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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 12:8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/12-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/11_1Ki_12_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 12:8 - Rebellion Against Rehoboam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, <i>and</i> which stood before him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But he rejected the advice which the elders had given him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But he ignored the advice of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and served him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had counseled him, and took counsel with the young men who grew up with him and stood before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But he ignored the advice which the elders gave him and consulted the young men who grew up with him and served him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But he rejected the advice of the elders who had advised him and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and attended him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But he rejected the advice of the elders who had advised him and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and served him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men that were grown up with him, that stood before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But Rehoboam refused their advice and went to the younger men who had grown up with him and were now his officials. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men that were grown up with him, that stood before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But he ignored the advice the older leaders gave him. He sought advice from the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But he ignored the advice of the older men and went instead to the young men who had grown up with him and who were now his advisers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But Rehoboam ignored the counsel that his elder advisors had given him. Instead, he consulted the younger men who had grown up with him and who worked for him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But Rehoboam rejected their advice and consulted the young advisers who served him, with whom he had grown up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that had grown up with him, and who stood before him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But he abandoned the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And he forsakes the counsel of the elderly which they counseled him, and consults with the boys who have grown up with him, who are standing before him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he forsaketh the counsel of the elders which they counselled him, and consulteth with the lads who have grown up with him, who are standing before him;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will forsake the counsel of the old men which they counseled him, and he will consult with the children which grew up with him which were standing before him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he left the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men, that had been brought up with him, and stood before him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But he abandoned the counsel of the old men, which they had given to him. And he consulted the young men who had been raised with him, and who were assisting him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But he ignored the advice the elders had given him, and asked advice of the young men who had grown up with him and were in his service.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But he disregarded the advice that the older men gave him, and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and now attended him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But he forsook the counsel which the old men had given him and consulted with the young men who were grown up with him and who stood before him;<CL>And the prophet of God said to him, If you give me half your house, I will not go home with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he abandoned the counsel of the Elders which they advised him and he took counsel with the boys who grew up with him who stood before him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men that were grown up with him, that stood before him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they gave him, and consulted with the young men who were brought up with him, who stood in his presence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/12-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=4782" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm">Rebellion Against Rehoboam</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>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.” <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: way·ya·‘ă·zōḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">But Rehoboam rejected</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6098.htm" title="6098: ‘ă·ṣaṯ (N-fsc) -- Counsel, advice. From ya'ats; advice; by implication, plan; also prudence.">the advice</a> <a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: haz·zə·qê·nîm (Art:: Adj-mp) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">of the elders;</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3289.htm" title="3289: yə·‘ā·ṣu·hū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp:: 3ms) -- To advise, counsel. A primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3289.htm" title="3289: way·yiw·wā·‘aṣ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To advise, counsel. A primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve.">instead, he consulted</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3206.htm" title="3206: hay·lā·ḏîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Child, son, boy, youth. From yalad; something born, i.e. A lad or offspring.">the young men</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">who</a> <a href="/hebrew/1431.htm" title="1431: gā·ḏə·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To grow up, become great. A primitive root; properly, to twist, i.e. To be large.">had grown up</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’it·tōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">with him</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: hā·‘ō·mə·ḏîm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">and served</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">him.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a></span><br />The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Proverbs 19:20</a></span><br />Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a></span><br />For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a></span><br />Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-20.htm">Proverbs 13:20</a></span><br />He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a></span><br />The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Proverbs 14:16</a></span><br />A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Proverbs 29:1</a></span><br />A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-8.htm">2 Chronicles 10:8</a></span><br />But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-13.htm">2 Chronicles 10:13-14</a></span><br />And the king answered them harshly. King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders / and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-12.htm">Job 12:12</a></span><br />Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:5</a></span><br />It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-21.htm">Isaiah 5:21</a></span><br />Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a></span><br />Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-24.htm">Matthew 23:24</a></span><br />You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/10-8.htm">2 Chronicles 10:8</a></b></br> But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/25-15.htm">2 Chronicles 25:15,16</a></b></br> Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm">Proverbs 1:2-5,25,30</a></b></br> To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/20-18.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-28.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Consulted</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-11.htm">Consulteth</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-21.htm">Counselled</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/luke/14-33.htm">Forsaketh</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-9.htm">Forsook</a> <a href="/judges/2-10.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-4.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-5.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/genesis/48-16.htm">Lads</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Rehoboam</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-7.htm">Served</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-5.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/12-9.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-28.htm">Consulted</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/13-1.htm">Consulteth</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-9.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">Counselled</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">Forsaketh</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">Forsook</a> <a href="/2_kings/10-30.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm">Grown</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Lads</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-9.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-12.htm">Rehoboam</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-15.htm">Rejected</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-31.htm">Served</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-1.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-1.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-38.