1 Kings 12:8

But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, [and] which stood before him:

But he forsook {H5800} the counsel {H6098} of the old men {H2205}, which they had given {H3289} him, and consulted {H3289} with the young men {H3206} that were grown up {H1431} with him, and which stood {H5975} before {H6440} him:

But he didn't take the advice the older men gave him; instead he consulted the young men he had grown up with, who were now his attendants.

But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him.

But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men that were grown up with him, that stood before him.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Kings 12:8

This verse marks a critical turning point in the history of the Israelite kingdom, detailing King Rehoboam's fateful decision. As the son and successor of King Solomon, Rehoboam faced a delegation from the ten northern tribes who requested a lighter burden of taxes and forced labor than his father had imposed (1 Kings 12:4).

Context and Historical Significance

After the people's plea, Rehoboam initially sought counsel from two groups: first, the "old men" who had served his father Solomon, and then the "young men" with whom he had grown up. The old men, seasoned by years of experience in statecraft, advised a conciliatory approach, urging Rehoboam to serve the people and speak kindly to them, promising their perpetual loyalty (1 Kings 12:7). This verse, however, reveals Rehoboam's tragic choice: he "forsook the counsel of the old men" and instead "consulted with the young men." This decision directly led to the subsequent division of the unified Israelite kingdom into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rejection of Wisdom: Rehoboam's actions highlight the dangers of rejecting experienced, wise counsel in favor of less mature, often more aggressive advice. The "old men" represented accumulated wisdom and political prudence, while the "young men" likely embodied youthful bravado and a desire to assert absolute power.
  • Consequences of Pride and Arrogance: Rehoboam's choice was driven by a desire to appear strong and unyielding, ultimately leading to a catastrophic loss of his kingdom's unity. His pride prevented him from heeding the counsel that would have preserved his reign over all Israel.
  • Leadership and Humility: Effective leadership requires humility to listen, discern, and accept good counsel, even if it challenges one's initial inclinations. Rehoboam's failure here serves as a potent example of how a lack of humility can lead to ruin. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "counsel" here is ืขึตืฆึธื” (`etsah`), which refers to advice, purpose, or a plan. The "old men" are ื–ึฐืงึตื ึดื™ื (`zeqenim`), denoting elders, those with age and presumed wisdom. The "young men" are ื™ึฐืœึธื“ึดื™ื (`yeladim`), literally "children" or "youths," often used to imply lack of experience or maturity in judgment. The contrast is stark: the wisdom of age versus the impulsiveness of youth.

Practical Application

This historical account offers timeless lessons for individuals and leaders today. It underscores the importance of seeking and valuing wisdom from those with experience, rather than relying solely on the perspectives of peers or those who simply affirm one's own desires. In decision-making, it is crucial to:

  1. Seek diverse counsel: Don't limit advice to only those who think like you.
  2. Value experience: Recognize that wisdom often comes with age and past challenges.
  3. Guard against pride: Be humble enough to change your mind when presented with better, wiser options.

Rehoboam's story is a powerful reminder that bad counsel, when followed, can have far-reaching and devastating consequences.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 19:20 (3 votes)

    ยถ Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

  • 2 Chronicles 10:8 (2 votes)

    But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.

  • Proverbs 1:30 (2 votes)

    They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.

  • Proverbs 25:12 (2 votes)

    [As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:15 (2 votes)

    Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?

  • 2 Chronicles 25:16 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that [the king] said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.

  • Proverbs 1:25 (2 votes)

    But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: