And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him;

1 KINGS 12:13KJV
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1 Kings 12:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 12:13 mean?

1 Kings 12:13 describes how the king responded harshly to the people and rejected the advice that the older, experienced men had given him. Instead of listening to their counsel, he chose a rough approach in his answer.

In this scene, King Rehoboam is speaking to the people of Israel, who have come to ask for lighter treatment after Solomon’s heavy rule. The “old men” were his father’s advisors, and they had suggested a gentle response. Rehoboam, however, ignores their advice and answers the people in a hard, unfriendly way, setting the stage for conflict.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 12:13

  • The word for “roughly” is קָשֶׁה (qāšeh), which means hard, harsh, or severe. This highlights that Rehoboam’s response was not just firm but unkind and severe, showing a lack of compassion or diplomacy.
  • The word for “forsook” is עָזַב (ʿāzav), meaning to abandon or leave behind. This makes it clear that Rehoboam did not just ignore the advice—he actively turned away from it, making a deliberate choice to reject the wisdom offered by the older men.
  • The word for “counsel” is עֵצָה (ʿētsāh), which refers to advice or guidance. The verse emphasizes that the advice given was thoughtful and meant for the king’s good, but it was dismissed.

Why 1 Kings 12:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the division of Israel was not just about politics but also about the king’s attitude and choices, especially his rejection of wise advice.
  • It highlights the importance of listening to experienced and thoughtful counsel, especially for those in leadership.
  • The verse sets up the immediate cause for the split in the kingdom, showing how one harsh decision can have far-reaching consequences.

Where else these words appear

“roughly” Hebrew H7186 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 42:7 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew them, but made himself strange unto them, and spake roughly unto them; and he said unto them, Whence come ye? And they said, From the land of Canaan to buy food.
  • Deuteronomy 26:6 And the Egyptians evil entreated us, and afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage:
  • 2 Chronicles 10:13 And the king answered them roughly; and king Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old men,

“gave” Hebrew H3289 · used in 74 verses

  • Exodus 18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
  • 2 Chronicles 25:16 And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.
  • Isaiah 3:3 The captain of fifty, and the honourable man, and the counsellor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator.

“counsel” Hebrew H6098 · used in 85 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:28 For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them.
  • Job 22:18 Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.
  • Isaiah 14:26 This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.