to a present suspicion, since he had
not given them a favorable answer to their mind immediately; for
they thought that he should have given them a humane answer off-hand,
especially since he was but young. However, they thought that this
consultation about it, and that he did not presently give them a denial,
afforded them some good hope of success.

2. Rehoboam now called his father's friends, and advised with them what
sort of answer he ought to give to the multitude; upon which they gave
him the advice which became friends, and those that knew the temper of
such a multitude. They advised him to speak in a way more popular than
suited the grandeur of a king, because he would thereby oblige them to
submit to him with goodwill, it being most agreeable to subjects that
their kings should be almost upon the level with them. But Rehoboam
rejected this so good, and in general so profitable, advice, [it was
such, at least, at that time when he was to be made king,] God himself,
I suppose, causing what was most advantageous to be condemned by him. So
he called for the young men who were brought up with him, and told them
what advice the elders had given him, and bade them speak what they
thought he ought to do. They advised him to give the following answer
to the people [for neither their youth nor God himself suffered them to
discern what was best]: That his little finger should be thicker than
his father's loins; and if they had met with hard usage from his father,
they should experience much rougher treatment from him; and if his
father had chastised them with whips, they must expect that he would
do it with scorpions. [23] The king was pleased with this advice, and
thought it agreeable to the dignity of his government to give them such
an answer. Accordingly, when the multitude was come together to hear his
answer on the third day, all the people were in great expectation, and
very intent to hear what the king would say to them, and supposed they
should hear somewhat of a kind nature; but he passed by his friends,
and answered as the young men had given him counsel. Now this was done
according to the will of God, that what Ahijah had foretold might come
to pass.

3. By these words the people were struck as it were by all iron hammer,
and were so grieved at the words, as if they had already felt the
effects of them; and they had great indignation at the king; and all
cried out aloud, and said, "We will have no longer any