“And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem were all Israel come to make him king.”
Cross references: : 1 Kings 12:1 After the death of Solomon.
“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.”
That is, handled us rudely, it seemeth that God hardened their hearts, so that they thus murmured without cause: which declareth also the inconstancy of the people.
“But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.”
Or, that stood by him, that is, which were of his counsel and secrets.
“And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins.”
Or, little finger, meaning that he was of far greater power, than was his father.
“So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.”
Hebrew, by the hand of. God’s will imposeth such a necessity to the second causes, that nothing can be done but according to the same, and yet man’s will worketh as of itself, so that it cannot be excused in doing that it is God’s ordinance.
“Then king Rehoboam sent Hadoram that was over the tribute; and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. made speed: Heb. strengthened himself”
Or, receiver. Hebrew, strengthened himself.