(14) And answered them.--And spake unto them.

Advice.--Counsel.

My father made your yoke heavy.--The Targum and a large number of Hebrew MSS. read, "I will make heavy." This appears to be an error arising out of a fusion of the two words 'abi hikhbid into 'ahhbid. All the versions have the reading of the text.

Thereto.--"To your yoke" (Kings).

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.See Introduction to Chapter 9