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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 12:11 Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.'"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/12-11.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/11_1Ki_12_11.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 12:11 - Rebellion Against Rehoboam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. 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My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_kings/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’” <a href="/esv/1_kings/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” <a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’” <a href="/kjv/1_kings/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/12.htm">New King James Version</a> And now, whereas my father put a heavy yoke on you, I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!’ ” <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now then, my father loaded you with a heavy yoke; yet I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions!’” <a href="/nasb/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8216Whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> ‘Whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” <a href="/lsb/1_kings/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So now, my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, but I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” <a href="/amp/1_kings/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And now, whereas my father loaded you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” <a href="/csb/1_kings/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Although my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with barbed whips.’ ” <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Although my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with barbed whips.&#8217&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_kings/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. <a href="/cev/1_kings/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He made you work hard, but I'll make you work even harder. He punished you with whips, but I'll use whips with pieces of sharp metal!" <a href="/erv/1_kings/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If my father put a heavy burden on you, I will add to it. If my father punished you with whips, I will punish you with scorpions.'" <a href="/gnt/1_kings/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> Tell them, 'My father placed heavy burdens on you; I will make them even heavier. He beat you with whips; I'll flog you with bullwhips!'" <a href="/isv/1_kings/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Not only that, but since my father loaded you down heavily, I'm going to add to that burden. My father disciplined you with whips, but I'm going to discipline you with scorpions!'" <a href="/msb/1_kings/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.?? <a href="/net/1_kings/12.htm">NET Bible</a> My father imposed heavy demands on you; I will make them even heavier. My father punished you with ordinary whips; I will punish you with whips that really sting your flesh.'" <a href="/nheb/1_kings/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.'" <a href="/wbt/1_kings/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And now whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. <a href="/web/1_kings/12.htm">World English Bible</a> Now my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, but I will add to your yoke. My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.’” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and now, my father laid a heavy yoke on you, and I add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, and I discipline you with scorpions.” <a href="/ylt/1_kings/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and now, my father laid on you a heavy yoke, and I add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, and I -- I chastise you with scorpions.' <a href="/slt/1_kings/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And now my father loaded upon you a heavy yoke, and I will add upon your yoke: my father chastised you with whips and I will chastise you with scorpions.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And now my father put a, heavy yoke upon you, but I will add to your yoke: my father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And now, my father placed a heavy yoke upon you, but I will add more upon your yoke. My father cut you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions.’ ” <a href="/nabre/1_kings/12.htm">New American Bible</a> My father put a heavy yoke on you, but I will make it heavier. My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions.’ ” <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And now whereas my father laid a heavy yoke upon you, I will add to your yoke; my father has chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with knouts.<CL>Now there dwelt an old prophet in Beth-el; and his sons came and told him all the works that the prophet of God had done that day in Beth-el; and the words which he had spoken to the king, them they told also to their father. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> My father hardened for you a strong yoke. I shall add to your yoke. My father chastised you with whips, and I shall chastise you with pointy tipped scourges!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And now whereas my father did burden you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.' <a href="/sep/1_kings/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I also will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/12-11.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=4822" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm">Rebellion Against Rehoboam</a> …10The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you should make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! 