1. REHOBOAM WENT to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.
2. And when Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of it–for he still dwelt in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon–[he] returned from Egypt.
3. And they sent and called him, and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came and said to Rehoboam,
4. Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore lighten the hard service and the heavy yoke your father put upon us, and we will serve you.
5. He replied, Go away for three days and then return to me. So the people departed.
6. And King Rehoboam consulted with the old men who stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived and said, How do you advise me to answer this people?
7. And they said to him, If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them and answer them with good words, they will be your servants forever.
8. But he forsook the counsel the old men gave him and consulted the young men who grew up with him and stood before him.