X The people request Rehoboam to ease their grievances, ver. 1-5. Rehoboam rejecting the old mens counsel, by the advice of the young men answers them roughly, ver. 6-15. Ten tribes revolt, ver. 16-19.
Verse 4. Grievous - It is probable, when Solomon had declined from God, that God left him to himself to act thus impolitically.
Verse 7. If thou be kind, &c. - Moderate counsels are generally best. Gentleness will do what violence will not do. Good words cost nothing but a little self-denial, and yet they purchase great things.
Verse 16. See to thine own house - When public affairs are in a ferment, violent proceedings do but make ill worse. Many have been driven to the mischief they did not intend, by being too severely dealt with.
