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1 Kings 12:6

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 12:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people?
1 Kings 12:6 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3and they sent and called him), that Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,
4Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.
5And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.
6And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people?
7And 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.
8But 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.
9And he said unto them, What counsel give ye, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that thy father did put upon us lighter?
← 1 Kings 12:51 Kings 12:7 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“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?”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The old men, that stood before Solomon his father - Perhaps “the princes” of 1 Kings 4:2. Solomon placed great value upon good advisers Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 24:6. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“12:6-7 older men: Those who had served under Solomon advised moderation.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“consulted: Sa2 16:20, Sa2 17:5; Job 12:12, Job 32:7; Pro 27:10; Jer 42:2-5, Jer 43:2 3 Kings (1 Kings) 12:7”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Kings 12 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification