2
And when Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, heard
it, who
was in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of Solomon, the king, Jeroboam returned out of 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 unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.
6
Then King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon, his father, while he yet lived, saying, What do you counsel to reply to this people?
7
And they spoke unto him, saying, If thou wilt seek the good of this people and please them and speak good words to them, they will be thy slaves 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.
9
And he said unto them, What do you counsel us to reply to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us?
10
Then the young men that were brought up with him spoke unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spoke unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little
finger is thicker than my father’s loins.
11
For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I
will chastise you with scorpions.
12
So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king had commanded, saying, Come again to me on the third day.