(6) Before Solomon.—“Liphnê Sh’lomoh” the common formula for “‘eth-p’nê Sh’lomoh” (Kings).

To return answer to . . .—Literally, to return to this people a word; Kings, “to return this people a word” (double accusative)—a construction preserved in 2Chronicles 10:9 below.

10:1-19 The ten tribes revolt from Rehoboam. - Moderate counsels are wisest and best. Gentleness will do what violence will not do. Most people like to be accosted mildly. Good words cost only a little self-denial, yet they purchase great things. No more needs to be done to ruin men, than to leave them to their own pride and passion. Thus, whatever are the devices of men, God is doing his own work by all, and fulfilling the word which he has spoken. No man can bequeath his prosperity to his heirs any more than his wisdom; though our children will generally be affected by our conduct, whether good or bad. Let us then seek those good things which will be our own for ever; and crave the blessing of God upon our posterity, in preference to wealth or worldly exaltation.The narrative of Kings (marginal reference) is repeated with only slight verbal differences. 3. And they sent—rather, "for they had sent," &c. This is stated as the reason of Jeroboam's return from Egypt. No text from Poole on this verse.

See Chapter Introduction And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people?