1 Kings 12:7

They spoke to him, saying, "If you will be a servant to this people this day, and will serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever."

New Heart English Bible

In The King James Version

And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

In Context

6King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, "What counsel do you give me to return answer to this people?"

8But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him.

Read all of 1 Kings 12

Cross References

1 Kings 12:13The king answered the people roughly, and forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him,

2 Chronicles 10:7They spoke to him, saying, "If you are kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever."

Ecclesiastes 10:4If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.

Mark 10:43But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant.

Matthew Henry on 1 Kings 12:2-16

The Folly of Rehoboam. ( b. c. 975.) 1 And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) 3 That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his… Read the whole commentary →

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Study 1 Kings 12:7