1 Kings 12:6

And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

And king {H4428} Rehoboam {H7346} consulted {H3289} with the old men {H2205}, that stood {H5975} before {H6440} Solomon {H8010} his father {H1} while he yet lived {H2416}, and said {H559}, How do ye advise {H3289} that I may {H7725} answer {H1697} this people {H5971}?

King Rechav'am consulted the older men who had been in attendance on Shlomo his father during his lifetime and asked, "What advice would you give me as to how to answer these people?"

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.

And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people?

1 Kings 12:6 marks a pivotal moment in the history of ancient Israel, immediately following the death of King Solomon. His son, Rehoboam, faces his first major leadership challenge: addressing the grievances of the people concerning the heavy burdens imposed during Solomon's reign.

Context

Upon Solomon's death, Rehoboam traveled to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. However, before anointing him, the people, led by Jeroboam, presented a unified demand: lighten the severe yoke of forced labor and heavy taxation that his father had placed upon them (1 Kings 12:4). Faced with this critical decision that would determine the future of the united kingdom, Rehoboam wisely sought counsel. He first turned to the "old men," those seasoned advisors who had served his father, King Solomon, during his lifetime. Their experience and understanding of the kingdom's affairs were invaluable.

Key Themes

  • Seeking Counsel: The verse highlights the initial, positive step Rehoboam took in seeking advice. A wise leader understands the necessity of listening to others, especially those with experience.
  • The Value of Experience: Rehoboam consulted those who had witnessed Solomon's reign firsthand, understanding the intricacies of the kingdom. This group represented institutional memory and tested wisdom, often associated with a long walk with God, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, which states, "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
  • Leadership and Decision-Making: This moment underscores the immense responsibility of leadership. Rehoboam's choice would have profound consequences, demonstrating the critical nature of decisions made at the top.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "consulted with the old men" emphasizes a deliberate act of seeking guidance. The Hebrew word for "consulted" (יָעַץ, ya'ats) implies taking counsel, advising, or deliberating. It signifies a formal seeking of opinion from trusted advisors, indicating that Rehoboam understood the gravity of the situation and the need for thoughtful deliberation before making a pronouncement to the people.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for leaders and individuals alike:

  1. Value Experienced Wisdom: There is immense value in seeking advice from those who have walked a longer path, faced similar challenges, and gained wisdom through experience. Their insights can prevent costly mistakes.
  2. Deliberate Before Deciding: Important decisions, especially those affecting many, should not be made hastily. Taking time to consult with trusted, wise advisors is a mark of prudence.
  3. Humility in Leadership: Rehoboam's initial act of seeking counsel, though ultimately overridden by his pride later (1 Kings 12:13), serves as a reminder that true leadership involves humility and a willingness to listen, even to uncomfortable truths.

The narrative continues to show how Rehoboam's ultimate decision, unfortunately, went against the wise counsel of these old men, leading to the division of the kingdom of Israel.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 32:7

    I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

  • Job 12:12

    ¶ With the ancient [is] wisdom; and in length of days understanding.

  • Proverbs 27:10

    Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: [for] better [is] a neighbour [that is] near than a brother far off.

  • 2 Samuel 17:5

    Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

  • 2 Samuel 16:20

    Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

  • Jeremiah 42:2

    And said unto Jeremiah the prophet, Let, we beseech thee, our supplication be accepted before thee, and pray for us unto the LORD thy God, [even] for all this remnant; (for we are left [but] a few of many, as thine eyes do behold us:)

  • Jeremiah 42:5

    Then they said to Jeremiah, The LORD be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not even according to all things for the which the LORD thy God shall send thee to us.
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