Flattered by the prospect of exercising supreme authority, Rehoboam determined to disregard the counsel of the older 90 men of his realm, and to make the younger men his advisers. Thus it came to pass that on the day appointed, when "Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam" for a statement concerning the policy he intended to pursue, Rehoboam "answered the people roughly, . . . saying, May father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions." Verses 12-14.

Udsigten til at regere absolut enevældigt tiltalte Rehabeam. Han besluttede derfor at tilsidesætte det råd, som rigets gamle mænd havde givet ham, og at lade de unge mænd være sine rådgivere. "Da alt folket tredjedagen kom til Rehabeam" for at få at vide, hvilken kurs han ville følge, "gav han dem et hårdt svar, og ..... sagde ..... "Har min fader lagt et tungt åg på eder, vil jeg gøre åget tungere: har min fader tugtet eder med svøber, vil jeg tugte eder med skorpioner!" 1Kong 12,12-14.