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-1.htm">The Israelites, assembled at Shechem to crown Rehoboam, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">by Jeroboam make a suit of relaxation unto him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Rehoboam, refusing the old men's counsel, answers them roughly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">Ten tribes revolting, kill Adoram, and make Rehoboam flee</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-21.htm">Rehoboam, raising an army, is forbidden by Shemaiah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-25.htm">Jeroboam strengthens himself by cities</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">and by idolatry of the two calves</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders;</b><br>Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The elders were likely experienced advisors who had served under Solomon, Rehoboam's father. Their counsel was rooted in wisdom and experience, reflecting the biblical principle found in <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a>, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This decision to reject their advice demonstrates a lack of humility and discernment, qualities that are essential for godly leadership. Historically, this rejection led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel, fulfilling the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah in <a href="/1_kings/11-29.htm">1 Kings 11:29-31</a>.<p><b>instead, he consulted the young men</b><br>Rehoboam's choice to consult the young men highlights a generational divide and a preference for peers over seasoned wisdom. These young men, likely his contemporaries, lacked the experience and insight necessary for such a critical decision. This reflects a broader biblical theme where youthful arrogance and inexperience can lead to folly, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." The cultural context of the time placed great value on the wisdom of elders, making Rehoboam's decision even more striking and countercultural.<p><b>who had grown up with him</b><br>The phrase indicates that these young men shared Rehoboam's upbringing and social environment, suggesting they were influenced by the same royal court culture. This shared background may have led to a narrow perspective, lacking the broader understanding necessary for effective governance. The influence of one's upbringing and peers is a recurring biblical theme, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a>, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'" This choice reflects a failure to seek diverse counsel, which is often necessary for balanced decision-making.<p><b>and served him.</b><br>The young men who served Rehoboam were likely part of his inner circle, possibly holding positions of influence due to their proximity to the king. Their service to him might have been more about personal loyalty than objective counsel. This situation underscores the danger of surrounding oneself with advisors who prioritize personal allegiance over truth and wisdom. In contrast, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate King, surrounded Himself with disciples who were often challenged and corrected, demonstrating the value of truth over mere loyalty. This serves as a type of Christ's perfect leadership, which is characterized by wisdom, humility, and a willingness to listen to diverse voices.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/rehoboam.htm">Rehoboam</a></b><br>The son of Solomon and king of Judah, whose decision-making is central to this passage.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders.htm">Elders</a></b><br>Experienced advisors who served under Solomon and offered wise counsel to Rehoboam.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/y/young_men.htm">Young Men</a></b><br>Rehoboam's contemporaries who grew up with him and provided advice contrary to that of the elders.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The united kingdom under Solomon, which faced division due to Rehoboam's decisions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>The place where Rehoboam went to be crowned king and where the events of this chapter unfold.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Value of Wise Counsel</a></b><br>Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking and valuing experienced and godly counsel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_peer_pressure.htm">The Danger of Peer Pressure</a></b><br>The influence of Rehoboam's peers highlights the potential pitfalls of succumbing to peer pressure, especially when it contradicts wise and godly advice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_poor_leadership_decisions.htm">Consequences of Poor Leadership Decisions</a></b><br>Rehoboam's decision led to the division of the kingdom, illustrating how poor leadership can have far-reaching and devastating consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_wisdom.htm">Seeking God's Wisdom</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in decision-making, as human wisdom alone can be flawed and misleading.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Humility in Leadership</a></b><br>Rehoboam's account underscores the need for humility in leadership, recognizing that leaders do not have all the answers and should be open to counsel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_bad_company_harm_character.htm">How does bad company affect good character?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_blessed_in_the_lord's_name.htm">What advice do the ungodly offer?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_king_rehoboam_biblically.htm">Who was King Rehoboam in biblical history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_rehoboam's_reply_only_harsh.htm">Why does 1 Kings 12:14 present Rehoboam’s answer as solely harsh, despite other biblical accounts that sometimes provide a balancing perspective? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given</span> [Heb. <span class="accented">counselled</span>] him ["We can easily imagine that their proposal was not very agreeable to the rash and imperious young king, in whose veins Ammonite blood flowed" (Bahr) ], <span class="cmt_word">and consulted with the young men</span> [see on ver. 1. "The very change argues weakness.. Green wood is ever shrinking" (Hall)] that were grown up with him [possibly his companions in the harem], <span class="cmt_word">and which stood before him</span> [<span class="accented">i.e.</span>, as his courtiers and counsellors (cf. ver. 6). The old men were the counsellors of <span class="accented">Solomon</span>; the young men alone are spoken of as the ministers of Rehoboam. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/12-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But [Rehoboam] rejected</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיַּעֲזֹ֛ב</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·zōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loosen, relinquish, permit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the advice</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲצַ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ṣaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6098.htm">Strong's 6098: </a> </span><span class="str2">Advice, plan, prudence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the elders;</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזְּקֵנִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zə·qê·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">instead, he consulted</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּוָּעַ֗ץ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiw·wā·‘aṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3289.htm">Strong's 3289: </a> </span><span class="str2">To advise, to deliberate, resolve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the young men</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיְלָדִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(hay·lā·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3206.htm">Strong's 3206: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something born, a lad, offspring</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had grown up</span><br /><span class="heb">גָּדְל֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(gā·ḏə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1431.htm">Strong's 1431: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grow up, become great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with him</span><br /><span class="heb">אִתּ֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’it·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_854.htm">Strong's 854: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nearness, near, with, by, at, among</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and served</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֹמְדִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ō·mə·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְפָנָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·p̄ā·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/12-8.htm">1 Kings 12:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/12-8.htm">1 Kings 12:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/12-8.htm">1 Kings 12:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/12-8.htm">1 Kings 12:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/12-8.htm">1 Kings 12:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/12-8.htm">1 Kings 12:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/12-8.htm">1 Kings 12:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/12-8.htm">1 Kings 12:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/12-8.htm">1 Kings 12:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/12-8.htm">1 Kings 12:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 12:8 But he forsook the counsel (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/12-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 12:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/12-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 12:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>