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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 12:9 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'?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/12-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/11_1Ki_12_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 12:9 - Rebellion Against Rehoboam" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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'?" /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/12-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/12-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm" title="1 Kings 12:8">◄</a> 1 Kings 12:9 <a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm" title="1 Kings 12:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_kings/12.htm">New International Version</a> He asked them, &#8220What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, &#8216Lighten the yoke your father put on us&#8217?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_kings/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> “What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?” <a href="/esv/1_kings/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> And he said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?” <a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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’?” <a href="/kjv/1_kings/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/12.htm">New King James Version</a> And he said to them, “What advice do you give? How should we answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He said to them, “What advice do you give, so that we may answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” <a href="/nasb/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> So he said to them, &#8220What counsel do you give that we may answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, &#8216Lighten the yoke which your father put on us&#8217?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So he said to them, “What counsel do you give that we may answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” <a href="/lsb/1_kings/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So he said to them, “What counsel do you give that we may respond to this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?” <a href="/amp/1_kings/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke (burden) which your father put on us’?” <a href="/csb/1_kings/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to this people who said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’? ” <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He asked them, &#8220What message do you advise that we send back to these people who said to me, &#8216Lighten the yoke your father put on us?&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_kings/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And he said unto them, What counsel give ye, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that thy father did put upon us lighter? <a href="/cev/1_kings/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He asked, "What do you think I should say to these people who asked me to make their work easier?" <a href="/erv/1_kings/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And he said unto them, What counsel give ye, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that thy father did put upon us lighter? <a href="/gwt/1_kings/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He asked them, "What is your advice? How should we respond to these people who are asking me to lighten the burden my father put on them?" <a href="/gnt/1_kings/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> "What do you advise me to do?" he asked. "What shall I say to the people who are asking me to make their burdens lighter?" <a href="/isv/1_kings/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> As a result, he asked them, "What's your advice so that we can give an answer to these people who have asked me, 'Please lighten the burden that your father put on us.'?" <a href="/msb/1_kings/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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??? <a href="/net/1_kings/12.htm">NET Bible</a> He asked them, "How do you advise me to respond to these people who said to me, 'Lessen the demands your father placed on us'?" <a href="/nheb/1_kings/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He said to them, "What counsel do you give, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, 'Make the yoke that your father put on us lighter?'" <a href="/wbt/1_kings/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And he said to them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? <a href="/web/1_kings/12.htm">World English Bible</a> He said to them, “What counsel do you give, that we may answer these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Make the yoke that your father put on us lighter?’” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and he says to them, “What are you counseling, and we answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Lighten [some] of the yoke that your father put on us?” <a href="/ylt/1_kings/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and he saith unto them, 'What are ye counselling, and we answer this people, who have spoken unto me, saying, Lighten somewhat of the yoke that thy father put upon us?' <a href="/slt/1_kings/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say to them, What do ye advise? and we will turn back word to this people who spake to me, saying, Lighten from the yoke which thy father gave upon us.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he said to them: What counsel do you give me, that I may answer this people, who have said to me: Make the yoke which thy father put upon us lighter? <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to them: “What counsel do you give to me, so that I may respond to this people, who have said to me: ‘Make light the yoke that your father imposed on us?’ ” <a href="/nabre/1_kings/12.htm">New American Bible</a> He said to them, “What answer do you advise that we should give this people, who have told me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father imposed on us’?” <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He said to them, “What do you advise that we answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put on us’?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he said to them, What counsel do you give, that we may answer the people who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which your father did put upon us lighter?<CL>For so it was charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, and drink no water, nor return again by the way that you came. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said to them: “What do you counsel me that I shall give as an answer to the people who say to me,”Take away our yoke that your father put upon us?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And he said unto them: 'What counsel give ye, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying: Make the yoke that thy father did put upon us lighter?' <a href="/sep/1_kings/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he said to them, What counsel do ye give? And what shall I answer to this people who speak to me, saying, Lighten somewhat of the yoke which thy father has put upon us? <a href="/parallel/1_kings/12-9.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=4792" 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> …8But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. 9<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">He asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. ">them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">message</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/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">do you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3289.htm" title="3289: nō·w·‘ā·ṣîm (V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To advise, counsel. A primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve.">advise</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: wə·nā·šîḇ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf-1cp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">that we send back</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">to these</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">people</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/1696.htm" title="1696: dib·bə·rū (V-Piel-Perf-3cp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">have spoken</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. ">to me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7043.htm" title="7043: hā·qêl (V-Hifil-Imp-ms) -- To be slight, swift or trifling. A primitive root; to be light, literally Or figuratively.">‘Lighten</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5923.htm" title="5923: hā·‘ōl (Art:: N-ms) -- A yoke. Or mowl; from alal; a yoke, literally or figuratively.">the yoke</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/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">your father</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: nā·ṯan (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">put</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lê·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on us’?”</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!…<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="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a> For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a> Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. <a href="/proverbs/19-20.htm">Proverbs 19:20</a> Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Proverbs 24:6</a> Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors. <a href="/2_chronicles/10-6.htm">2 Chronicles 10:6-8</a> Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / 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.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. <a href="/2_chronicles/10-9.htm">2 Chronicles 10:9-11</a> 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’?” / The 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 must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! / 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="/job/12-12.htm">Job 12:12-13</a> Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life. / Wisdom and strength belong to God; counsel and understanding are His. <a href="/isaiah/19-11.htm">Isaiah 19:11-13</a> The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? / Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. / The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. <a href="/isaiah/47-13.htm">Isaiah 47:13</a> You are wearied by your many counselors; let them come forward now and save you—your astrologers who observe the stars, who monthly predict your fate. <a href="/jeremiah/7-24.htm">Jeremiah 7:24</a> Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. <a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm">Jeremiah 18:18</a> Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.” <a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a> Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/matthew/23-24.htm">Matthew 23:24</a> You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. <a href="/mark/7-8.htm">Mark 7:8-9</a> You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” / He went on to say, “You neatly set aside the command of God to maintain your own tradition. <a href="/luke/6-39.htm">Luke 6:39</a> Jesus also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And he said to them, What counsel give you that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which your father did put on us lighter?<a href="/1_kings/22-6.htm">1 Kings 22:6-8</a> Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king… <a href="/2_samuel/17-5.htm">2 Samuel 17:5,6</a> Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith… <a href="/2_chronicles/10-9.htm">2 Chronicles 10:9</a> And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Advise</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">Less</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">Lighter</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/1_kings/2-14.htm">Somewhat</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">Yoke</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-12.htm">Advise</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-13.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/27-23.htm">Less</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm">Lighter</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-8.htm">Opinion</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-20.htm">Somewhat</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-13.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-10.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>He asked them Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, is seeking counsel. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking wisdom from others, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/11-14.htm">Proverbs 11:14</a>, which emphasizes the importance of guidance. However, the outcome of his inquiry highlights the need for discerning whose advice to follow.“What message do you advise Rehoboam is inquiring about the response he should give to the Israelites. This moment is pivotal, as it demonstrates the weight of leadership decisions and their potential to impact a nation. The request for advice underscores the importance of wise counsel, a theme prevalent throughout the wisdom literature of the Old Testament.that we send back to these people The "people" refers to the Israelites who have gathered at Shechem to make Rehoboam king. This setting is significant as Shechem is a historical site of covenant renewal (<a href="/joshua/24.htm">Joshua 24:1-25</a>), symbolizing the people's desire for a renewed commitment from their leader.who have spoken to me, saying, The people’s request is a direct appeal to Rehoboam, indicating their desire for change and relief from the burdens imposed by Solomon. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of the Israelites' frequent appeals to their leaders for justice and mercy.‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?” The "yoke" symbolizes the heavy burdens of labor and taxation imposed by Solomon to support his extensive building projects, including the temple and his palace. This request for a lighter yoke echoes the biblical theme of liberation from oppression, reminiscent of the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. It also foreshadows the New Testament promise of Jesus, who offers rest and an easy yoke (<a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a>), contrasting the burdens of legalism and human authority.<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 at this time. He is seeking counsel on how to respond to the people's request to lighten their burdens. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_elders.htm">The Elders</a> Older advisors who had served Solomon, offering wisdom based on experience and tradition. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_young_men.htm">The Young Men</a> Rehoboam's contemporaries who grew up with him, offering advice that aligns with their youthful perspective. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of Israel who are requesting relief from the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon. 5. <a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a> The place where Rehoboam went to be made king, and where this consultation takes place.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wise_counsel.htm">The Importance of Wise Counsel</a> Rehoboam's decision to seek advice is commendable, but the source of that advice is crucial. We must discern between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_ignoring_experience.htm">The Consequences of Ignoring Experience</a> The elders' advice was rooted in experience and understanding of the people's needs. Ignoring seasoned wisdom can lead to division and strife. <a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_pride_and_arrogance.htm">The Dangers of Pride and Arrogance</a> The young men's advice reflects a prideful and harsh approach. Pride can blind us to the needs of others and lead to destructive decisions. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_servanthood.htm">Leadership and Servanthood</a> True leadership involves serving others and considering their burdens. Jesus exemplified servant leadership, which contrasts with Rehoboam's approach. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_wisdom.htm">Seeking God's Wisdom</a> In every decision, especially those affecting others, we should seek God's wisdom through prayer and His Word, ensuring our actions align with His will.<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/key_themes_in_revelation.htm">What are the key themes in the Book of Revelation?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_predestination_fit_god's_will.htm">Romans 9 compared with 1 Timothy 2:4: How can predestination be reconciled with God's desire for all to be saved?</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 href="/q/what_defines_being_content.htm">Is salvation derived from the Jewish people?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - And he said unto them, What counsel give ye [emphatic in the original] that we [it is noticeable how Rehoboam identifies these young men with himself. He employs a different expression when addressing the old men (ver. 6). The A.V. perhaps gives its force by the translation, "that I may answer," etc.; lit., "to answer"] may answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/12-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>He asked וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say them, אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to “What מָ֚ה (māh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what message דָּבָ֖ר (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause do you אַתֶּ֣ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you advise נֽוֹעָצִ֔ים (nō·w·‘ā·ṣîm) Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3289.htm">Strong's 3289: </a> To advise, to deliberate, resolve that we send back וְנָשִׁ֥יב (wə·nā·šîḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to these הַזֶּ֑ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that people הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock who אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that have spoken דִּבְּר֤וּ (dib·bə·rū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue to me, אֵלַי֙ (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to saying, לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say ‘Lighten הָקֵל֙ (hā·qêl) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7043.htm">Strong's 7043: </a> To be slight, swift or trifling the yoke הָעֹ֔ל (hā·‘ōl) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5923.htm">Strong's 5923: </a> A yoke your father אָבִ֖יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father put נָתַ֥ן (nā·ṯan) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set on us’?” עָלֵֽינוּ׃ (‘ā·lê·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/12-9.htm">1 Kings 12:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/12-9.htm">1 Kings 12:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/12-9.htm">1 Kings 12:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/12-9.htm">1 Kings 12:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/12-9.htm">1 Kings 12:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/12-9.htm">1 Kings 12:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/12-9.htm">1 Kings 12:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/12-9.htm">1 Kings 12:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/12-9.htm">1 Kings 12:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/12-9.htm">1 Kings 12:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-9.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 12:9 He said to them What counsel do (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/12-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 12:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/12-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 12:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:10" /></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>