10. The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist!
11. Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’”
12. Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam’s decision, just as the king had ordered.
13. But Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors
14. and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. He told the people, “My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!”
15. So the king paid no attention to the people. This turn of events was the will of the lord, for it fulfilled the lord’s message to Jeroboam son of Nebat through the prophet Ahijah from Shiloh.
16. When all Israel realized that the king had refused to listen to them, they responded,“Down with the dynasty of David!We have no interest in the son of Jesse.Back to your homes, O Israel!Look out for your own house, O David!”So the people of Israel returned home.