Definition: But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, [and] which stood before him:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 12:8. It’s a really important part of understanding how King David started his reign and how he made decisions. Here's the explanation in simple terms: Basically, it means: David was choosing to listen to advice from people who weren’t his royal family . He wasn't relying solely on his advisors or the people closest to him – like his brothers and uncles. Instead, he started seeking input from younger, more experienced individuals. Let’s unpack it a little: “But he forsook…” : This means David rejected something. He actively chose not to listen to a particular course of action or advice. “…the counsel of the old men…” : This refers to the wise and experienced advisors who had been with him before, likely during his early years as a king. They’d offered guidance based on their long history and understanding of things. "...which had given him..." : This emphasizes that these advisors weren't just offering advice; they were providing it to him. They were essentially sharing their wisdom with him. "[and] which stood before him:" : This highlights the importance of young, experienced people. It suggests that David was looking for someone who had a fresh perspective and wasn’t bound by tradition or past decisions. Why is this significant? This is a crucial moment because it shows David's growing maturity and desire to learn from others. It marks the beginning of his journey towards becoming a wise and just ruler – he was taking steps to build a stronger kingdom, and that started with listening to different perspectives. In short, it’s about David choosing to listen to anyone who offered guidance, not just his family. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail?