1 Kings 12:11
1 Kings 12:11 in Multiple Translations
Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”
And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
If my father put a hard yoke on you, I will make it harder: my father gave you punishment with whips, but I will give you blows with snakes.
My father placed a heavy burden on you, and I will make it even heavier. My father punished you with whips; I will punish you with scorpions.’”
Now where as my father did burden you with a grieuous yoke, I will yet make your yoke heauier: my father hath chastised you with rods, but I will correct you with scourges.
and now, my father laid on you a heavy yoke, and I add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, and I — I chastise you with scorpions.'
Now my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, but I will add to your yoke. My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.’”
And now whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
And now my father put a, heavy yoke upon you, but I will add to your yoke: my father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions.
What I mean is that my father required you to work hard and pay high taxes. But I will make those loads heavier. It was as though my father whipped you, but it will be as though I will whip you with whips that have pieces of metal in them.’ ”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 12:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 12:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
אָבִ/י֙
הֶעְמִ֤יס
עֲלֵי/כֶם֙
עֹ֣ל
כָּבֵ֔ד
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
אוֹסִ֣יף
עַֽל
עֻלְּ/כֶ֑ם
אָבִ֗/י
יִסַּ֤ר
אֶתְ/כֶם֙
בַּ/שּׁוֹטִ֔ים
וַ/אֲנִ֕י
אֲיַסֵּ֥ר
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
בָּ/עַקְרַבִּֽים
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Conj | Adv
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
הֶעְמִ֤יס
ʻâmaç
H6006
to lift
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
עֲלֵי/כֶם֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
עֹ֣ל
ʻôl
H5923
yoke
N-ms
כָּבֵ֔ד
kâbêd
H3515
heavy
Adj
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
אוֹסִ֣יף
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עֻלְּ/כֶ֑ם
ʻôl
H5923
yoke
N-ms | Suff
אָבִ֗/י
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
יִסַּ֤ר
yâçar
H3256
to discipline
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶתְ/כֶם֙
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בַּ/שּׁוֹטִ֔ים
shôwṭ
H7752
whip
Prep | N-mp
וַ/אֲנִ֕י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
אֲיַסֵּ֥ר
yâçar
H3256
to discipline
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
בָּ/עַקְרַבִּֽים
ʻaqrâb
H6137
scorpion
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 12:11
וְ/עַתָּ֗ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Conj | Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
אָבִ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
הֶעְמִ֤יס
ʻâmaç
H6006
"to lift"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to lift or load something, and it can also mean to impose a burden on someone. It is used in the Bible to describe physical labor or the weight of responsibility. In some cases, it can also be used figuratively to describe emotional burdens.
Definition: 1) to load, carry, carry a load 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to load 1a2) to carry a load 1b)(Hiphil) to lay a load on
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: be borne, (heavy) burden (self), lade, load, put. See also: Genesis 44:13; Nehemiah 13:15; Psalms 68:20.
עֲלֵי/כֶם֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֹ֣ל
ʻôl
H5923
"yoke"
N-ms
This word refers to a yoke, which is a wooden beam placed over the necks of animals to help them pull heavy loads. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or a responsibility, like in Matthew 11:30 where Jesus talks about His yoke being easy.
Definition: yoke
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: yoke. See also: Genesis 27:40; Isaiah 10:27; Isaiah 9:3.
כָּבֵ֔ד
kâbêd
H3515
"heavy"
Adj
Something or someone that is heavy or severe is what this word describes, like a heavy heart in Proverbs 12 or a difficult task, as in Matthew 23.
Definition: 1) heavy, great 1a) heavy 1b) massive, abundant, numerous 1c) heavy, dull 1d) hard, difficult, burdensome 1e) very oppressive, numerous, rich
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: (so) great, grievous, hard(-ened), (too) heavy(-ier), laden, much, slow, sore, thick. See also: Genesis 12:10; Numbers 11:14; Psalms 38:5.
וַ/אֲנִ֖י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אוֹסִ֣יף
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עֻלְּ/כֶ֑ם
ʻôl
H5923
"yoke"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a yoke, which is a wooden beam placed over the necks of animals to help them pull heavy loads. In the Bible, it can also mean a burden or a responsibility, like in Matthew 11:30 where Jesus talks about His yoke being easy.
Definition: yoke
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: yoke. See also: Genesis 27:40; Isaiah 10:27; Isaiah 9:3.
