And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
And he answered them following the advice of the young men, saying, 'My father made your burden heavy, but I will make it even heavier. My father punished you with whips, but I will punish you with scorpions.'
The writer is showing how King Rehoboam foolishly chose to be even harsher than his father Solomon, threatening the people with worse treatment instead of showing mercy.
📚 Historical Context
This occurred when Rehoboam became king after Solomon's death, and the northern tribes asked him to reduce the heavy taxes and forced labor his father had imposed. Rehoboam rejected the wise counsel of his father's experienced advisors and instead followed the harsh advice of his young friends. This decision led directly to the division of Israel into two kingdoms.
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