1 Kings 12:6

6 Then King Rehobo'am took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, "How do you advise me to answer this people?"

1 Kings 12:6 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 12:6

And King Rehoboam consulted with the old men that stood before
Solomon his father, while he yet lived
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?

1 Kings 12:6 In-Context

4 "Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke upon us, and we will serve you."

5 He said to them, "Depart for three days, then come again to me." So the people went away.

6 Then King Rehobo'am took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, "How do you advise me to answer this people?"

7 And they said to him, "If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants for ever."

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