Jeroboam, who had been living in Egypt, to avoid being executed by Solomon, heard that Solomon had died and his son, Rehoboam had gone to Shechem to become the king. Jeroboam went to Shechem to ask Rehoboam to provide relief from the heavy taxation and enforced labor imposed by his father, Solomon.
Rehoboam said, “Return in three days, after I have considered this matter.” During that interval, Rehoboam consulted with advisors that had been part of Solomon’s administration. They advised that the kingdom of Israel would be unified if tax relief and easing of enforced labor was provided. A younger set of advisors that had grown up with Rehoboam suggested the opposite. “Tax them more and make them work harder,” they advised. Rehoboam followed the advice of the young advisors. [Reflection based on the Bible Reference – 2 Chronicles 10:1-19]
