And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
He spoke to them following the advice of the young men, saying, 'My father made your burden heavy, and I will make your burden even heavier. My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions.'
King Rehoboam foolishly threatened to treat his people even more harshly than his father Solomon had, choosing bad advice from inexperienced counselors over wisdom from experienced elders.
📚 Historical Context
In the historical context of ancient Israel, after King Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam faced a delegation from the northern tribes who requested relief from the heavy labor and taxes imposed during Solomon's reign. Rehoboam sought advice from his elder counselors, who recommended a conciliatory approach, but he ultimately followed the harsh counsel of his young peers, as described in this verse. This decision exacerbated tensions and led to the division of the kingdom into Israel in the north and Judah in the south.
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