3
[Israel] sent for Jeroboam and invited him back. Jeroboam and all 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, "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 are good to these people and try to please them by speaking gently to them, then they will always be your servants."