1 Kings 12:4
1 Kings 12:4 in Multiple Translations
“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you should lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”
Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.
Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.
Your father put a hard yoke on us: if you will make the conditions under which your father kept us down less cruel, and the weight of the yoke he put on us less hard, then we will be your servants.
“Your father placed a heavy burden on us,” they told him. “But now if you lighten the load from when we served your father and the heavy demands he imposed on us, we will serve you.”
Thy father made our yoke grieuous: now therefore make thou the grieuous seruitude of thy father, and his sore yoke which he put vpon vs, lighter, and we will serue thee.
'Thy father made hard our yoke, and thou, now, make light [some] of the hard service of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we serve thee.'
“Your father made our yoke difficult. Now therefore make the hard service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, lighter, and we will serve you.”
Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.
Thy father laid a grievous yoke upon us: now therefore do thou take off a little of the grievous service of thy father, and of his most heavy yoke, which he put upon us, and we will serve thee.
“Your father Solomon forced us to work very hard [MET] for him. If you ◄lighten these loads/do not force us to work that hard►, and if you charge us less taxes than we were paying to him, we will serve you faithfully.”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 12:4
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 12:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
הִקְשָׁ֣ה
אֶת
עֻלֵּ֑/נוּ
וְ/אַתָּ֡ה
עַתָּ֣ה
הָקֵל֩
מֵ/עֲבֹדַ֨ת
אָבִ֜י/ךָ
הַ/קָּשָׁ֗ה
וּ/מֵ/עֻלּ֧/וֹ
הַ/כָּבֵ֛ד
אֲשֶׁר
נָתַ֥ן
עָלֵ֖י/נוּ
וְ/נַעַבְדֶֽ/ךָּ
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
הִקְשָׁ֣ה
qâshâh
H7185
to harden
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עֻלֵּ֑/נוּ
ʻôl
H5923
yoke
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אַתָּ֡ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Conj | Pron
עַתָּ֣ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
הָקֵל֩
qâlal
H7043
to lighten
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
מֵ/עֲבֹדַ֨ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
Prep | N-fs
אָבִ֜י/ךָ
ʼâb
H1
father
N-ms | Suff
הַ/קָּשָׁ֗ה
qâsheh
H7186
severe
Art | Adj
וּ/מֵ/עֻלּ֧/וֹ
ʻôl
H5923
yoke
Conj | Prep | N-ms | Suff
הַ/כָּבֵ֛ד
kâbêd
H3515
heavy
Art | Adj
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נָתַ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָלֵ֖י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וְ/נַעַבְדֶֽ/ךָּ
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 12:4
אָבִ֖י/ךָ
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.
הִקְשָׁ֣ה
qâshâh
H7185
"to harden"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to be hard or severe, like when Pharaoh's heart was hardened against the Israelites in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to be hard, be severe, be fierce, be harsh 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hard, be difficult 1a2) to be hard, be severe 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be ill-treated 1b2) to be hard pressed 1c) (Piel) to have severe labour (of women) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make difficult, make difficulty 1d2) to make severe, make burdensome 1d3) to make hard, make stiff, make stubborn 1d3a) of obstinacy (fig) 1d4) to show stubbornness
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: be cruel, be fiercer, make grievous, be ((ask a), be in, have, seem, would) hard(-en, (labour), -ly, thing), be sore, (be, make) stiff(-en, (-necked)). See also: Genesis 35:16; 2 Chronicles 10:4; Psalms 95:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
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.
עֻלֵּ֑/נוּ
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.
וְ/אַתָּ֡ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עַתָּ֣ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
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.
הָקֵל֩
qâlal
H7043
"to lighten"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
The Hebrew word qalal means to make something light or easy, but it can also mean to curse or bring into contempt. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to be slight, be swift, be trifling, be of little account, be light 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be slight, be abated (of water) 1a2) to be swift 1a3) to be trifling, be of little account 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be swift, show oneself swift 1b2) to appear trifling, be too trifling, be insignificant 1b3) to be lightly esteemed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to make despicable 1c2) to curse 1d) (Pual) to be cursed 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to make light, lighten 1e2) to treat with contempt, bring contempt or dishonour 1f) (Pilpel) 1f1) to shake 1f2) to whet 1g) (Hithpalpel) to shake oneself, be moved to and fro
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet. See also: Genesis 8:8; 2 Kings 3:18; Psalms 37:22.
מֵ/עֲבֹדַ֨ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.
Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.
אָבִ֜י/ךָ
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.
הַ/קָּשָׁ֗ה
qâsheh
H7186
"severe"
Art | Adj
This word describes something or someone as severe or cruel, like the harsh treatment of the Israelites by their enemies in Judges.
