Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 10:7
They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The elders who served Solomon address the newly crowned Rehoboam at the moment he seeks counsel on how to respond to the northern tribes' demand for relief from his father's heavy yoke.
The words — The Hebrew תִּהְיֶה לְטוֹב (tih.Yeh le.Tov) translates literally as "you will become to good," framing the proposed policy as an act of benevolent service rather than a royal concession.
The thread — This counsel directly parallels the identical advice recorded in 1 Kings 12:7 and aligns with the principle that gentle speech prevents conflict as stated in Proverbs 15:1.
Why it lands — The text presents a concrete political calculation, asking whether temporary concession secures permanent loyalty or merely invites further demands.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
- Genesis 49:21 Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.
- 1 Kings 12:7 They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.”
- 2 Samuel 15:2 He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out and ask, “What city are you from?” And if he replied, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,”