 and note.

10:10 My little finger The Hebrew phrase here is most likely a euphemism for the penis (see note on 1 Kgs 12:10). Rehoboam does not repeat this part of the young men’s advice (2 Chron 10:14).

10:11 I myself will do so with scorpions The Hebrew word here denoting “scorpions” may refer to barbed whips.

10:15 so that Yahweh might fulfill his word While the Chronicler does not include an account of this prophecy, he nevertheless attributes the division of the kingdom to God’s word (see 1 Kgs 11:29–39).

10:16 And all Israel went to their own tents This marks the division into two kingdoms—the northern kingdom of Israel (10 tribes), and the southern kingdom of Judah (the tribes of Judah and Benjamin). See note on 1 Kgs 12:16–24.

10:18 Hadoram In the Hebrew text, this figure is called both “Hadoram” and “Adoniram” (1 Kgs 4:6; 5:13–14). Considering his position over the forced labor, he was a foolish choice to mediate reconciliation.

10:19 So Israel has rebelled See 1 Kgs 12:19 and note.