1 Kings 12:9

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, What counsel give {H3289} ye that we may {H7725} answer {H1697} this people {H5971}, who have spoken {H1696} to me, saying {H559}, Make {H7043} the yoke {H5923} which thy father {H1} did put {H5414} upon us lighter {H7043}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He asked them, "What advice would you give me, so that we can give an answer to these people who said to me, 'Lighten the yoke that your father laid on us'?"

Berean Standard Bible

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’?”

American Standard Version

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?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 12:9 captures a pivotal moment in the history of the united monarchy, where King Rehoboam, facing an urgent plea from the people for relief from his father Solomon's oppressive burdens, consults his youthful peers. This verse initiates the second phase of his decision-making process, highlighting his fateful choice to disregard the wisdom of experienced advisors in favor of counsel that ultimately led to the catastrophic division of the kingdom of Israel, profoundly shaping its future trajectory and demonstrating the devastating consequences of prideful leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the dramatic narrative of the kingdom's impending division, immediately following Rehoboam's rejection of the wise counsel offered by the older, seasoned advisors. The people of Israel, having assembled at Shechem for Rehoboam's coronation, presented a unified demand: a lighter "yoke" than the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed by King Solomon for his ambitious building projects, as articulated in [1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Plea for Relief"). Rehoboam initially sought counsel from the elders who had served his father, and they sagaciously advised him to serve the people kindly and speak good words to them, assuring their perpetual loyalty ([1 Kings 12:7](/1_kings/12-7 "1 Kings 12:7 - The Elders' Counsel to Rehoboam")). However, Rehoboam found their advice unpalatable, as it required humility and a concession of power. He then turned to his childhood companions, the young men with whom he had grown up. Verse 9 marks the precise moment he poses the critical question to this second, less experienced group, directly setting the stage for their reckless and ultimately destructive counsel in [1 Kings 12:10-11](/1_kings/12-10-11 "1 Kings 12:10-11 - The Young Men's Harsh Advice"), which irrevocably led to the kingdom's irreparable split, vividly detailed in [1 Kings 12:16-19](/1_kings/12-16-19 "1 Kings 12:16-19 - The Division of the Kingdom").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting is the immediate aftermath of King Solomon's death, a period rife with underlying discontent. While Solomon's reign was characterized by unprecedented wealth, peace, and monumental architectural achievements like the First Temple and his grand palace, these accomplishments came at a significant cost to the populace. His extensive public works program relied heavily on burdensome taxation and widespread corvée labor, or forced conscription of Israelites for state projects. This system, though common in the ancient Near East for large empires, was particularly galling to the Israelite people, who remembered their tribal heritage and the more communal, less centralized forms of governance from earlier periods. Shechem, the chosen location for this assembly, was not arbitrary; it was a historically significant site, recalling ancient covenants and assemblies, including Joshua's renewal of the covenant ([Joshua 24](/joshua/24 "Joshua 24 - Covenant Renewal at Shechem")), making it a symbolically potent, albeit tragically ironic, location for the kingdom's rupture. The people's plea for a "lighter yoke" was more than an economic grievance; it was a profound cry for a more just, compassionate, and equitable form of kingship, contrasting sharply with the increasingly autocratic tendencies that had developed within the monarchy.