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1 Kings 12:14

1 Kings 12:14 in Multiple Translations

and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.”

And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

and spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

But giving them the answer put forward by the young men, saying, My father made your yoke hard, but I will make it harder; my father gave you punishment with whips, but I will give it with snakes.

he replied using the advice of the young men. He said, “My father placed a heavy burden on you, and I will make it even heavier. My father punished you with whips; I will punish you with scorpions.”

And spake to them after the counsell of the yong men, saying, My father made your yoke grieuous, and I will make your yoke more grieuous: my father hath chastised you with rods, but I will correct you with scourges.

and speaketh unto them, according to the counsel of the lads, saying, 'My father made your yoke heavy, and I add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, and I — I chastise you with scorpions;'

and spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke. My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.”

And spoke to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

And he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying: My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke: my father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions.

He told them what the younger men had advised. He said, “My father put heavy burdens of work and taxes on you, but I will put heavier burdens on you. It was as though he beat you with whips, but I will beat you with whips that have pieces of metal in them!”

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 12:14

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 12:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר אֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם כַּ/עֲצַ֤ת הַ/יְלָדִים֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר אָבִ/י֙ הִכְבִּ֣יד אֶֽת עֻלְּ/כֶ֔ם וַ/אֲנִ֖י אֹסִ֣יף עַֽל עֻלְּ/כֶ֑ם אָבִ֗/י יִסַּ֤ר אֶתְ/כֶם֙ בַּ/שּׁוֹטִ֔ים וַ/אֲנִ֕י אֲיַסֵּ֥ר אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם בָּ/עַקְרַבִּֽים
וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
כַּ/עֲצַ֤ת ʻêtsâh H6098 counsel Prep | N-fs
הַ/יְלָדִים֙ yeled H3206 youth Art | N-mp
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אָבִ/י֙ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
הִכְבִּ֣יד kâbad H3513 to honor V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֶֽת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
עֻלְּ/כֶ֔ם ʻôl H5923 yoke N-ms | Suff
וַ/אֲנִ֖י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron
אֹסִ֣יף yâçaph H3254 to add V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
עַֽל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
עֻלְּ/כֶ֑ם ʻôl H5923 yoke N-ms | Suff
אָבִ֗/י ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff
יִסַּ֤ר yâçar H3256 to discipline V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶתְ/כֶם֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
בַּ/שּׁוֹטִ֔ים shôwṭ H7752 whip Prep | N-mp
וַ/אֲנִ֕י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron
אֲיַסֵּ֥ר yâçar H3256 to discipline V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
בָּ/עַקְרַבִּֽים ʻaqrâb H6137 scorpion Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 12:14

וַ/יְדַבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כַּ/עֲצַ֤ת ʻêtsâh H6098 "counsel" Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
הַ/יְלָדִים֙ yeled H3206 "youth" Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a young person, like a child or teenager, such as the youth who helped David in 1 Samuel 20:1. It can also mean offspring or descendants, like the children of Israel in Exodus 12:37.
Definition: 1) child, son, boy, offspring, youth 1a) child, son, boy 1b) child, children 1c) descendants 1d) youth 1e) apostate Israelites (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one). See also: Genesis 4:23; 1 Kings 12:10; Isaiah 2:6.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אָבִ/י֙ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
הִכְבִּ֣יד kâbad H3513 "to honor" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This word can mean to honor or make something weighty, like when God is glorified in Psalm 138, or to be heavy with burdens, as the Israelites were in Exodus 18.
Definition: : honour/glory 1) to be heavy, be weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honourable, be glorious, be burdensome, be honoured 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be heavy 1a2) to be heavy, be insensible, be dull 1a3) to be honoured 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made heavy, be honoured, enjoy honour, be made abundant 1b2) to get oneself glory or honour, gain glory 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make heavy, make dull, make insensible 1c2) to make honourable, honour, glorify 1d) (Pual) to be made honourable, be honoured 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make heavy 1e2) to make heavy, make dull, make unresponsive 1e3) to cause to be honoured 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to make oneself heavy, make oneself dense, make oneself numerous 1f2) to honour oneself
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: abounding with, more grievously afflict, boast, be chargeable, [idiom] be dim, glorify, be (make) glorious (things), glory, (very) great, be grievous, harden, be (make) heavy, be heavier, lay heavily, (bring to, come to, do, get, be had in) honour (self), (be) honourable (man), lade, [idiom] more be laid, make self many, nobles, prevail, promote (to honour), be rich, be (go) sore, stop. See also: Genesis 13:2; Job 6:3; Psalms 15:4.
אֶֽת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עֻלְּ/כֶ֔ם ʻôl H5923 "yoke" N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a yoke, which is a wooden beam placed over the necks of animals to help them pull heavy loads. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or a responsibility, like in Matthew 11:30 where Jesus talks about His yoke being easy.
Definition: yoke
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: yoke. See also: Genesis 27:40; Isaiah 10:27; Isaiah 9:3.
וַ/אֲנִ֖י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אֹסִ֣יף yâçaph H3254 "to add" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
עַֽל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֻלְּ/כֶ֑ם ʻôl H5923 "yoke" N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a yoke, which is a wooden beam placed over the necks of animals to help them pull heavy loads. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or a responsibility, like in Matthew 11:30 where Jesus talks about His yoke being easy.
Definition: yoke
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: yoke. See also: Genesis 27:40; Isaiah 10:27; Isaiah 9:3.
אָבִ֗/י ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
יִסַּ֤ר yâçar H3256 "to discipline" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
אֶתְ/כֶם֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בַּ/שּׁוֹטִ֔ים shôwṭ H7752 "whip" Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a whip or scourge, used for punishment or chastisement, as seen in the book of Isaiah. It symbolizes correction or judgment.
Definition: 1) scourge, whip 1a) scourge (for chastisement) 1a1) of national judgment (fig) 1b) whip (for horse)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: scourge, whip. See also: 1 Kings 12:11; Job 9:23; Proverbs 26:3.
וַ/אֲנִ֕י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אֲיַסֵּ֥ר yâçar H3256 "to discipline" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בָּ/עַקְרַבִּֽים ʻaqrâb H6137 "scorpion" Prep | N-mp
Translates to scorpion, a symbol of danger and harm, as in Luke 10:19 where Jesus gives His disciples power over scorpions. This word represents a threat to safety and well-being. It is also used in Ezekiel 2:6 to describe a hazardous journey.
Definition: scorpion
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: scorpion. See also: Deuteronomy 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:11; Ezekiel 2:6.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 12:14

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 5:16–18 No straw has been given to your servants, yet we are told, ‘Make bricks!’ Look, your servants are being beaten, but the fault is with your own people.” “You are slackers!” Pharaoh replied. “Slackers! That is why you keep saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.’ Now get to work. You will be given no straw, yet you must deliver the full quota of bricks.”
2 1 Kings 12:10–11 The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you should make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”
3 Exodus 5:5–9 Pharaoh also said, “Look, the people of the land are now numerous, and you would be stopping them from their labor.” That same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen: “You shall no longer supply the people with straw for making bricks. They must go and gather their own straw. But require of them the same quota of bricks as before; do not reduce it. For they are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Make the work harder on the men so they will be occupied and pay no attention to these lies.”
4 Isaiah 19:11–13 The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray.
5 Esther 1:16–21 And in the presence of the king and his princes, Memucan replied, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king, but all the princes and the peoples in all the provinces of King Xerxes. For the conduct of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes ordered Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she did not come.’ This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard about the queen’s conduct will say the same thing to all the king’s officials, resulting in much contempt and wrath. So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she. The edict the king issues will be heard throughout his vast kingdom—and so all women, from the least to the greatest, will honor their husbands.” The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan had advised.
6 James 3:14–2
7 Ecclesiastes 7:8 The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one.
8 Proverbs 12:5 The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.
9 Esther 2:2–4 Then the king’s attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king, and let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his kingdom to assemble all the beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women, and let them be given beauty treatments. Then let the young woman who pleases the king become queen in place of Vashti.” This suggestion pleased the king, and he acted accordingly.
10 Proverbs 13:10 Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.

