1. Rehoboam went to Shechem because all Israel had gone to Shechem to make him king.
2. Jer o boam (Nebat’s son) was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon. When he heard ⌊about Rehoboam⌋, he returned from Egypt.
3. ⌊Israel⌋ sent for Jer o boam and invited him back. Jer o boam and the entire assembly of Israel went to speak to Rehoboam. They said,
4. “Your father made us carry a heavy burden. Reduce the hard work and lighten the heavy burden he put on us, and we will serve you.”
5. He said to them, “Leave and come back the day after tomorrow.” So the people left.
6. King Rehoboam sought advice from the older leaders who had served his father Solomon while he was still alive. He asked, “What do you advise? How should I respond to these people?”
7. They told him, “If you will serve these people today, humble yourself, and speak gently, then they will always be your servants.”