1Rehoboam went to Shechem; for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.
2It happened, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it, (for he was in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of king Solomon,) that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt.
3They sent and called him; and Jeroboam and all Israel came, and they spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
4Your father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make you the grievous service of your father, and his heavy yoke which he put on us, lighter, and we will serve you.
5He said to them, Come again to me after three days. The people departed.
6King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give you me to return answer to this people?
7They spoke to him, saying, If you be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.