1 Kings 12:14 Summary

In 1 Kings 12:14, Rehoboam is making a big mistake by choosing to listen to the advice of the young men instead of the wise elders. He's telling the people that he will make their lives even harder than his father did, which is the opposite of what God wants us to do, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30. This shows that Rehoboam is not putting God first and is instead following his own desires, which can lead to trouble, as warned in Proverbs 16:18. We can learn from Rehoboam's mistake by choosing to follow God's ways and show kindness and compassion to those around us, as encouraged in Galatians 6:2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Rehoboam choose to listen to the young men's advice instead of the elders?

Rehoboam chose to listen to the young men's advice because it aligned with his own desires for power and control, as seen in 1 Kings 12:14, whereas the elders' advice promoted humility and compassion, as seen in Proverbs 15:1.

What does the phrase 'add to your yoke' mean in this context?

The phrase 'add to your yoke' means to increase the burden or oppression on the people, making their lives even more difficult, as Rehoboam is threatening to do in 1 Kings 12:14, similar to the warning in Matthew 23:4.

How does Rehoboam's response reflect his character?

Rehoboam's response in 1 Kings 12:14 reveals his pride, stubbornness, and lack of wisdom, which are all characteristics that are warned against in Proverbs 16:18 and James 3:13-14.

What are the consequences of Rehoboam's decision?

The consequences of Rehoboam's decision are the division of the kingdom, as seen in 1 Kings 12:16-17, and the fulfillment of the Lord's word spoken through Ahijah the Shilonite, as mentioned in 1 Kings 12:15 and 1 Kings 11:29-39.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can be tempted to 'add to the yoke' of those around me, and how can I instead choose to show compassion and understanding?
  2. How can I balance the need for authority and leadership with the need for humility and wisdom, as seen in Rehoboam's failure in 1 Kings 12:14?
  3. In what ways can I be more like the elders in this passage, who advised Rehoboam to 'speak good words to them' and show kindness, as seen in 1 Kings 12:7?
  4. What are some areas in my life where I may be relying on my own strength and wisdom, rather than seeking God's guidance and wisdom, as Rehoboam failed to do in 1 Kings 12:14?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:14

And spake to them after the counsel of the young men,.... And in the very language in which they gave it: saying, my father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke; my father also chastised

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:14

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:14

1 Kings 12:14 And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father [also] chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.Ver. 14. And spake to them after the counsel of the young men.] This was egregious folly. Green wood is ever shrinking and warping: whereas the well seasoned holdeth a constant firmness. But I will chastise you with scorpions.] Vox haec dignior est carnifice quam rege. See 1 Kings 12:11.

Sermons on 1 Kings 12:14

SermonDescription
Thomas Brooks The Sharpest Dealings of God With You by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own sins and the mercy of God in the face of our trials. He argues that any suffering we endure is less than what we trul
Chuck Smith (The Word for Today) Isaiah 19:11 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He uses the example of Daniel, a young man who took a stand for God
K.P. Yohannan Bitterness by K.P. Yohannan In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of bitterness in people's lives. He highlights how some individuals are constantly discontent and find fault in everything, whether
Keith Daniel The Tongue by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the feeling of being left behind and the horror it brings. He relates this to the concept of failing in the school of God and having to go b
Jim Wilson How to Be Free From Bitterness by Jim Wilson In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of bitterness and its negative impact on our lives. He refers to Ephesians 4:31, which instructs believers to get rid of all bittern
David P. Murray Tongue Taming by David P. Murray In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the power and impact of our words. He uses various illustrations to emphasize how something small, like a bit in a horse's mouth or a rudder
Don Courville How Satan Destroys a Church - Part 8 (God's Graduate School) by Don Courville In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive fruits of envy and the importance of maintaining agreement in relationships. He emphasizes that envy and jealousy can quickly

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