1 kings 12:6 - King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, “What counsel do you give me to answer these people?”
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What does "1 kings 12:6" mean?
This verse from 1 Kings 12:6 is a key setup for the story of the division of the Kingdom of Israel. It means:
King Rehoboam is seeking advice: Rehoboam has just become king after the death of his father, the wise King Solomon. He recognizes he needs guidance, especially since the people are likely to come to him with demands and grievances.
He consults with experienced advisors: He turns to the "old men" who had served as advisors to his father, Solomon. These men were likely seasoned and experienced in matters of state, diplomacy, and understanding the needs of the people. Their long tenure under Solomon suggested they had proven wisdom and loyalty.
He asks for their counsel on how to respond to the people: Rehoboam is specifically asking them for advice on how to answer the people who are likely to come to him. This implies he anticipates some kind of petition or request from the populace and wants to craft a suitable response that will maintain peace and stability. He's not asking general advice on how to rule, but specifically how to address the immediate issue of the people's concerns.
Implied Context: The people are unhappy: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the context (and what follows) makes it clear that the people are expected to come to Rehoboam with complaints. They likely felt burdened by the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed by Solomon, especially in his later years. Rehoboam knows he needs to handle the situation delicately.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for a crucial decision point. Rehoboam is seeking wisdom from experienced advisors to address a potential crisis and maintain stability in his newly inherited kingdom. His choice of whether to heed their advice, or that of his younger peers, will have drastic consequences for the future of Israel. It highlights the importance of counsel in leadership and foreshadows the conflict to come.
1 kings 12:6 - King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, “What counsel do you give me to answer these people?”
What does "1 kings 12:6" mean?
This verse from 1 Kings 12:6 is a key setup for the story of the division of the Kingdom of Israel. It means:
King Rehoboam is seeking advice: Rehoboam has just become king after the death of his father, the wise King Solomon. He recognizes he needs guidance, especially since the people are likely to come to him with demands and grievances.
He consults with experienced advisors: He turns to the "old men" who had served as advisors to his father, Solomon. These men were likely seasoned and experienced in matters of state, diplomacy, and understanding the needs of the people. Their long tenure under Solomon suggested they had proven wisdom and loyalty.
He asks for their counsel on how to respond to the people: Rehoboam is specifically asking them for advice on how to answer the people who are likely to come to him. This implies he anticipates some kind of petition or request from the populace and wants to craft a suitable response that will maintain peace and stability. He's not asking general advice on how to rule, but specifically how to address the immediate issue of the people's concerns.
Implied Context: The people are unhappy: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the context (and what follows) makes it clear that the people are expected to come to Rehoboam with complaints. They likely felt burdened by the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed by Solomon, especially in his later years. Rehoboam knows he needs to handle the situation delicately.
In essence, this verse sets the stage for a crucial decision point. Rehoboam is seeking wisdom from experienced advisors to address a potential crisis and maintain stability in his newly inherited kingdom. His choice of whether to heed their advice, or that of his younger peers, will have drastic consequences for the future of Israel. It highlights the importance of counsel in leadership and foreshadows the conflict to come.