KJV ORIGINAL
Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Your father made our burden too heavy to bear. So now, please lighten the harsh labor your father forced us to do, and reduce the heavy burden he placed on us, and we will serve you.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The people are asking the new king to reduce the harsh working conditions and heavy taxes that his father had imposed on them.
📚 Historical Context
This verse occurs when Rehoboam becomes king after his father Solomon's death. The people of Israel are referring to Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor policies that were used to fund his massive building projects, including the temple and his palace. They're giving the new king a chance to rule more gently than his father did.
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