And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?

1 KINGS 12:9KJV
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1 Kings 12:9 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 12:9 mean?

1 Kings 12:9 shows King Rehoboam asking his young advisors what advice they have for answering the people who requested that he lighten the heavy burdens his father, Solomon, had placed on them. Rehoboam is seeking guidance on how to respond to the people's plea for relief from hard labor and heavy taxes.

In this scene, Rehoboam has just become king after Solomon's death. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, have come to Rehoboam asking for a lighter "yoke"—a word often used for forced labor or heavy demands. Rehoboam turns to his peers, the young men he grew up with, to hear their counsel before making a decision that will shape his rule and the nation's future.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 12:9

  • "yoke" (עֹל, ʿol): This word refers to a wooden bar used for harnessing animals, but here it symbolizes the burdensome labor and taxes imposed by Solomon. The people are asking for these demands to be eased.
  • "make...lighter" (קַל, qal): This verb means "to make light" or "to reduce." The people are not asking for total freedom, but for a lessening of their hardships.
  • "give counsel" (יָעַץ, ya‘ats): The word for "give" here specifically means to advise or counsel, highlighting that Rehoboam is actively seeking strategic advice, not just casual opinions.

Why 1 Kings 12:9 matters

  • This verse sets up the crucial decision that will lead to the division of Israel into two kingdoms, showing how leadership choices can have far-reaching consequences.
  • The verse highlights the tension between the people's needs and the king's authority, a theme that runs throughout the history of Israel's monarchy.
  • By focusing on the word "yoke" and the request to "make it lighter," the verse emphasizes the people's suffering under Solomon and their hope for a more compassionate ruler.

Where else these words appear

“yoke” Hebrew H5923 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 27:40 And by thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt serve thy brother; and it shall come to pass when thou shalt have the dominion, that thou shalt break his yoke from off thy neck.
  • 2 Chronicles 10:9 And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us?
  • Jeremiah 27:11 But the nations that bring their neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those will I let remain still in their own land, saith the LORD; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.

“give” 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.

“Make” Hebrew H7043 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 8:8 Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;
  • 2 Samuel 16:7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:
  • Psalms 109:28 Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.