- Bible
- 1 Kings
- Chapter 12
- Verse 7
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.
My Notes
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
Gill's Exposition
And they spake unto him, saying,.... 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…
Barnes' Notes
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.
Adam Clarke
If thou wilt be a servant unto this people - This is a constitutional idea of a king: he is the servant, but not the slave of his people; every regal act of a just king is an act of service to the…
Solomon had 1000 wives and concubines, yet we read but of one son he had to bear up his name, and he a fool. It is said (Hos 4:10), They shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase. Sin is a bad way…
Cambridge Bible
If thou wilt be a servant unto this peoplethis day Here the words of 2 Chron. are -If thou be kind to this people and please them." What was meant was that for the time the king should give way and…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture