2. When Jeroboam, Nebat’s son, heard the news, he returned from Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon.
3. The people sent and called for Jeroboam, who along with all Israel came and said to Rehoboam,
4. "Your father made our workload very heavy; if you will lessen the demands your father made of us and lighten the heavy workload he demanded from us, then we will serve you."
5. He answered them, "Come back in three days." So the people left.
6. King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon when he was alive. "What do you advise?" Rehoboam asked. "How should I respond to these people?"
7. "If you are kind to these people and try to please them by speaking gently with them," they replied, "they will be your servants forever."