(10) Spake unto him.--Heb., with him; probably a mistaken repetition. Kings, "unto him," and so LXX.; but Syriac, "with him."

Answer.--Say to.

The people.--This people (Kings).

But make thou it somewhat lighter for us.--Literally, And thou lighten from upon us. LXX., well: ??? ?? ???? ??? ????.

Thus shalt thou say.--Kings, "speak."

My little finger.--The word "finger" should not be italicised. The word q?ten means "little finger."

Verses 10, 11. - Language perhaps never spoke more clearly what was in man. And it spoke in this case the mad infatuation of insolent temerity itself.

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 Chapter Introduction