2 Chronicles 10:15
So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
2 Chronicles 10:15 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from 1 Kings 12:15 reveals an important aspect of divine intervention in the affairs of mankind. Here, King Rehoboam chooses to ignore the counsel of his people, leading to a division of the kingdom as prophesied by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam. Despite the king's decision, the verse emphasizes that the ultimate cause of this outcome was ordained by God. It highlights the concept of God's sovereignty and how He uses human decisions, even those driven by pride or disobedience, to bring about His purposes and fulfill His word. The verse serves as a reminder that God's plans are ultimately carried out, regardless of human actions, and that His will cannot be thwarted. It is a powerful message of trust in God's ultimate authority and His ability to work all things together for His glory.
Theological Overview
In this verse from 1 Kings, we see that King Rehoboam did not listen to the people's request, as it was ultimately God's plan for the kingdom to be divided. The phrase "for the cause was of God" highlights God's sovereign control over the situation, using it as a means to fulfill His word spoken through the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam. This theological interpretation emphasizes God's ultimate authority and purpose in the affairs of humanity, even when human actions may seem to contradict or go against His will. By not heeding the people's request, King Rehoboam unknowingly played a role in the fulfillment of God's prophecy through Ahijah, demonstrating the intricate ways in which God works to bring about His plans despite human decisions. This verse serves as a reminder of the overarching sovereignty of God, as He orchestrates events and actions in accordance with His divine will and purposes.
2 Chronicles 10:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
So the king hearkened not unto the people; for it was brought about of God, that Jehovah might establish his word, which he spake by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
World English Bible
So the king didn’t listen to the people; for it was brought about of God, that Yahweh might establish his word, which he spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
Douay-Rheims
And he condescended not to the people's requests: for it was the will of God, that his word might be fulfilled which he had spoken by the hand of Ahias the Silonite to Jeroboam the son of Nabat.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So the king hearkened not vnto the people: for it was the ordinance of God that the Lord might performe his saying, which hee had spoken by Ahiiah the Shilonite to Ieroboam the sonne of Nebat.