1. Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone to Shechem to make him king.
2. When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about it — for he was in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon’s presence — Jeroboam returned from Egypt.
3. So they summoned him. Then Jeroboam and all Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam:
4. “Your father made our yoke difficult. Therefore, lighten your father’s harsh service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”
5. Rehoboam replied, “Return to me in three days.” So the people left.
6. Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon when he was alive, asking, “How do you advise me to respond to these people? ”
7. They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.”