Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. New Living Translation But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers. English Standard Version But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him. Berean Standard Bible But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. King James Bible But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: New King James Version But he rejected the advice which the elders had given him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him. New American Standard Bible But he ignored the advice of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and served him. NASB 1995 But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him. NASB 1977 But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him. Legacy Standard Bible But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had counseled him, and took counsel with the young men who grew up with him and stood before him. Amplified Bible But he ignored the advice which the elders gave him and consulted the young men who grew up with him and served him. Christian Standard Bible But he rejected the advice of the elders who had advised him and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and attended him. Holman Christian Standard Bible But he rejected the advice of the elders who had advised him and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and served him. American Standard Version But 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. Contemporary English Version But Rehoboam refused their advice and went to the younger men who had grown up with him and were now his officials. English Revised Version But 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation But he ignored the advice the older leaders gave him. He sought advice from the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. Good News Translation But he ignored the advice of the older men and went instead to the young men who had grown up with him and who were now his advisers. International Standard Version But Rehoboam ignored the counsel that his elder advisors had given him. Instead, he consulted the younger men who had grown up with him and who worked for him. NET Bible But Rehoboam rejected their advice and consulted the young advisers who served him, with whom he had grown up. New Heart English Bible But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him. Webster's Bible Translation But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that had grown up with him, and who stood before him: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. World English Bible But he abandoned the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he forsakes the counsel of the elderly which they counseled him, and consults with the boys who have grown up with him, who are standing before him; Young's Literal Translation And he forsaketh the counsel of the elders which they counselled him, and consulteth with the lads who have grown up with him, who are standing before him; Smith's Literal Translation And he will forsake the counsel of the old men which they counseled him, and he will consult with the children which grew up with him which were standing before him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut he left the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men, that had been brought up with him, and stood before him. Catholic Public Domain Version But he abandoned the counsel of the old men, which they had given to him. And he consulted the young men who had been raised with him, and who were assisting him. New American Bible But he ignored the advice the elders had given him, and asked advice of the young men who had grown up with him and were in his service. New Revised Standard Version But he disregarded the advice that the older men gave him, and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him and now attended him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut he forsook the counsel which the old men had given him and consulted with the young men who were grown up with him and who stood before him; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he abandoned the counsel of the Elders which they advised him and he took counsel with the boys who grew up with him who stood before him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they gave him, and consulted with the young men who were brought up with him, who stood in his presence. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Rebellion Against Rehoboam…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.” 8But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. 9He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”… Cross References Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel. Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. 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 13:20 He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 14:16 A wise man fears and turns from evil, but a fool is careless and reckless. Proverbs 29:1 A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. 2 Chronicles 10:8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. 2 Chronicles 10:13-14 And the king answered them harshly. King Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders / and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.” Job 12:12 Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life. Ecclesiastes 7:5 It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools. Isaiah 5:21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. Matthew 15:14 Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” Matthew 23:24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Treasury of Scripture But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: 2 Chronicles 10:8 But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him. 2 Chronicles 25:15,16 Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand? … Proverbs 1:2-5,25,30 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; … Jump to Previous Advice Attention Consulted Consulteth Counsel Counselled Elders Forsaketh Forsook Generation Grew Grown Lads Opinion Rehoboam Rejected Served Standing Stood Waiting YoungJump to Next Advice Attention Consulted Consulteth Counsel Counselled Elders Forsaketh Forsook Generation Grew Grown Lads Opinion Rehoboam Rejected Served Standing Stood Waiting Young1 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 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; Rehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The elders were likely experienced advisors who had served under Solomon, Rehoboam's father. Their counsel was rooted in wisdom and experience, reflecting the biblical principle found in Proverbs 11:14, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." This decision to reject their advice demonstrates a lack of humility and discernment, qualities that are essential for godly leadership. Historically, this rejection led to the division of the united kingdom of Israel, fulfilling the prophecy given to Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah in 1 Kings 11:29-31. instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. Persons / Places / Events 1. RehoboamThe son of Solomon and king of Judah, whose decision-making is central to this passage. 2. Elders Experienced advisors who served under Solomon and offered wise counsel to Rehoboam. 