1 Kings 12 7

1 Kings 12:7 kjv

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.

1 Kings 12:7 nkjv

And they spoke to him, saying, "If you will be a servant to these people today, and serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever."

1 Kings 12:7 niv

They replied, "If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants."

1 Kings 12:7 esv

And they said to him, "If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever."

1 Kings 12:7 nlt

The older counselors replied, "If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects."

1 Kings 12 verses

1 Kings 12 7 Meaning

This verse contains the wise counsel given to Rehoboam, King Solomon's son, by the older advisors who had served his father. They urge him to adopt a posture of humble service towards the people, treating them with respect and speaking to them with kind and understanding words on that pivotal day. In return for this compassionate and selfless leadership, they promised him the people's perpetual loyalty and devoted service. The essence of their advice is that true, lasting authority is earned through service, not asserted through dominance.

1 Kings 12 7 Context

Following the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, came to Shechem to negotiate with the new king. They pleaded for a lighter burden, seeking relief from the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed by Solomon (1 Kgs 12:3-4). This verse presents the initial advice given to Rehoboam by the older men who had served his father. They understood the temper of the people and the principles of wise governance that maintain unity. This counsel stood in stark contrast to the aggressive advice offered by Rehoboam's younger peers, setting the stage for the pivotal decision that would irrevocably divide the united monarchy of Israel. This moment was crucial as it represented an opportunity for Rehoboam to secure the lasting loyalty of his subjects through a covenant of kindness and service, rather than coercion, amidst an already fractious political landscape exacerbated by God's prophetic decree concerning Solomon's idolatry.

1 Kings 12 7 Word analysis

• And they spake unto him: The "they" refers to the "old men" or "elders" mentioned in 1 Kings 12:6, individuals with experience who had served King Solomon. This phrase indicates direct communication and counsel offered to the new king.
• saying: Introduces their direct counsel, highlighting the importance of their forthcoming words.
• If thou wilt be a servant: The Hebrew word for "servant" is עֶבֶד ('eved). While 'eved can mean "slave," here in a political context, it means a loyal subject or official, one who renders service. Applied to a king serving his people, it's a profound statement of humble leadership—a radical concept in the Ancient Near East where kings were typically viewed as absolute rulers demanding obedience. It means the king should consider himself obligated to the people's welfare, prioritizing their needs.
• unto this people: Refers to the collective assembly of Israel who came with their grievances, specifically requesting relief from the burdensome yoke of Solomon's reign.
• this day: Emphasizes the immediate importance and urgency of the decision. This moment was a critical juncture determining the future of the kingdom.
• and wilt serve them: A reinforcement of the previous phrase, reiterating the essential call to act selflessly for the benefit of the populace. This second instance emphasizes action as well as attitude.
• and answer them good words: The Hebrew דְּבָרִים טוֹבִים (devarim tovim) translates as "good words" or "gracious words." This means more than just politeness; it implies words that are understanding, gentle, reassuring, compassionate, and benevolent—words that show genuine care and respect for their concerns, even if some demands could not be fully met. It is about how the king communicates and builds trust.
• then they will be thy servants: A direct reciprocal outcome. The people's willingness to serve the king is contingent upon his prior willingness to serve them. It suggests loyalty derived from voluntary allegiance and gratitude, not from imposed force.
• for ever: The Hebrew word לָעוֹלָם (la'olam) means "forever," "for all time," or "perpetually." This term conveys the promise of enduring loyalty and a unified, lasting kingdom for Rehoboam and his dynasty, had he chosen this path.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them": This entire conditional clause lays out the core principle: humble, active service. The repetition of "servant" and "serve them" underlines the intensity and critical nature of this type of leadership. "This day" highlights the urgency of making the right choice at that specific, pivotal moment.
• "and answer them good words": This is not merely an optional addition but an integral part of the service. It points to the power of communication, demonstrating that kindness in speech is as vital as the acts of service themselves in winning loyalty and trust. This directly contrasts with the "harsh words" Rehoboam eventually chooses (1 Kgs 12:13).
• "then they will be thy servants for ever": This part presents the consequence and promise. It articulates the deep, lasting loyalty that is generated when leaders truly serve and empathize with their people. The outcome promises not just obedience, but heartfelt, permanent allegiance, securing the stability and continuity of the kingdom.

1 Kings 12 7 Bonus section

• The advice of the old men was rooted in wisdom drawn from experience and likely reflected a God-ordained understanding of kingship that favored a shepherd-like role over a tyrannical one. They implicitly understood that the king, though sovereign, was still accountable for the welfare of God's people.
• This verse can be seen as an implicit polemic against the typical pagan model of absolute monarchical power, which often emphasized exploitation and control. Instead, it promotes a model more aligned with divine principles of care and stewardship.
• The failure of Rehoboam to heed this counsel set a pattern for many future kings of both Israel and Judah, demonstrating a repeated inclination towards self-exaltation rather than servanthood, leading to divine judgment and national decline.
• The "good words" the elders advised were not merely superficial pleasantries but words meant to alleviate burdens, offer reassurance, and show solidarity. It underscores the biblical emphasis on the transformative power of speech and its impact on relationships and destinies.

1 Kings 12 7 Commentary

1 Kings 12:7 encapsulates profound wisdom for leadership, emphasizing that genuine and lasting authority stems from a spirit of humble service and empathetic communication, rather than brute force or authoritarianism. The counsel from the elders advises Rehoboam to paradoxically become a "servant" to his people "this day," by not only addressing their concerns but also responding with "good words"—words that are kind, understanding, and conciliatory. Their insight suggests that a temporary humbling by the king would secure perpetual loyalty from the populace. This biblical principle highlights a key aspect of righteous governance: true power and influence are cultivated through selflessness and compassionate interaction, fostering voluntary allegiance rather than grudging submission. Rehoboam's rejection of this wisdom directly led to the fracturing of the united kingdom of Israel, demonstrating the devastating consequences of pride and harshness over humility and grace in leadership. This serves as a timeless example of how foundational relationships, whether familial, societal, or governmental, thrive on mutual respect and service, echoing principles fulfilled perfectly in the ultimate servant King, Jesus Christ.