11<a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: wə·‘at·tāh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">Whereas</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">my father</a> <a href="/hebrew/6006.htm" title="6006: he‘·mîs (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To load, carry a load. Or mamas; a primitive root; to load, i.e. Impose a burden.">burdened</a> <a href="/hebrew/3515.htm" title="3515: kā·ḇêḏ (Adj-ms) -- Heavy. From kabad; heavy; figuratively in a good sense or in a bad sense.">you with a heavy</a> <a href="/hebrew/5923.htm" title="5923: ‘ōl (N-ms) -- A yoke. Or mowl; from alal; a yoke, literally or figuratively.">yoke,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: ’ō·w·sîp̄ (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">will add</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5923.htm" title="5923: ‘ul·lə·ḵem (N-msc:: 2mp) -- A yoke. Or mowl; from alal; a yoke, literally or figuratively.">your yoke.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">Whereas my father</a> <a href="/hebrew/3256.htm" title="3256: yis·sar (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To discipline, chasten, admonish. A primitive root; to chastise, literally or figuratively; hence, to instruct.">scourged</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ·ḵem (DirObjM:: 2mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/7752.htm" title="7752: baš·šō·w·ṭîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- A scourge, whip. From shuwt; a lash.">with whips,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/3256.htm" title="3256: ’ă·yas·sêr (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- To discipline, chasten, admonish. A primitive root; to chastise, literally or figuratively; hence, to instruct.">will scourge</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ·ḵem (DirObjM:: 2mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6137.htm" title="6137: bā·‘aq·rab·bîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Scorpion. Of uncertain derivation; a scorpion; figuratively, a scourge or knotted whip.">with scorpions.’”</a> 12After three days, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, since the king had said, “Come back to me on the third day.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_chronicles/10-11.htm">2 Chronicles 10:11</a> Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’” <a href="/2_chronicles/10-14.htm">2 Chronicles 10:14</a> 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.” <a href="/exodus/1-14.htm">Exodus 1:14</a> and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh. <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11-18</a> He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ... <a href="/1_kings/4-7.htm">1 Kings 4:7</a> Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, <a href="/1_kings/9-22.htm">1 Kings 9:22</a> But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry. <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">1 Kings 12:14</a> 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.” <a href="/2_samuel/7-14.htm">2 Samuel 7:14</a> I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. <a href="/isaiah/9-4.htm">Isaiah 9:4</a> For as in the day of Midian You have shattered the yoke of their burden, the bar across their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. <a href="/isaiah/10-27.htm">Isaiah 10:27</a> On that day the burden will be lifted from your shoulders, and the yoke from your neck. The yoke will be broken because your neck will be too large. <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a> Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” <a href="/matthew/23-4.htm">Matthew 23:4</a> They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. <a href="/luke/11-46.htm">Luke 11:46</a> “Woe to you as well, experts in the law!” He replied. “For you weigh men down with heavy burdens, but you yourselves will not lift a finger to lighten their load. <a href="/acts/15-10.htm">Acts 15:10</a> Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? <a href="/romans/8-15.htm">Romans 8:15</a> For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father has chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.I will add<a href="/exodus/1-13.htm">Exodus 1:13,14</a> And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: … <a href="/exodus/5-5.htm">Exodus 5:5-9,18</a> And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens… <a href="/1_samuel/8-18.htm">1 Samuel 8:18</a> And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.scorpions<a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">1 Kings 12:14</a> And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.<a href="/ezekiel/2-6.htm">Ezekiel 2:6</a> And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.<a href="/revelation/9-3.htm">Revelation 9:3-10</a> And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/2-23.htm">Add</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-35.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/judges/2-18.htm">Burdened</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-18.htm">Chastise</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-18.htm">Chastised</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-18.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/judges/8-16.htm">Disciplined</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/ruth/1-13.htm">Harder</a> <a href="/judges/4-24.htm">Heavier</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/luke/11-46.htm">Lade</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-32.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/8-15.htm">Scorpions</a> <a href="/joshua/23-13.htm">Scourge</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-20.htm">Scourged</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-18.htm">Whereas</a> <a href="/nahum/3-2.htm">Whips</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm">Yoke</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Add</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-17.