121 Then Rehoboam went to Shechem , for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king . 2 Now when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it, he was living in Egypt (for he was yet in Egypt , where he had fled from the presence of King Solomon ). 3 Then they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam , saying , 4 " Your father made our yoke hard ; now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke which he put on us, and we will serve you." 5 Then he said to them, " Depart for three days , then return to me." So the people departed .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:1-5
Commentary on 1 Kings 12:1-15
(Read 1 Kings 12:1-15)
The tribes complained not to Rehoboam of his father's idolatry, and revolt from God. That which was the greatest grievance, was none to them; so careless were they in matters of religion, if they might live at case, and pay no taxes. Factious spirits will never want something to complain of. And when we see the Scripture account of Solomon's reign; the peace, wealth, and prosperity Israel then enjoyed; we cannot doubt but that their charges were false, or far beyond the truth. Rehoboam answered the people according to the counsel of the young men. Never was man more blinded by pride, and desire of arbitrary power, than which nothing is more fatal. God's counsels were hereby fulfilled. He left Rehoboam to his own folly, and hid from his eyes the things which belonged to his peace, that the kingdom might be rent from him. God serves his own wise and righteous purposes by the imprudences and sins of men. Those that lose the kingdom of heaven, throw it away, as Rehoboam, by wilfulness and folly.