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly illuminates several critical themes, primarily the **nature of leadership** and the indispensable role of **counsel and wisdom**. Rehoboam's deliberate choice of advisors and his subsequent embrace of their counsel starkly contrast servant leadership, which prioritizes the well-being and flourishing of the people, with oppressive rule, driven by pride, self-aggrandizement, and a desire for absolute power. The narrative powerfully underscores the vital importance of discerning wisdom, especially for those in positions of authority, and the inherent dangers of surrounding oneself with sycophants who merely affirm one's own inclinations rather than offering honest, constructive, and sometimes challenging advice. Furthermore, the verse contributes significantly to the overarching biblical theme of **divine sovereignty** working through human choices. The division of the kingdom, while a direct result of Rehoboam's foolish decision, is simultaneously presented as an act of divine judgment against Solomon's prior idolatry and disobedience ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon's Idolatry")). Rehoboam's folly, though his own, became the very instrument through which God's prophetic word was fulfilled, demonstrating that even human shortsightedness and sin can serve the larger purposes of God's redemptive plan ([1 Kings 12:15](/1_kings/12-15 "1 Kings 12:15 - The Lord's Hand in the Division")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_ H1697):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to speak" or "arrange," refers to a word, a matter, or a thing spoken of, and by implication, advice or a plan. In this context, it signifies the specific guidance Rehoboam seeks to formulate his response to the people's demands. The word itself carries the weight of a reasoned and considered opinion, yet Rehoboam's eventual rejection of sound counsel demonstrates a profound failure in discerning and valuing true wisdom. The mere act of seeking "counsel" is not inherently good; its efficacy and moral value depend entirely on its source, its content, and the willingness of the recipient to heed it.
* **Yoke (Hebrew, _ʻôl'_ H5923):** Literally, a wooden bar placed on the necks of oxen to harness them together for plowing or drawing heavy burdens. Metaphorically, it powerfully represents servitude, oppression, or a heavy, burdensome imposition. The people's desperate plea to "make the yoke... lighter" vividly communicates their profound suffering under Solomon's reign, which they experienced as economically and physically oppressive, akin to forced labor under an unbearable load. This metaphor signifies a deep-seated desire for relief from severe demands, harsh authority, and an unjust system that had drained their resources and freedom.
* **Lighter (Hebrew, _qâlal'_ H7043):** This primitive root means "to be (causatively, make) light," in both a literal sense (swift, small, sharp) and a figurative sense (easy, trifling, vile). When applied to the "yoke," it signifies a reduction in severity, a lessening of the burden, or an easing of oppressive conditions. The people were not demanding the abolition of the monarchy or the complete removal of all responsibilities, but rather a tangible decrease in the intensity of their servitude and taxation. Their request was a heartfelt plea for compassion, moderation, and a more equitable distribution of the kingdom's burdens from their new king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This concise introductory phrase serves as a narrative pivot, explicitly identifying Rehoboam as the speaker and his young companions as the immediate audience. It marks the critical transition from his consultation with the older, experienced advisors to his engagement with this new, less seasoned group, thereby highlighting his deliberate and ultimately fateful choice to seek alternative counsel.
* **"What counsel give ye that we may answer this people,"**: Rehoboam's direct question reveals his need for a strategic response to the populace. The phrase "that we may answer" underscores the urgency and public nature of the situation; a definitive, authoritative reply is expected. This query not only solicits advice on how to address the popular demand but also indicates his openness to different approaches, setting the stage for the contrasting counsel he receives.
* **"who have spoken to me, saying,"**: This clause precisely identifies the source of the dilemma and the specific nature of their appeal. It emphasizes that Rehoboam is reacting to a direct, vocal, and unified demand from his subjects, not merely an internal deliberation or a general sense of unrest, thereby heightening the dramatic tension of the moment.
