Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Kings 12:3-4

"and they sent and called him), that Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee." — 1 Kings 12:3-4 (ASV)

And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.

This was a very natural request; these Eastern monarchs took their thrones as if by a kind of divine right, and there was a tendency among the people to demand something like a constitution—some regulations by which they should not be so heavily oppressed.

I do not know whether they had been oppressed by Solomon or not; certainly, the realm as a whole was greatly enriched under his government. However, the wisest ruler must not expect that he will have the uniform love of the people, for there will be some discontented ones in every community.