1 Kings 12:5

5 Rehoboam answered, "Go away for three days. Then come back to me." So the people went away.

1 Kings 12:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 12:5

And he said unto them, depart yet for three days, then come
again to me
Suggesting that he would consider of their proposal and inquire into the merits of it and as things should appear to him he would give them an answer in three days time; which at first sight may seem a point of prudence in him, to take time for deliberation and counsel in this affair, but in his case and circumstance it was very imprudent; for he might easily see there was discontent among the people, and a faction forming against him, and, by taking time to himself, he gave them time to take their measures, and hasten and ripen them for a revolt; for, by giving them such an answer, they might plainly perceive he was not inclined to give them satisfaction; it would have been the most advisable in him to have promised them at once that he would make them easy:

and the people departed;
to their quarters, and there remained to the third day.

1 Kings 12:5 In-Context

3 So the people sent for Jeroboam. He and the whole community of Israel went to Rehoboam. They said to him,
4 "Your father put a heavy load on our shoulders. But now make our hard work easier. Make the heavy load on us lighter. Then we'll serve you."
5 Rehoboam answered, "Go away for three days. Then come back to me." So the people went away.
6 King Rehoboam asked the elders for advice. They had served his father Solomon while he was still living. Rehoboam asked them, "What advice can you give me? How should I answer these people?"
7 They replied, "Serve them today. Give them what they are asking for. Then they'll always serve you."
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