* **"Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?"**: This is the verbatim quotation of the people's core demand, reiterated by Rehoboam as the problem requiring a solution. The question mark in the KJV translation (reflecting the interrogative nature of Rehoboam's query to his advisors) frames their plea as the central challenge. It succinctly encapsulates the essence of their suffering under Solomon's reign—the "yoke" of forced labor and heavy taxation—and their desperate hope for a more compassionate and less burdensome rule from the new king.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and dramatic tension. **Metaphor** is central to the phrase "the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter." The "yoke" serves as a powerful and visceral metaphor for the oppressive burdens of taxation and forced labor, vividly communicating the people's suffering and their desperate desire for relief. This concrete image transforms the abstract concept of governmental oppression into something tangible and deeply relatable. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing** embedded within Rehoboam's consultation. His choice of advisors and the nature of the counsel he seeks directly anticipate the tragic and inevitable division of the kingdom. The informed reader, aware of the broader narrative arc, recognizes this moment as a critical turning point, pregnant with future consequences. Furthermore, the scene presents a stark **Contrast** between the wise, conciliatory advice of the elders (which Rehoboam rejects) and the harsh, prideful counsel of the young men (which he seeks and ultimately embraces), thereby highlighting Rehoboam's profound lack of discernment and setting the stage for the ensuing national catastrophe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Rehoboam's fateful consultation in [1 Kings 12:9](/1_kings/12-9 "1 Kings 12:9 - Rehoboam Seeks Counsel") serves as a profound theological lesson on the nature of leadership, the perils of pride, and the critical importance of seeking and heeding wisdom. His rejection of seasoned, compassionate counsel in favor of the harsh, power-centric advice of his peers illustrates a fundamental misunderstanding of righteous governance, which, in the biblical tradition, is consistently characterized by justice, mercy, and a deep concern for the vulnerable. This narrative underscores that true strength in leadership is not found in asserting dominance through oppression, but in humble service and responsiveness to the legitimate needs of the people. The division of the kingdom, while a direct consequence of Rehoboam's folly, is simultaneously presented as an act of divine judgment against Solomon's idolatry and disobedience ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")), demonstrating God's sovereign control over human history and His ability to use human choices—even foolish ones—to fulfill His overarching purposes.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - The Importance of Counsel")
* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Wisdom in Many Counselors")
* [Isaiah 10:1-2](/isaiah/10-1-2 "Isaiah 10:1-2 - Woe to Unjust Rulers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Rehoboam's decision-making process in [1 Kings 12:9](/1_kings/12-9 "1 Kings 12:9 - Rehoboam's Fateful Consultation") offers timeless principles for reflection and application across all spheres of life, from personal choices to corporate and spiritual leadership. It challenges us to critically evaluate the sources of our counsel, urging us to actively seek out and genuinely listen to voices of wisdom, experience, and integrity, even—and especially—when their advice may run contrary to our immediate desires, preconceived notions, or ego. True humility is demonstrated not merely in the act of seeking counsel, but profoundly in being teachable and willing to adjust our course based on sound, godly guidance. Furthermore, this narrative calls us to cultivate profound empathy and sensitivity towards the burdens carried by others, whether within our families, communities, workplaces, or the broader society. Just as the Israelites cried out for relief from their "heavy yoke," we are reminded to consider how our actions, policies, or even our words might inadvertently contribute to or, conversely, alleviate the burdens of those around us. Ultimately, Rehoboam's story serves as a powerful cautionary tale: short-sighted decisions driven by pride, self-interest, or an unbridled desire for power can have devastating, long-lasting consequences, impacting not only ourselves but generations to come, underscoring the profound responsibility inherent in leadership.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **From whom do I primarily seek counsel in important decisions, and what criteria do I use to discern wise advisors?**
* **How do I typically respond when the advice I receive challenges my preconceived notions, personal desires, or established plans?**
* **In what specific ways might I be inadvertently placing a "heavy yoke" on others in my family, community, or sphere of influence, and how can I seek to lighten it?**
* **What does Rehoboam's failure teach me about the true nature of servant leadership as opposed to self-serving authority?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rehoboam choose to listen to the young men instead of the experienced elders?**

Answer: Rehoboam's decision to reject the elders' counsel and embrace that of his youthful peers appears to stem from a combination of pride, a desire for absolute power, and a preference for advice that affirmed his own inclinations. The elders advised a path of humility, service, and conciliation, which would have required Rehoboam to yield some of his perceived authority and respond graciously to the people's plea for a lighter burden. This approach likely felt weak or beneath him, clashing with his desire to assert firm control. The young men, on the other hand, appealed directly to his ego, encouraging him to project an image of unyielding strength and to rule with an even heavier hand than his father. This counsel resonated with his autocratic vision of kingship and his desire to demonstrate immediate, unchallenged authority. He preferred advice that flattered his ambition rather than challenging him to true, compassionate leadership.

**Was the division of the kingdom solely Rehoboam's fault, or was it part of God's plan?**

Answer: The division of the kingdom was both a direct consequence of Rehoboam's foolish and prideful decision, and an integral part of God's sovereign plan. Prior to these events, God had already declared through the prophet Ahijah that He would tear the kingdom away from Solomon's house due to his idolatry and disobedience, leaving only one tribe (Judah) for David's sake ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon's Disobedience")). While Rehoboam freely chose to reject wise counsel and act oppressively, his actions served as the human instrument through which God's prophetic word was precisely fulfilled. As [1 Kings 12:15](/1_kings/12-15 "1 Kings 12:15 - The Lord's Purpose in the Division") explicitly states, "So the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the Lord, that he might perform his saying, which the Lord spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat." This illustrates the profound biblical principle that God's sovereign will can be accomplished even through the sinful or foolish choices of human beings, demonstrating His ultimate control over history.

**What exactly was the "yoke" that Solomon put upon the people?**

Answer: The "yoke" Solomon placed upon the people primarily refers to the heavy burdens of taxation and forced labor (corvée labor) that were required to fund and execute his extensive building projects. Solomon undertook massive construction initiatives throughout his reign, including the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem, his own grand palace, and numerous fortified cities across his kingdom ([1 Kings 9:15-19](/1_kings/9-15-19 "1 Kings 9:15-19 - Solomon's Building Projects and Labor")). To finance these ambitious endeavors and maintain his lavish court, he imposed significant levies on the populace and conscripted large numbers of Israelites into forced labor battalions, requiring them to work for the state for a portion of each year ([1 Kings 5:13-18](/1_kings/5-13-18 "1 Kings 5:13-18 - Solomon's Forced Labor")). This system, while contributing to the kingdom's grandeur and international prestige, created deep resentment, economic hardship, and social unrest among the Israelite populace, ultimately leading to the desperate plea for relief that Rehoboam faced at Shechem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Rehoboam and the "heavy yoke" finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Rehoboam, a king who sought to increase the burdens of his people through harsh rule and oppressive policies, stands in stark contrast to Jesus, the true and eternal King, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). While Rehoboam responded to the people's plea for a lighter burden by promising an even heavier yoke, Jesus extends a divine invitation to all who are weary and burdened by the spiritual "yoke" of sin, legalism, and human-imposed religious obligations. He promises, "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" ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to the Weary")). The oppressive "yoke" of Solomon's reign, a metaphor for human-imposed burdens and the consequences of sinful leadership, foreshadows the ultimate spiritual "yoke" of sin and the Law from which humanity truly needs liberation. Jesus, unlike Rehoboam, perfectly embodies the servant leadership that the elders advised, demonstrating profound humility ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")) and boundless compassion. He ultimately bore the heaviest yoke of all—the sin of the world and the wrath of God—on the cross, becoming the Suffering Servant who takes away our burdens ([Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Sins")). Through His finished work, Jesus offers true rest, freedom, and an eternal kingdom built not on human oppression or legalistic demands, but on divine grace, unconditional love, and the liberating power of His Spirit, where His subjects are truly redeemed, cherished, and set free.

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

2 Chronicles 10:9

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?

2 Chronicles 18:5

Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver [it] into the king's hand.

2 Chronicles 18:7

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same [is] Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

1 Kings 22:6

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.

1 Kings 22:8

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, [There is] yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

2 Samuel 17:5

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

2 Samuel 17:6

And when Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spake unto him, saying, Ahithophel hath spoken after this manner: shall we do [after] his saying? if not; speak thou.