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1 Kings 12:7

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 12:7 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
1 Kings 12:7 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 12

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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?
10And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou speak unto them, My little finger is thicker than my father`s loins.
← 1 Kings 12:61 Kings 12:8 →
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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 they spake unto him, saying, etc.] They gave their advice as follows: if thou wilt be servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them; condescend to them, behave in an humble manner towards them, for this day however, and gratify and oblige them; though indeed a king is but a servant to his people, and his administration of government a doing service to them; hence Antigonus f306, a king, mild, humble, and gentle, perceiving his son to behave in a fierce and violent manner towards his subjects, said to him, my son, dost thou not know that our glorious kingdom is a servitude? and answer them, and speak good words unto them; give them a soft answer, and speak kindly and gently to…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The advice was not that the king should permanently resign the office of ruler, but that he should “for once” be ruled by his people. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“This day - By complying with their desires, and condescending to them for a season, till thou art better established in thy throne. They use this expression, fore - seeing that some would dissuade him from this course, as below the majesty of a prince. And answer - Thy service is not hard, it is only a few good words, which it is as easy to give as bad ones. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 12:8”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“If thou wilt: Ch2 10:6, Ch2 10:7; Pro 15:1; Mar 10:43, Mar 10:44; Phi 2:7-11 speak good: Kg1 12:13; Sa2 15:3-6; Ecc 10:4; Zac 1:13 3 Kings (1 Kings) 12:8”
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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