1. Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king.
2. When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of this, he returned from Egypt, for he had fled to Egypt to escape from King Solomon.
3. The leaders of Israel summoned him, and Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israel went to speak with Rehoboam.
4. “Your father was a hard master,” they said. “Lighten the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects.”
5. Rehoboam replied, “Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my answer.” So the people went away.
6. Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?”
7. The older counselors replied, “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.”