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-17.htm">Burdened</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Chastise</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Chastised</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Disciplined</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Harder</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Heavier</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-11.htm">Lade</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Scorpions</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Scourge</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Scourged</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-19.htm">Whereas</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Whips</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Yoke</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 12</div>1. <a href="/1_kings/12-1.htm">The Israelites, assembled at Shechem to crown Rehoboam, </a> 4. <a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">by Jeroboam make a suit of relaxation unto him</a> 6. <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Rehoboam, refusing the old men's counsel, answers them roughly</a> 16. <a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">Ten tribes revolting, kill Adoram, and make Rehoboam flee</a> 21. <a href="/1_kings/12-21.htm">Rehoboam, raising an army, is forbidden by Shemaiah</a> 25. <a href="/1_kings/12-25.htm">Jeroboam strengthens himself by cities</a> 26. <a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">and by idolatry of the two calves</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke This phrase refers to the oppressive policies and heavy taxation imposed by King Solomon during his reign. Solomon's extensive building projects, including the temple and his palace, required significant labor and resources, leading to a heavy burden on the people of Israel. The "yoke" symbolizes the forced labor and high taxes that the Israelites endured. This context is crucial for understanding the people's discontent and their request for relief from Rehoboam, Solomon's son. The concept of a "yoke" is also used elsewhere in Scripture to describe oppression or servitude, such as in <a href="/leviticus/26-13.htm">Leviticus 26:13</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/28-14.htm">Jeremiah 28:14</a>.I will add to your yoke Rehoboam's response to the people's plea for lighter burdens reveals his intention to increase their oppression rather than alleviate it. This decision reflects a lack of wisdom and understanding of leadership, contrasting sharply with the wisdom for which Solomon was renowned. The phrase indicates a continuation and intensification of the policies that had already caused dissatisfaction among the Israelites. This decision ultimately leads to the division of the kingdom, fulfilling the prophecy given to Jeroboam in <a href="/1_kings/11-31.htm">1 Kings 11:31-35</a>.Whereas my father scourged you with whips The use of "whips" here is metaphorical, representing the harsh treatment and strict enforcement of labor under Solomon's rule. It suggests a level of severity in the administration of his policies. The imagery of being "scourged" evokes the idea of punishment and suffering, which the people experienced under the heavy demands placed upon them. This metaphor is consistent with the biblical theme of leaders who fail to serve their people with justice and compassion, as seen in <a href="/ezekiel/34-4.htm">Ezekiel 34:4</a>.I will scourge you with scorpions.’” The term "scorpions" intensifies the imagery of punishment and suffering, suggesting an even harsher regime than that of Solomon. Scorpions, known for their painful sting, symbolize severe and cruel treatment. This hyperbolic language underscores Rehoboam's harshness and insensitivity to the people's plight. The choice of "scorpions" over "whips" indicates a significant escalation in the severity of oppression. This decision leads to the fulfillment of God's judgment on the house of David, as the kingdom is divided, with Jeroboam ruling over the northern tribes. The division of the kingdom is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, illustrating the consequences of unwise and oppressive leadership.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/r/rehoboam.htm">Rehoboam</a> The son of Solomon and the king of Israel who succeeded his father. His decision to increase the burdens on the people led to the division of the kingdom. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jeroboam.htm">Jeroboam</a> A former official of Solomon who became the leader of the northern tribes in their rebellion against Rehoboam, eventually becoming king of the northern kingdom of Israel. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The united kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon, which was on the brink of division due to Rehoboam's harsh policies. 4. <a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a> The place where Rehoboam went to be crowned king and where the people of Israel came to make their plea for lighter burdens. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_elders_and_young_men.htm">The Elders and Young Men</a> The advisors to Rehoboam. The elders advised leniency, while the young men advised harshness, which Rehoboam chose to follow.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_pride_and_harshness.htm">The Consequences of Pride and Harshness</a> Rehoboam's decision to increase the burden on the people was rooted in pride and a desire to assert his authority. This teaches us the importance of humility and listening to wise counsel. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Importance of Wise Counsel</a> Rehoboam ignored the advice of the elders, leading to disastrous consequences. This highlights the value of seeking and heeding wise, experienced counsel in decision-making. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_servanthood.htm">Leadership and Servanthood</a> True leadership is about serving others, not exerting power over them. Rehoboam's failure to serve his people led to division and strife. