1 Kings 12:7

KJV

And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they spake {H1696} unto him, saying {H559}, If thou wilt be a servant {H5650} unto this people {H5971} this day {H3117}, and wilt serve {H5647} them, and answer {H6030} them, and speak {H1696} good {H2896} words {H1697} to them, then they will be thy servants {H5650} for ever {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to him, "If you will start today being a servant to these people - if you will serve them, be responsive to them and give them favorable consideration, then they will be your servants forever."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 12:7 captures the profound wisdom offered to Rehoboam, King Solomon's successor, by his elder advisors. This pivotal counsel urged the new monarch to adopt a posture of humble, responsive service toward his people, speaking kindly and addressing their grievances. The elders promised that such an approach, prioritizing the people's well-being over authoritarian demands, would secure their enduring loyalty and prevent the fragmentation of the unified kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Israelite history, immediately following the death of King Solomon and preceding the tragic division of the united monarchy. The narrative in [1 Kings 12](/1-kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom") establishes Rehoboam's ascension to the throne and the people's gathering at Shechem to negotiate the terms of his reign. They presented a unified plea for relief from the burdensome taxation and forced labor imposed during Solomon's ambitious building projects, as articulated in [1 Kings 12:4](/1-kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Grievance"). Rehoboam sought counsel from two distinct groups: the seasoned elders who had served his father, and the young men with whom he had grown up. This verse records the profound, counter-cultural advice of the elders, which stands in stark contrast to the harsh, oppressive counsel of the younger generation found in [1 Kings 12:10-11](/1-kings/12-10-11 "1 Kings 12:10-11 - The Young Men's Advice"). The subsequent narrative details Rehoboam's fateful decision to reject the elders' wisdom, leading directly to the rebellion of the ten northern tribes and the permanent schism of the kingdom, as prophesied and recounted in [1 Kings 12:16-19](/1-kings/12-16-19 "1 Kings 12:16-19 - The Kingdom Divides").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the transition of power in ancient Israel, a period often fraught with instability. Solomon's reign, while marked by unparalleled wealth and architectural achievements, had come at a significant cost to the populace, particularly through heavy conscription for labor and taxation. The assembly at Shechem was not merely a ceremonial coronation but a traditional site for covenant renewal and a forum where the people could voice their grievances and negotiate terms with a new king, reflecting a degree of popular agency within the monarchical system. In the broader ancient Near East, kings were typically viewed as absolute rulers, often claiming divine authority and demanding unquestioning obedience. The elders' counsel in [1 Kings 12:7](/1-kings/12-7 "1 Kings 12:7 - The Elders' Counsel to Rehoboam") thus represents a radical departure from this norm, advocating for a form of leadership rooted in empathy, responsiveness, and service rather than brute force or inherited privilege. This advice, though seemingly simple, challenged the prevailing authoritarian mindset and highlighted a uniquely Israelite understanding of leadership, where even the king was ultimately accountable to God and, by extension, to the welfare of His people.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several enduring theological and narrative themes. Firstly, **Servant Leadership** is paramount, presenting a counter-cultural model where true authority is earned through humility and dedication to the people's welfare, rather than through coercive power. This concept anticipates the ultimate example of leadership found in the New Testament, as seen in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). Secondly, the **Power of Words** is emphasized; "speak good words to them" underscores that gracious, empathetic, and reassuring communication can build loyalty and foster unity, while harsh words can alienate and incite rebellion, a principle echoed throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath")). Thirdly, the theme of **Reciprocity and Loyalty** is central: the elders promised that if Rehoboam served the people, they would "be thy servants for ever," illustrating that genuine care and respect cultivate enduring allegiance. Finally, the verse sets up the critical theme of the **Consequences of Counsel**, serving as a poignant foreshadowing of Rehoboam's tragic decision to reject this wise advice, which directly led to the kingdom's division, a pivotal moment in Israel's history detailed throughout [1 Kings 12](/1-kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Servant (Hebrew, עֶבֶד, _'eved'_):** This term, often translated as "slave" or "bondservant," carries a profound significance here. It denotes a person in a position of humble submission and dedicated service to another. In the context of a king, it is revolutionary, suggesting a voluntary posture of self-abasement and devotion to the welfare of the governed, rather than the typical Near Eastern expectation of a monarch's absolute dominion. The elders were not suggesting Rehoboam become a literal slave, but that he adopt the mindset and actions of one who prioritizes the needs and burdens of his people above his own power or comfort, thereby earning their trust and loyalty.
* **Good Words (Hebrew, דְּבָרִים טוֹבִים, _devarim tovim'_):** This phrase implies more than just pleasant or polite speech. "Good" (טוֹב, _tov_) in Hebrew often connotes something that is beneficial, constructive, wholesome, and conducive to well-being. Therefore, "good words" are those that are not only gracious and empathetic but also reassuring, healing, and indicative of a benevolent heart and genuine concern for the people's grievances. They are words that build up, reconcile, and inspire confidence, fostering a sense of being heard and valued.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they spake unto him, saying,"**: This introductory clause sets the scene, identifying the source of the counsel as the "old men" or "elders" (mentioned in [1 Kings 12:6](/1-kings/12-6 "1 Kings 12:6 - Rehoboam Consults the Elders")), who had served King Solomon and possessed a wealth of experience and wisdom regarding governance and the temperament of the people. Their collective voice carries significant weight due to their long-standing proximity to power and their understanding of the kingdom's dynamics.
* **"If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them,"**: This is the core of the elders' radical advice. The repetition of "servant" and "serve" emphasizes the central theme of humble, active service. "This day" suggests an immediate, decisive action—a willingness to demonstrate this servant-hearted posture from the very outset of his reign, signaling a new era of leadership. "And answer them" implies not just listening to their grievances but responding to them directly, empathetically, and constructively, addressing their concerns about the "grievous service" and "heavy yoke" (from [1 Kings 12:4](/1-kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Grievance")).
* **"and speak good words to them,"**: This clause highlights the crucial role of communication in leadership. Beyond merely serving and answering, the manner of interaction is vital. "Good words" (as analyzed above) are those that are kind, reassuring, and demonstrate genuine care and understanding. This instruction underscores the power of language to either build bridges of trust or erect walls of resentment.
* **"then they will be thy servants for ever."**: This is the promised outcome, the quid pro quo for Rehoboam's servant-hearted leadership. The elders assure him that if he adopts this posture of humility and care, the people's loyalty will be secured not just for a moment, but "for ever." This demonstrates a foundational principle of reciprocal relationships: genuine service and benevolent leadership cultivate deep, lasting allegiance and willing cooperation, establishing a stable and unified kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [1 Kings 12:7](/1-kings/12-7 "1 Kings 12:7 - The Elders' Counsel to Rehoboam") employs several potent literary devices. A prominent one is **Conditional Statement**, structured as "If... then..." This clearly lays out the cause-and-effect relationship between Rehoboam's actions and the people's response, presenting a choice with clear consequences. This device heightens the dramatic tension, as the reader is aware of the stakes involved. There is also a powerful **Contrast** at play, not only between the elders' counsel and the young men's advice (which follows in [1 Kings 12:10](/1-kings/12-10 "1 Kings 12:10 - The Young Men's Harsh Counsel")) but also between the conventional, authoritarian model of kingship and the revolutionary concept of **Servant Leadership** being proposed. This contrast underscores the radical nature of the elders' wisdom. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **Repetition** of the root word for "servant" (עֶבֶד, _'eved_) to underscore the central theme, reinforcing the idea that true authority is found in humble service. Finally, the verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, as Rehoboam's rejection of this wise counsel, detailed in subsequent verses, directly leads to the tragic **Irony** of his reign: by seeking to assert absolute power, he ultimately lost the majority of his kingdom, demonstrating that true strength lies not in domination but in devoted service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The counsel given to Rehoboam in [1 Kings 12:7](/1-kings/12-7 "1 Kings 12:7 - The Elders' Counsel to Rehoboam") resonates deeply with fundamental biblical principles of leadership and human interaction. It challenges the common human inclination towards self-aggrandizement and authoritarianism, instead advocating for a leadership model rooted in humility, empathy, and genuine concern for the well-being of others. This concept of "servant leadership" is not merely a pragmatic strategy for securing loyalty but reflects a theological truth about the nature of true authority, which, in God's economy, is often expressed through self-giving love and service. It foreshadows the ultimate divine model of leadership, where God Himself condescends to serve His creation, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. The verse also highlights the profound moral and spiritual consequences of leadership choices, demonstrating that justice, compassion, and wise communication are essential for societal harmony and divine blessing, while oppression and harshness lead to division and ruin.

