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1 Kings 12:7

1 Kings 12:7
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.

Baptist theologian, 1697–1771

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…

Presbyterian pastor, 1798–1870

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.

Methodist theologian, 1762–1832

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…

Nonconformist minister, 1662–1714

Matthew Henry

1 Kings 12:1-15

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…

Academic commentary, 1882–1921

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…