1 Kings 12:6
New International Version
Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked.

New Living Translation
Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?”

English Standard Version
Then King Rehoboam 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?”

Berean Standard Bible
Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked.

King James Bible
And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

New King James Version
Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who stood before his father Solomon while he still lived, and he said, “How do you advise me to answer these people?”

New American Standard Bible
And King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?”

NASB 1995
King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you counsel me to answer this people?”

NASB 1977
And King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you counsel me to answer this people?”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the elders who had stood before his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you counsel me to respond to this people?”

Amplified Bible
King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served and advised his father Solomon while he was still alive and said, “How do you advise me to answer this people?”

Christian Standard Bible
Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon when he was alive, asking, “How do you advise me to respond to this people? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon when he was alive, asking, “How do you advise me to respond to these people?”

American Standard Version
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?

Contemporary English Version
Rehoboam went to some leaders who had been his father's senior officials, and he asked them, "What should I tell these people?"

English Revised Version
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?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
King Rehoboam sought advice from the older leaders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive. He asked, "What do you advise? How should I respond to these people?"

Good News Translation
King Rehoboam consulted the older men who had served as his father Solomon's advisers. "What answer do you advise me to give these people?" he asked.

International Standard Version
while King Rehoboam conferred with his advisors who had worked for his father Solomon during his administration. He asked them, "What is your advice as to how I should respond to these people?"

Majority Standard Bible
Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. ?How do you advise me to respond to these people?? he asked.

NET Bible
King Rehoboam consulted with the older advisers who had served his father Solomon when he had been alive. He asked them, "How do you advise me to answer these people?"

New Heart English Bible
King 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?"

Webster's Bible Translation
And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

World English Bible
King 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 answer these people?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And King Rehoboam consults with the elderly who have been standing in the presence of his father Solomon, in his being alive, saying, “How are you counseling to answer this people?”

Young's Literal Translation
And king Rehoboam consulteth with the elders who have been standing in the presence of Solomon his father, in his being alive, saying, 'How are ye counselling to answer this people?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And king Rehoboam will consult the old men which were standing before Solomon his father in his being alive saying, How advise ye to turn back this people word?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
King Roboam took counsel with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and he said: What counsel do you give me, that I may answer this people?

Catholic Public Domain Version
king Rehoboam took counsel with the elders who had assisted before his father Solomon while he was still living. And he said, “What counsel do you give to me, so that I may respond to this people?”

New American Bible
King Rehoboam asked advice of the elders who had been in his father Solomon’s service while he was alive, and asked, “How do you advise me to answer this people?”

New Revised Standard Version
Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the older men who had attended his father Solomon while he was still alive, saying, “How do you advise me to answer this people?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And King Rehoboam consulted with the old men who had stood before his father while he was still alive, and said to them, How do you advise that I may answer the people?And the king answered and said to the prophet of God, Pray for me before the LORD your God, and entreat for me that my hand may be restored to me. And the prophet of God prayed before the LORD, and the king's hand was restored to him, and it became as it was before.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And King Rekhabaam took counsel with the Elders who were standing before his father when he was living, and he said to them: “How do you counsel me that I return an answer to the people?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king referred the matter to the elders, who stood before Solomon his father while he was yet living, saying, How do ye advise that I should answer this people?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Rebellion Against Rehoboam
5Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then return to me.” So the people departed. 6Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. 7They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.”…

Cross References
Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.

Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 24:6
Only with sound guidance should you wage war, and victory lies in a multitude of counselors.

2 Chronicles 10:6-7
Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.”

Job 12:12
Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life.

Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.

Proverbs 13:20
He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.

Proverbs 19:20
Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.

Ecclesiastes 7:10
Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this.

Isaiah 3:1-4
For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water, / the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder, / the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter. ...

Matthew 15:2-3
“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.” / Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?

Matthew 23:2-3
“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Mark 7:5-8
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.” / Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ ...

Luke 2:46-47
Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. / And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.

Acts 5:34-39
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time. / “Men of Israel,” he said, “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men. / Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do you advise that I may answer this people?

consulted

2 Samuel 16:20
Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give counsel among you what we shall do.

2 Samuel 17:5
Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what he saith.

Job 12:12
With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.

Jump to Previous
Advise Alive Consulted Counsel Elders Opinion Rehoboam Rehobo'am Served Solomon Stood
Jump to Next
Advise Alive Consulted Counsel Elders Opinion Rehoboam Rehobo'am Served Solomon Stood
1 Kings 12
1. The Israelites, assembled at Shechem to crown Rehoboam,
4. by Jeroboam make a suit of relaxation unto him
6. Rehoboam, refusing the old men's counsel, answers them roughly
16. Ten tribes revolting, kill Adoram, and make Rehoboam flee
21. Rehoboam, raising an army, is forbidden by Shemaiah
25. Jeroboam strengthens himself by cities
26. and by idolatry of the two calves














Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, ascended to the throne after his father's death. The act of consulting with elders was a common practice in ancient Israel, reflecting a respect for wisdom and experience. Elders were often seen as repositories of tradition and guidance, as seen in other scriptures like Proverbs 11:14, which emphasizes the value of counsel. This consultation indicates Rehoboam's initial willingness to seek guidance, a trait that was highly valued in Israelite leadership.

who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime.
These elders had firsthand experience with Solomon's reign, which was marked by prosperity and peace. They would have been familiar with Solomon's policies and the challenges of governing a united kingdom. Their service under Solomon suggests they had witnessed the benefits of wisdom and discernment, qualities Solomon was renowned for, as seen in 1 Kings 3:12. Their counsel would have been informed by the successes and failures of Solomon's administration.

“How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked.
Rehoboam's question pertains to the request from the Israelites to lighten the heavy yoke imposed by Solomon, as detailed earlier in 1 Kings 12:4. This moment is pivotal, as it reflects the tension between the northern tribes and the Davidic monarchy. The request for advice shows Rehoboam's recognition of the need for a strategic response to maintain unity. The phrase "these people" indicates a potential distance or disconnect between the king and his subjects, foreshadowing the division that would follow. This scenario echoes the biblical theme of leaders seeking divine wisdom, as seen in James 1:5, where believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and the king of Israel at this time. His reign marks a significant turning point in Israel's history due to his decisions.

2. Elders
These were the experienced advisors who had served under King Solomon. They represent wisdom and continuity from Solomon's reign.

3. Solomon
The father of Rehoboam, known for his wisdom and wealth. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, but also by heavy taxation and forced labor.

4. Israel
The united kingdom under Solomon, which is on the brink of division due to Rehoboam's impending decision.

5. Consultation Event
Rehoboam's decision to seek advice from the elders is a pivotal moment that could determine the future of the kingdom.
Teaching Points
The Value of Wise Counsel
Seeking advice from experienced and godly individuals is crucial in making sound decisions. Rehoboam's initial step to consult the elders reflects a recognition of this principle.

The Consequences of Leadership Decisions
Leadership decisions have far-reaching impacts. Rehoboam's choice would affect the entire nation of Israel, illustrating the weight of responsibility leaders carry.

The Importance of Humility in Leadership
A leader must be humble enough to listen to others. Rehoboam's willingness to consult the elders shows an initial openness to guidance, which is essential for effective leadership.

Learning from the Past
The elders had served Solomon and witnessed the successes and failures of his reign. Learning from past experiences is vital for making informed decisions.

The Role of Godly Wisdom
While human counsel is valuable, seeking God's wisdom is paramount. Rehoboam's account reminds us to prioritize divine guidance in our decision-making processes.Verse 6. - And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men [According to Bahr," the זְקֵנִים are not old people, but the elders." No doubt the word is constantly used, as in the expressions, "elders of Israel," "elders of the city," etc. (cf. πρεσβυτέροι, senatores (from senex), aldermen = elder men), without any reference to age; but this is not the case here, as the strong contrast with "young men" (vers. 8, 13, 14) proves] that stood before [see on 1 Kings 1:2] Solomon his father [among them, perhaps, were some of the "princes" of 1 Kings 4:2 sqq.] while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then King
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Rehoboam
רְחַבְעָ֗ם (rə·ḥaḇ·‘ām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7346: Rehoboam -- 'a people are enlarged', a king of Judah

consulted
וַיִּוָּעַ֞ץ (way·yiw·wā·‘aṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3289: To advise, to deliberate, resolve

with
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

the elders
הַזְּקֵנִים֙ (haz·zə·qê·nîm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 2205: Old

who
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

had served
עֹמְדִ֗ים (‘ō·mə·ḏîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

his father
אָבִ֔יו (’ā·ḇîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

Solomon
שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

during
בִּֽהְיֹת֥וֹ (bih·yō·ṯōw)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

his lifetime.
חַ֖י (ḥay)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life

“How
אֵ֚יךְ (’êḵ)
Interjection
Strong's 349: How?, how!, where

do you
אַתֶּ֣ם (’at·tem)
Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

advise
נֽוֹעָצִ֔ים (nō·w·‘ā·ṣîm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3289: To advise, to deliberate, resolve

me to respond
לְהָשִׁ֥יב (lə·hā·šîḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to these
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

people?”
הָֽעָם־ (hā·‘ām-)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

he asked.
לֵאמֹ֑ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say


Links
1 Kings 12:6 NIV
1 Kings 12:6 NLT
1 Kings 12:6 ESV
1 Kings 12:6 NASB
1 Kings 12:6 KJV

1 Kings 12:6 BibleApps.com
1 Kings 12:6 Biblia Paralela
1 Kings 12:6 Chinese Bible
1 Kings 12:6 French Bible
1 Kings 12:6 Catholic Bible

OT History: 1 Kings 12:6 King Rehoboam took counsel with the old (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 12:5
Top of Page
Top of Page