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_words.htm">The Impact of Words</a> Rehoboam's harsh words and threats alienated his people. This reminds us of the power of words to build up or tear down relationships. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a> Despite Rehoboam's poor choices, God's plan for the division of the kingdom was fulfilled, demonstrating His sovereignty over human history.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 12</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_rehoboam's_strength.htm">2 Chronicles 11 portrays Rehoboam as a strong central authority; how do we address the inconsistencies when comparing his strength here with his weaker portrayal in other biblical passages?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_hebrews_2_10_mean.htm">Who was Bathsheba in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/ezekiel_2_6__scorpions_linked_to_israel.htm">Ezekiel 2:6: Is there any archaeological or historical record linking scorpions or such imagery to the prophet’s experience or Israelite culture? </a> <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/ellicott/1_kings/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(11) The scorpion is probably (like the Roman fiagellum) a whip, the lash of which is loaded with weights and sharp points.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 11. - And now whereas my father did lade you with [or, lay upon you] a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips [It is probable that the expression is not entirely figurative. It is quite possible that the levies of Amorites, Hittites (<a href="/1_kings/9-20.htm">1 Kings 9:20</a>), etc., had been kept at their toils by the lash], but I will chastise you with scorpions. ["The very words have stings" (Hall). It is generally held that there is here "no allusion whatever to the animal, but to some instrument of scourging - unless, indeed, the expression is a mere figure" (Dict. Bib. 3. p. 1161). Perhaps it is safer to understand it as a figure of speech, although the scorpion, unlike the serpent, is little like, or adapted to use as, a lash. Probably it was in the pain the whip caused that the resemblance lay (<a href="/romans/9-5.htm">Romans 9:5</a>). All the commentators mention that the later Romans used a whip called a "scorpio," and cite Isidore (Orig. 5, 27) in proof. Gesenius, Keil, al. understand "whips with barbed points, like the point of a scorpion's sting;" the Rabbins, Virgae spinis instructae; others, the thorny stem of the eggplant, by some called the "scorpion plant." Compare our use of the word "cat." "The yoke and whips go together, and are the signs of labouring service (Ecclus. 30:26, or 33:27)" Bahr.] <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/12-11.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Although וְעַתָּ֗ה (wə·‘at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time my father אָבִי֙ (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father burdened הֶעְמִ֤יס (he‘·mîs) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6006.htm">Strong's 6006: </a> To load, impose a, burden you with a heavy כָּבֵ֔ד (kā·ḇêḏ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3515.htm">Strong's 3515: </a> Heavy yoke, עֹ֣ל (‘ōl) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5923.htm">Strong's 5923: </a> A yoke I וַאֲנִ֖י (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I will add אוֹסִ֣יף (’ō·w·sîp̄) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> To add, augment to עֲלֵיכֶם֙ (‘ă·lê·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against your yoke. עֻלְּכֶ֑ם (‘ul·lə·ḵem) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5923.htm">Strong's 5923: </a> A yoke Although my father אָבִ֗י (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father scourged יִסַּ֤ר (yis·sar) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3256.htm">Strong's 3256: </a> To discipline, chasten, admonish you אֶתְכֶם֙ (’eṯ·ḵem) Direct object marker | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case with whips, בַּשּׁוֹטִ֔ים (baš·šō·w·ṭîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7752.htm">Strong's 7752: </a> A scourge, whip I וַאֲנִ֕י (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I will scourge אֲיַסֵּ֥ר (’ă·yas·sêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3256.htm">Strong's 3256: </a> To discipline, chasten, admonish you אֶתְכֶ֖ם (’eṯ·ḵem) Direct object marker | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case with scorpions.’” בָּעַקְרַבִּֽים׃ (bā·‘aq·rab·bîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6137.htm">Strong's 6137: </a> A scorpion, a scourge, knotted whip <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/12-11.htm">1 Kings 12:11 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/12-11.htm">1 Kings 12:11 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/12-11.htm">1 Kings 12:11 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/12-11.htm">1 Kings 12:11 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/12-11.htm">1 Kings 12:11 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/12-11.htm">1 Kings 12:11 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/12-11.htm">1 Kings 12:11 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/12-11.htm">1 Kings 12:11 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/12-11.htm">1 Kings 12:11 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/12-11.htm">1 Kings 12:11 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-11.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 12:11 Now whereas my father did lade you (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 12:10"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:10" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/12-12.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 12:12"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:12" /></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>