1
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem had all Israel come to make him king.
2
And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who [was] in Egypt, whither he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard [it], that Jeroboam returned from Egypt.
3
And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
4
Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.
5
And he said to them, Come again to me after three days. And the people departed.
6
And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye [me] to return answer to this people?
7
And they spoke to him, saying, If thou wilt be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever.
8
But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.