John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 6. And King Rehoboam consulted with the old men that stood before Solomon his father, while he yet lived , etc.] Which was very prudently done; for as these were men in years, and had been his father’s counsellors, from whom, do doubt, they had learnt much wisdom, being often in cabinet council with him, they were capable of giving him the best advice: and said, how do you advise, that I may answer this people ? what answer would you advise me to give to them, and in what manner?
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-15 - The tribes complained not to Rehoboam of his father's idolatry, an revolt from God. That which was the greatest grievance, was none to them; so careless were they in matters of religion, if they might liv at case, and pay no taxes. Factious spirits will never want somethin to complain of. And when we see the Scripture account of Solomon' reign; the peace, wealth, and prosperity Israel then enjoyed; we cannot doubt but that their charges were false, or far beyond the truth Rehoboam answered the people according to the counsel of the young men Never was man more blinded by pride, and desire of arbitrary power than which nothing is more fatal. God's counsels were hereby fulfilled He left Rehoboam to his own folly, and hid from his eyes the thing which belonged to his peace, that the kingdom might be rent from him God serves his own wise and righteous purposes by the imprudences an sins of men. Those that lose the kingdom of heaven, throw it away, a Rehoboam, by wilfulness and folly.
Original Hebrew ויועץ3289 המלך4428 רחבעם7346 את854 הזקנים2205 אשׁר834 היו1961 עמדים5975 את853 פני6440 שׁלמה8010 אביו1 בהיתו1961 חי2416 לאמר559 איך349 אתם859 נועצים3289 להשׁיב7725 את853 העם5971 הזה2088 דבר׃1697
