1. And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone to Shechem to make him king.
2. When Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was still in Egypt, heard of it (for he had fled from King Solomon and stayed in Egypt),
3. they called and sent for him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
4. “Your father made our yoke unbearable. Now, therefore, make the grievous service to your father and the heavy yoke he put upon us lighter, and we will serve you.”
5. He said to them, “Depart for three days, and then come back to me.” And the people departed.
6. King Rehoboam consulted with the old men who advised his father Solomon while he was still alive and asked, “How do you advise me to answer the people?”