Definition: 1) hard, cruel, severe, obstinate 1a) hard, difficult 1b) severe 1c) fierce, intense, vehement 1d) stubborn, stiff of neck, stiff-necked 1e) rigorous (of battle)
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: churlish, cruel, grievous, hard((-hearted), thing), heavy, [phrase] impudent, obstinate, prevailed, rough(-ly), sore, sorrowful, stiff(necked), stubborn, [phrase] in trouble. See also: Genesis 42:7; 2 Samuel 2:17; Psalms 60:5.
וּ/מֵ/עֻלּ֧/וֹ
ʻôl
H5923
"yoke"
Conj | Prep | 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.
הַ/כָּבֵ֛ד
kâbêd
H3515
"heavy"
Art | 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.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נָתַ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
עָלֵ֖י/נוּ
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.
וְ/נַעַבְדֶֽ/ךָּ
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cp | Suff
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 12:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 12:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:4
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:4
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 12:4
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 12:4
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:4
- Sermons on 1 Kings 12:4
Context — Rebellion against Rehoboam
2When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since.
3So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said,
4“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”
5Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then return to me.” So the people departed. 6Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 8:11–18 | He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to his own chariots and horses, to run in front of his chariots. He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, to make his weapons of war, and to equip his chariots. And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his servants. He will take a tenth of your grain and grape harvest and give it to his officials and servants. And he will take your menservants and maidservants and your best cattle and donkeys and put them to his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 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.” |
| 2 | 1 Kings 4:7 | Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel to provide food for the king and his household. Each one would arrange provisions for one month of the year, |
| 3 | Matthew 11:29–30 | Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 10:4–5 | “Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you should lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” Rehoboam answered, “Come back to me in three days.” So the people departed. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 9:22–23 | But Solomon did not consign any of the Israelites to slavery, because they were his men of war, his servants, his officers, his captains, and the commanders of his chariots and cavalry. They were also the chief officers over Solomon’s projects: 550 supervisors over the people who did the work. |
| 6 | Matthew 23:4 | They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. |
| 7 | 1 John 5:3 | For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, |
| 8 | 1 Kings 4:20–25 | The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore, and they were eating and drinking and rejoicing. And Solomon reigned over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. These kingdoms offered tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. Solomon’s provisions for a single day were thirty cors of fine flour, sixty cors of meal, ten fat oxen, twenty range oxen, and a hundred sheep, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fattened poultry. For Solomon had dominion over everything west of the Euphrates —over all the kingdoms from Tiphsah to Gaza—and he had peace on all sides. Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 9:15 | This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon imposed to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, and the wall of Jerusalem, as well as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. |
1 Kings 12:4 Summary
In 1 Kings 12:4, the people of Israel are asking King Rehoboam to make their lives easier by reducing the heavy labor and taxes that his father, King Solomon, had imposed on them. They are willing to serve Rehoboam if he will provide them with this relief. This shows that the people are seeking a leader who will care for them and make their lives better, rather than just ruling over them. As seen in Matthew 20:25-28, true leaders are called to be servants to their people, and this is an important lesson for us today, as we seek to follow God's example of servant-leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'heavy yoke' in 1 Kings 12:4 refer to?
The 'heavy yoke' refers to the harsh labor and high taxes imposed by King Solomon on the people of Israel, as mentioned in 1 Kings 5:13-14 and 1 Kings 9:20-22, which caused them great burden and hardship.
Why did the people of Israel ask Rehoboam to lighten their burden?
The people of Israel asked Rehoboam to lighten their burden because they were seeking relief from the oppressive labor and taxes imposed by his father, King Solomon, and they were willing to serve Rehoboam if he would provide them with this relief, as seen in 1 Kings 12:4.
Is this request by the people of Israel similar to any other event in the Bible?
Yes, this request is similar to the cry of the Israelites in Exodus 2:23-25, where they cried out to God for relief from their slavery and oppression in Egypt, and God heard their cry and delivered them.
How does this verse relate to the concept of leadership and servant-hood?
This verse highlights the importance of leaders being servants to their people, as seen in Matthew 20:25-28, where Jesus teaches that true leaders must be willing to serve and not just rule over others, and this is reflected in Rehoboam's decision to either lighten the burden or not, which will determine the people's willingness to serve him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am carrying a 'heavy yoke', and how can I seek relief from God?
- In what ways can I, as a leader or servant, provide relief and support to those around me, just as the people of Israel asked Rehoboam to do?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of what it means to be a servant-leader, and what changes can I make in my own life to reflect this concept?
- What are some ways that I can cry out to God for relief, just as the Israelites did in Exodus 2:23-25, and how can I trust in His deliverance?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:4
Thy father made our yoke grievous,.... Laid heavy taxes upon them, for the finishing of his buildings, for the maintenance of his household, for keeping such a large number of horses and chariots,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:4
Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:4
Thy father made our yoke grievous by heavy taxes and impositions, not only for the temple and his magnificent buildings, but for the expenses of his numerous court, and of so many wives and concubines, whose luxury and idolatry must needs be very costly. And Solomon having so grossly forsaken God, it is no wonder if he oppressed the people, and made their yoke most grievous, as they speak. But here the people’ s perverseness is very observable, both in this, that they mention and aggravate only the grievances of the government, but take no notice of the vast benefits which they received from it; and in that, that they mind nothing but their outward pressures, and have no regard unto that abominable idolatry which he set up among them; being, it seemed, either leavened with it by his pernicious example, or grown careless and negligent of all the concerns of religion; by which, see how ripe they were for all those dreadful judgments of God which are now hastening upon them.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:4
1 Kings 12:4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.Ver. 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous.] We are sensible how our necks were pinched and galled by means of thy father’ s works and wars; the hard services and great taxes put upon us for the maintenance of his royalty, and great retinue of strange women especially; which charge they could not bear, but their idolatry they could well enough brook. Worldly men are only sensible of worldly damages: Mundi divitias magis amant quam Christi delicias. Make thou his heavy yoke lighter.] Alleva iugum. These malcontented Mεμψιμοιροι had had a fine time, a golden age under Solomon’ s government, but never found the worth, till they felt the want of it. Bona a tergo sunt formosissima, blessings are most beautiful behind.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:4
(4) We will serve thee.—It seems evident from the tone of the narrative, and especially from the absence of all resentment on the part of the king on the presentation of these conditions, that they were acting within their right; and whatever Jeroboam’s designs may have been, there is no sign of any general predetermination of rebellion. The imposition of the burdens of heavy taxation and forced labour on the people was against old traditions, and even against the practice of Solomon’s earlier years. (See 1 Kings 4:20; 1 Kings 9:20-22.) To demand a removal, or alleviation of these was perfectly compatible with a loyal willingness to “serve” the new king. The demand might naturally be suggested by Jeroboam, who, by his official position, knew well the severity of the burden.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:4
Verse 4. The grievous service - and - heavy yoke] They seem here to complain of two things - excessively laborious service, and a heavy taxation. At first it is supposed Solomon employed no Israelite in drudgery: afterwards, when he forsook the God of compassion, he seems to have used them as slaves, and to have revived the Egyptian bondage.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 12:4
4. make thou the grievous service … lighter] Josephus says they naturally expected to gain their request, and especially as the king was a young man. The house of Joseph, i.e. the Ephraimites, are specially mentioned as having been engaged in the compulsory labour (see 1 Kings 11:28) in the previous reign, and over these Jeroboam had been in charge, so that he was conversant with their grievances.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 12:4
The complaint was probably twofold. The Israelites no doubt complained in part of the heavy weight of taxation laid upon them for the maintenance of the monarch and his court 1 Kings 4:19-23.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:4
4. Thy father made our yoke grievous — Some have doubted whether Solomon really oppressed the people with severe exactions, and have thought that these complaints were only a pretence to cover their purpose of rebellion.
Sermons on 1 Kings 12:4
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True Freedom Comes Through Submission (Tamil) by Annie Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the true freedom that Jesus offers, contrasting it with the worldly definitions of freedom. It delves into the power of submission, using examples from the B |
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Prudence: The Discipline of Godly Speech by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of developing the skill of wisdom and prudence. The speaker highlights that God's intention for all mankind is to live in peac |
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7) Wisdom for Sisters (Kannada) by Annie Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking divine wisdom for our earthly lives, distinguishing between knowledge and wisdom. It highlights the need for obedience to God's wor |
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(The Foundation and the Building) the Secrets of Jesus Life by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the allure of materialism and the desire to imitate the extravagant lifestyles of others. He warns against being deceived by the external appe |
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Learning the Hard Way by Jimmy Allen | Jimmy Allen emphasizes the process of character formation through life's experiences, illustrating how our choices shape who we become. He draws parallels with the Apostle Paul's j |
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What God Requires - Walking Humbly Before God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking humbly with God, focusing on righteousness, mercy, and obedience to God's will. It highlights the need to seek God's approval rathe |
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07 Pressing on to Greater Humility by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking to have the mind of Christ, not just as a study but as a deep longing. It challenges the common belief that the ultimate destinatio |