And there are gathered unto him vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them.
Ver. 7. And there are gathered unto him vain men.] Rachas brainless fellows, light and empty; yokeless also and masterless; men of no piety or common honesty. Such also were Catiline's comrades among the Romans.
When Rehoboam was young.] Not in age, but in experience, policy, and valour; he was imbellis et metculosus, hen-hearted, as we say, and - as a young plant, not yet rooted - easily shaken and swayed by the insolencies of his rebellious subjects.
And could not withstand them.] Thus he layeth the fault - like a good child - wholly upon his father; with whom, it is like, he was displeased for obeying the prophet Shemaiah, 2Ch 11:4 and not reducing his rebels at first, as he might have done, but for his folly and faint-heartedness, saith Abijah.