SEV Biblia, Chapter 12:10
Entonces los jóvenes que se habían criado con él, le respondieron, diciendo: Así hablarás a este pueblo que te ha dicho estas palabras: Tu padre agravó nuestro yugo; mas tú disminúyenos algo ; así les hablarás: El menor dedo de los míos es más grueso que los lomos de mi padre.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 12:10
Verse 10. And the young men that were grown up with him] It was a custom in different countries to educate with the heir to the throne young noblemen of nearly the same age. This, as Calmet observes, answered two great and important ends:-1. It excited the prince to emulation; that he might, as far as possible, surpass in all manly exercises, and in all acts of prudence and virtue, those whom one day he was to surpass in the elevation and dignity of his station. 2. That he might acquire a correct knowledge of the disposition and views of those who were likely to be, under him, the highest officers of the state; and consequently, know the better how to trust and employ them. The old counsellors Rehoboam did not know; with the young nobility he had been familiar. My little finger shall be thicker] A proverbial mode of expression: "My little finger is thicker than my father's thigh." As much as the thigh surpasses the little finger in thickness, so much does my power exceed that of my father; and the use that I shall make of it, to employ and tax you, shall be in proportion.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 10. And the young men that were grown up with him, spake unto him, saying , etc.] Gave him the following advice: thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying ; as is said, ( 1 Kings 12:4) thus shall thou say unto them, my little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins ; or, “is thicker” signifying that he had more strength and power than his father had, and that he would make them know it, and they should feel the weight of it, and instead of lessening he would increase their taxes; for also hereby was intimated, that his glory, grandeur, and magnificence, was greater than his father’s, especially when he first came to the kingdom, and therefore required the same taxes, or greater, to support it; and perhaps reference may be had to the difference of their age, Solomon being a child, or a very young man, when he came to the throne; whereas Rehoboam was upwards of forty years of age, and capable of judging what was fit to be done, and not to be talked to and treated after this manner, nor to receive the kingdom upon a condition of the people’s prescribing.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-15 - The tribes complained not to Rehoboam of his father's idolatry, an revolt from God. That which was the greatest grievance, was none to them; so careless were they in matters of religion, if they might liv at case, and pay no taxes. Factious spirits will never want somethin to complain of. And when we see the Scripture account of Solomon' reign; the peace, wealth, and prosperity Israel then enjoyed; we cannot doubt but that their charges were false, or far beyond the truth Rehoboam answered the people according to the counsel of the young men Never was man more blinded by pride, and desire of arbitrary power than which nothing is more fatal. God's counsels were hereby fulfilled He left Rehoboam to his own folly, and hid from his eyes the thing which belonged to his peace, that the kingdom might be rent from him God serves his own wise and righteous purposes by the imprudences an sins of men. Those that lose the kingdom of heaven, throw it away, a Rehoboam, by wilfulness and folly.
Original Hebrew
וידברו 1696 אליו 413 הילדים 3206 אשׁר 834 גדלו 1431 אתו 854 לאמר 559 כה 3541 תאמר 559 לעם 5971 הזה 2088 אשׁר 834 דברו 1696 אליך 413 לאמר 559 אביך 1 הכביד 3513 את 853 עלנו 5923 ואתה 859 הקל 7043 מעלינו 5921 כה 3541 תדבר 1696 אליהם 413 קטני 6995 עבה 5666 ממתני 4975 אבי׃ 1