אָבִ֗/י
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
יִסַּ֤ר
yâçar
H3256
"to discipline"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
אֶתְ/כֶם֙
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בַּ/שּׁוֹטִ֔ים
shôwṭ
H7752
"whip"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a whip or scourge, used for punishment or chastisement, as seen in the book of Isaiah. It symbolizes correction or judgment.
Definition: 1) scourge, whip 1a) scourge (for chastisement) 1a1) of national judgment (fig) 1b) whip (for horse)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: scourge, whip. See also: 1 Kings 12:11; Job 9:23; Proverbs 26:3.
וַ/אֲנִ֕י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אֲיַסֵּ֥ר
yâçar
H3256
"to discipline"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To discipline or correct someone, often by teaching or punishing them, as seen in Proverbs where parents are told to instruct their children. This word is used to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to chasten, discipline, instruct, admonish 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to chasten, admonish 1a2) to instruct 1a3) to discipline 1b) (Niphal) to let oneself be chastened or corrected or admonished 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to discipline, correct 1c2) to chasten, chastise 1d) (Hiphil) to chasten 1e) (Nithpael) to teach
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach. See also: Leviticus 26:18; Psalms 94:12; Psalms 2:10.
אֶתְ/כֶ֖ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בָּ/עַקְרַבִּֽים
ʻaqrâb
H6137
"scorpion"
Prep | N-mp
Translates to scorpion, a symbol of danger and harm, as in Luke 10:19 where Jesus gives His disciples power over scorpions. This word represents a threat to safety and well-being. It is also used in Ezekiel 2:6 to describe a hazardous journey.
Definition: scorpion
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: scorpion. See also: Deuteronomy 8:15; 2 Chronicles 10:11; Ezekiel 2:6.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 12:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 12:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:11
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:11
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 12:11
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 12:11
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:11
- Sermons on 1 Kings 12:11
Context — Rebellion against Rehoboam
9He asked them, “What message do you advise that we send back to these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”
10The young men who had grown up with him replied, “This is how you should answer these people who said to you, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but you must make it lighter.’ This is what you should tell them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!
11Whereas my father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.’”
12After three days, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, since the king had said, “Come back to me on the third day.” 13And the king answered the people harshly. He rejected the advice of the eldersCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 27:11 | But the nation that will put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, I will leave in its own land, to cultivate it and reside in it, declares the LORD.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 2:6 | But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns surround you, and you dwell among scorpions. Do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their presence, though they are a rebellious house. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 28:13–14 | “Go and tell Hananiah that this is what the LORD says: ‘You have broken a yoke of wood, but in its place you have fashioned a yoke of iron.’ For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I have even given him control of the beasts of the field.’” |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 8:18 | When that day comes, you will beg for relief from the king you have chosen, but the LORD will not answer you on that day.” |
| 5 | Revelation 9:3–10 | And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. The locusts were not given power to kill them, but only to torment them for five months, and their torment was like the stinging of a scorpion. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, but death will escape them. And the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads, and faces like the faces of men. They had hair like that of women, and teeth like those of lions. They also had thoraxes like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. They had tails with stingers like scorpions, which had the power to injure people for five months. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 12:14 | and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.” |
| 7 | Exodus 5:18 | Now get to work. You will be given no straw, yet you must deliver the full quota of bricks.” |
| 8 | Isaiah 58:6 | Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? |
| 9 | Exodus 1:13–14 | They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar, and with all kinds of work in the fields. Every service they imposed was harsh. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 16:10 | Asa was angry with the seer and became so enraged over this matter that he put the man in prison. And at the same time Asa oppressed some of the people. |
1 Kings 12:11 Summary
This verse is saying that Rehoboam, the king of Israel, is making a big mistake by telling his people that he will make their lives even harder than they were under his father Solomon. He's like a boss who makes his employees work longer hours and pays them less, which is not a good way to lead (Proverbs 29:2). The people of Israel were already feeling burdened and overworked, and Rehoboam's words only made things worse (1 Kings 12:4). We can learn from this verse that good leaders should be kind and fair, and that we should try to make life easier for those around us, not harder (Matthew 11:28-30).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase 'add to your yoke' mean in this verse?
The phrase 'add to your yoke' is a metaphor for increasing the burden or load that the people of Israel were already bearing under King Solomon's rule, as seen in 1 Kings 12:4, and now Rehoboam is threatening to make it even heavier (Deuteronomy 28:48).
Why did Rehoboam say he would scourge the people with scorpions?
Rehoboam's statement about scourging the people with scorpions is a declaration of his intention to use harsher and more severe punishment than his father Solomon, who used whips, as a means of maintaining control and discipline (Proverbs 26:3).
