1. Rehoboam went to Shechem because all the Israelites had gone there to make him king.
2. Jeroboam son of Nebat was still in Egypt. He had gone there to escape from Solomon. When Jeroboam heard about Rehoboam being made king, Jeroboam returned from Egypt.
3. So the people sent for him. Then he and the people went to Rehoboam. They said to Rehoboam,
4. “Your father forced us to work very hard. Now, make it easier for us. Don’t make us work as hard as your father did. Then we will serve you.”
5. Rehoboam answered, “Come back to me in three days. Then I will answer you.” So the people left.