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1 Kings 12:4

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.

1 Kings 12:4 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Kings 12:4

Theological / Devotional

Yoke grievous. The complaint was well founded. The people were not happy with the heavy weight of taxation and the forced draft of labor required by Solomon for his extensive public works. As superintendent of the levy of forced labor in Ephraim, Jeroboam had no doubt listened to many complaints and was probably better informed concerning the widespread dissatisfaction that existed than were other advisers of the king. The request made for a lightening of the load was fair, and it would be a matter both of justice and prudence to give ear to the people’s complaints.

By SdaBc