3. Young Men Rehoboam's contemporaries who grew up with him and provided advice contrary to that of the elders. 4. Israel The united kingdom under Solomon, which faced division due to Rehoboam's decisions. 5. Shechem The place where Rehoboam went to be crowned king and where the events of this chapter unfold. Teaching Points The Value of Wise CounselRehoboam's rejection of the elders' advice serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking and valuing experienced and godly counsel. The Danger of Peer Pressure The influence of Rehoboam's peers highlights the potential pitfalls of succumbing to peer pressure, especially when it contradicts wise and godly advice. Consequences of Poor Leadership Decisions Rehoboam's decision led to the division of the kingdom, illustrating how poor leadership can have far-reaching and devastating consequences. Seeking God's Wisdom Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom in decision-making, as human wisdom alone can be flawed and misleading. The Role of Humility in Leadership Rehoboam's account underscores the need for humility in leadership, recognizing that leaders do not have all the answers and should be open to counsel. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 12:8?2. Why did Rehoboam reject "the advice that the elders had given him"? 3. How can we discern wise counsel from foolish advice in our lives? 4. What does Proverbs 11:14 teach about seeking counsel and its importance? 5. How does Rehoboam's decision reflect the consequences of ignoring godly wisdom? 6. In what ways can we ensure we seek and follow godly counsel today? 7. Why did Rehoboam reject the elders' advice in 1 Kings 12:8? 8. How does 1 Kings 12:8 illustrate the consequences of ignoring wise counsel? 9. What does 1 Kings 12:8 teach about leadership and decision-making? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 12? 11. How does bad company affect good character? 12. What advice do the ungodly offer? 13. Who was King Rehoboam in biblical history? 14. Why does 1 Kings 12:14 present Rehoboam’s answer as solely harsh, despite other biblical accounts that sometimes provide a balancing perspective? What Does 1 Kings 12:8 Mean But Rehoboam– The little word “But” signals a sharp turn. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son (1 Kings 11:43), had just listened to the elders’ counsel in verses 6-7, yet now he pivots. – Scripture often records rulers at a crossroads—Saul in 1 Samuel 15:24, David in 2 Samuel 12:13—showing how a moment’s choice sets a lasting course. – Rehoboam had inherited a united kingdom and a divine promise (1 Kings 9:4-5), but that promise also came with conditions. His next move would reveal his heart. rejected the advice of the elders – “Rejected” is a deliberate dismissal, not a casual oversight. Proverbs 1:25 warns, “you neglected all my counsel.” – These elders had served Solomon, a king famed for wisdom (1 Kings 4:34). Ignoring them meant spurning seasoned insight, much like Pharaoh dismissed Moses’ warnings in Exodus 10:1-3. – Proverbs 11:14 and 15:22 remind us that safety and success flourish where many godly counselors speak. Rehoboam chose the opposite path. – Practical takeaway: seasoned believers, parents, longtime pastors, and older friends are God’s gift for balance and perspective. instead, he consulted the young men – Switching his audience, Rehoboam “consulted the young men”. The contrast is jarring: elders versus peers. – 2 Chronicles 10:8-9 parallels this scene and adds that these young men urged harshness. – Psalm 1:1 cautions against walking “in the counsel of the wicked.” Youthful advisers are not automatically wrong, yet Scripture urges testing all counsel (1 John 4:1). – Bullet-point cautions: • Peer pressure often echoes our own blind spots. • Unseasoned voices may lack historical memory of God’s ways (Deuteronomy 32:7). • The desire to impress friends can overshadow the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 29:25). who had grown up with him and served him – These companions shared Rehoboam’s upbringing, culture, and ambitions. Familiarity bred flattery. – 1 Kings 12:10-11 shows their advice: “My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist… I will add to your yoke.” Harsh words aimed to bolster royal image rather than serve the people. – Proverbs 13:20 warns that “the companion of fools suffers harm,” while 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Bad company corrupts good morals.” – Serving the king, these men benefited from his favor; self-interest colored their counsel. Like Haman before Xerxes (Esther 3:1-9), palace insiders can reinforce a leader’s worst impulses. summary Rehoboam’s fateful move in 1 Kings 12:8 paints a timeless portrait: a leader stands at a fork, hears wise counsel, then spurns it for the echo of his own desires voiced by eager peers. The verse warns that rejecting seasoned, godly advice in favor of self-affirming voices invites division and loss—exactly what followed when ten tribes rebelled. Today, the Spirit still calls believers to weigh counsel by Scripture, honor the wisdom of the mature, and guard against the flattering chorus of unchecked peers. Verse 8. - But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given [Heb. counselled] him ["We can easily imagine that their proposal was not very agreeable to the rash and imperious young king, in whose veins Ammonite blood flowed" (Bahr) ], and consulted with the young men [see on ver. 1. "The very change argues weakness.. Green wood is ever shrinking" (Hall)] that were grown up with him [possibly his companions in the harem], and which stood before him [i.e., as his courtiers and counsellors (cf. ver. 6). The old men were the counsellors of Solomon; the young men alone are spoken of as the ministers of Rehoboam.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But [Rehoboam] rejectedוַֽיַּעֲזֹ֛ב (way·ya·‘ă·zōḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit the advice עֲצַ֥ת (‘ă·ṣaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence of the elders; הַזְּקֵנִ֖ים (haz·zə·qê·nîm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 2205: Old instead, he consulted וַיִּוָּעַ֗ץ (way·yiw·wā·‘aṣ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3289: To advise, to deliberate, resolve the young men הַיְלָדִים֙ (hay·lā·ḏîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3206: Something born, a lad, offspring who אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that had grown up גָּדְל֣וּ (gā·ḏə·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1431: To grow up, become great with him אִתּ֔וֹ (’it·tōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among and served הָעֹמְדִ֖ים (hā·‘ō·mə·ḏîm) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations him. לְפָנָֽיו׃ (lə·p̄ā·nāw) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face Links 1 Kings 12:8 NIV1 Kings 12:8 NLT 1 Kings 12:8 ESV 1 Kings 12:8 NASB 1 Kings 12:8 KJV 1 Kings 12:8 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 12:8 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 12:8 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 12:8 French Bible 1 Kings 12:8 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 12:8 But he forsook the counsel (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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