* [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14-20 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws for the King")
* [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Jesus on Servant Leadership")
* [Philippians 2:3-8](/philippians/2-3-8 "Philippians 2:3-8 - Christ's Humility and Example")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless wisdom embedded in [1 Kings 12:7](/1-kings/12-7 "1 Kings 12:7 - The Elders' Counsel to Rehoboam") transcends its ancient context, offering profound insights applicable to all forms of leadership and personal relationships today. Whether in political office, corporate management, family dynamics, or spiritual ministry, the principle remains: true influence and lasting loyalty are cultivated through a posture of humble service, active listening, and gracious communication. Rehoboam's failure serves as a perpetual cautionary tale, reminding us that short-sighted self-interest and authoritarian demands inevitably lead to alienation and breakdown, while genuine care and a willingness to meet the needs of others foster trust, unity, and enduring cooperation. This verse challenges us to consider how we exercise authority in our own spheres, urging us to prioritize the well-being of those we lead or interact with, to listen to their concerns, and to speak words that build up, encourage, and reconcile, rather than divide or diminish.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I exercise leadership, and how does my approach align with or deviate from the "servant" model presented in this verse?**
* **How do I respond when others express grievances or needs? Am I quick to "answer them" with empathy and "speak good words," or do I tend towards defensiveness or dismissiveness?**
* **What are the long-term consequences I've observed (in myself or others) when leadership is exercised through force and demands versus humble service and gracious communication?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate a "servant heart" in my daily interactions, even in seemingly small ways, to foster stronger relationships and greater trust?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rehoboam reject this wise counsel?**

