X The people request Rehoboam to ease their grievances, ver. 1-5. Rehoboam rejecting the old mens counsel, by the advice of the young men answers them roughly, ver. 6-15. Ten tribes revolt, ver. 16-19.

4. Grievous - It is probable, when Solomon had declined from God, that God left him to himself to act thus impolitically.

7. If thou be kind, &c. - Moderate counsels are generally best. Gentleness will do what violence will not do. Good words cost nothing but a little self-denial, and yet they purchase great things.