What is the significance of the young men's advice to Rehoboam in this verse?
The young men's advice to Rehoboam, as recorded in this verse, reflects their youthful arrogance and lack of wisdom, leading Rehoboam to make a decision that would ultimately divide the kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12:13-14, Proverbs 22:3).
How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of wise and compassionate leadership, as seen in the Bible in leaders like David (1 Samuel 30:24-25) and Solomon in his earlier years (1 Kings 3:9), and warns against the dangers of oppressive and tyrannical rule (Proverbs 29:2, Isaiah 3:12).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be 'adding to the yoke' of those around me, and how can I instead be a source of comfort and relief?
- In what areas of my life am I experiencing a 'heavy yoke', and how can I cast my burdens upon the Lord, as instructed in Psalm 55:22?
- How can I, like the wise elders in 1 Kings 12:6-7, offer counsel and guidance to those in positions of authority, and what role can I play in promoting wisdom and justice in my community?
- What are some 'scorpions' in my life that I need to acknowledge and surrender to God, and how can I trust in His promise to 'work all things together for good' (Romans 8:28)?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:11
And now, whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke,.... Which was putting words into his mouth, owning the charge and accusation brought against his father, as he did, 1 Kings 12:14, which was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:11
And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. Whips ... scorpions.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:11
I will add to your yoke, i.e. make it heavier and stronger, both to punish your petulancy, and to curb and restrain you from seditious attempts. With scorpions, i.e. with such whips as will sting you like scorpions: if you proceed in these courses, I will most severely punish you for it.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:11
1 Kings 12:11 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.Ver. 11. I will chastise you with scorpions] That is, With briers and thorns; as Gideon taught the men of Penuel: or, With torturing whips that sting like a scorpion; such as the Spaniards brought great store of, as it is said, in 1588; not sparing to sing of Queen Elizabeth and her England, “ Tu quae suevisti Romanas temnere leges, Hispano disces subdere colla iugo. ” Flagris aculeatis. - Vatab.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:11
(11) The scorpion is probably (like the Roman fiagellum) a whip, the lash of which is loaded with weights and sharp points.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:11
Verse 11. Chastise you with scorpions] Should you rebel, or become disaffected, my father's whip shall be a scorpion in my hand. His was chastisement, mine shall be punishment. St. Isidore, and after him Calmet and others, assert that the scorpion was a sort of severe whip, the lashes of which were armed with iron points, that sunk into and tore the flesh. We know that the scorpion was a military engine among the Romans for shooting arrows, which, being poisoned, were likened to the scorpion's sting, and the wound it inflicted.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 12:11
11. with whips] We have no record of such an act on the part of Solomon, and it may be the phrase is only metaphorical, to express a light degree of chastisement in comparison of what they might hereafter expect. But scourging men to urge them in compulsory labour is not unknown in despotic countries. with scorpions] Most likely, if the words are to be taken literally, some sort of lash on which metal points were fixed so that each blow might wound like a scorpion’s sting.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 12:11
Scorpions - By this word some understand whips having leaden balls at the ends of their lashes with hooks projecting from them; others the thorny stem of the eggplant, or “the scorpion plant.” But it
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:11
11. Whips… scorpions — As the scorpion — an instrument of torture with many lashes, like the legs of the animal of this name, and each lash armed with sharp points to lacerate the flesh — is a more
Sermons on 1 Kings 12:11
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Rend Your Heart and Not Your Garment by Joshua Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker, Joshua Daniel, discusses the importance of facing challenges and being tested in order to grow spiritually. He references the story of Rehoboam in the |
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The Voice of Micaiah by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks explores the story of Micaiah, a minor prophet who stood alone against 400 false prophets, emphasizing the importance of truth over popularity. Micaiah's unwaverin |
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Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 5.-- Thursday by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches on the importance of maintaining peace, love, and discipline within the Church, emphasizing the need to correct and punish those who cause unrest or disobedien |
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Paul's Humiliating Confession by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches about Paul's humiliating confession, the opposition he faced from the Jews, his reception by the apostles in Jerusalem, and the natural energy of his characte |
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The Locust by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delves into the destructive nature of locusts as described in the Bible, particularly during the plague in Egypt where they devoured all vegetation, leaving the lan |
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Conquering the Darkness by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that light is the only force that can conquer darkness, as illustrated in Isaiah and John. He explains that light symbolizes understanding and that the H |
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The Sharpest Dealings of God With You by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own sins and the mercy of God in the face of our trials. He argues that any suffering we endure is less than what we trul |