1 Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to
make him king. 2 When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of Solomon's
death, he returned from Egypt,* for he had fled to Egypt to
escape from King Solomon.1 3 The leaders of Israel sent for
Jeroboam, and the whole assembly of Israel went to speak with
Rehoboam. 4 "Your father was a hard master," they said. "Lighten
the harsh labor demands and heavy taxes that your father imposed
on us. Then we will be your loyal subjects." 5 Rehoboam replied,
"Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my
answer." So the people went away. 6 Then King Rehoboam went to
discuss the matter with the older men who had counseled his
father, Solomon. "What is your advice?" he asked. "How should I
answer these people?" 7 The older counselors replied, "If you
are willing to serve the people today and give them a favorable
answer, they will always be your loyal subjects." 8 But Rehoboam
rejected the advice of the elders and instead asked the opinion
of the young men wh