Rehoboam rejected the elders' wise counsel primarily due to pride, inexperience, and a desire to assert absolute power. He was surrounded by younger advisors who flattered his ego and encouraged him to be even harsher than his father, Solomon, believing that a show of strength would secure his reign. The elders' advice, which called for humility and service, likely seemed weak or beneath a king in his eyes. He preferred the counsel that aligned with his own desire for unchecked authority, failing to understand that true strength and lasting loyalty are built on relationships of trust and care, not on fear and oppression. His decision, detailed in [1 Kings 12:13-14](/1-kings/12-13-14 "1 Kings 12:13-14 - Rehoboam's Harsh Reply"), was a tragic miscalculation that led directly to the division of the kingdom.

**Is this verse only applicable to political leaders or kings?**

While [1 Kings 12:7](/1-kings/12-7 "1 Kings 12:7 - The Elders' Counsel to Rehoboam") is addressed to a king in a specific historical context, its principles of servant leadership, empathetic communication, and the cultivation of loyalty through care are universally applicable. The wisdom contained within this verse extends to any individual in a position of influence, whether in a family, a workplace, a community organization, or a church. It teaches that anyone who desires to lead effectively, build strong relationships, or foster unity should adopt a posture of humility, genuinely listen to others' concerns, and communicate with grace and kindness. The consequences of rejecting such wisdom, leading to alienation and division, are equally relevant in all human interactions, not just in the realm of national governance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The counsel given to Rehoboam in [1 Kings 12:7](/1-kings/12-7 "1 Kings 12:7 - The Elders' Counsel to Rehoboam") finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Rehoboam, a flawed earthly king, failed to grasp that true kingship is expressed through humble service, leading to the division of his kingdom. In stark contrast, Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, fully embodied the "servant" ideal. He did not come to be served, but "to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many," as proclaimed in [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by a posture of self-giving, washing His disciples' feet (cf. [John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet")), healing the sick, and ministering to the marginalized. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly "spoke good words"—words of grace, truth, comfort, and life (cf. [John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")). Unlike Rehoboam, whose harsh words alienated his people, Jesus' words drew people to Him, offering forgiveness and eternal life. His ultimate act of service on the cross, where He laid down His life, secured not a temporary earthly loyalty but an eternal covenant of grace, making all who believe in Him "servants for ever" in the truest and most redemptive sense, ushering in a kingdom that will never be divided (cf. [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End")). Thus, Rehoboam's failure highlights the profound need for a perfect King who would truly serve and save, a role perfectly fulfilled by Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 15:1

¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

1 Kings 12:13

And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;

2 Samuel 15:3

And Absalom said unto him, See, thy matters [are] good and right; but [there is] no man [deputed] of the king to hear thee.

2 Samuel 15:6

And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.

Philippians 2:7

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 2:11

And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Ecclesiastes 10:4

¶ If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.