1. And Rechav`am went to Shechem; for kol Yisroel were come to Shechem to make him Melech.
2. And it came to pass, when Yarov`am Ben Nevat, who was yet in Mitzrayim, heard of it, (for he had fled from the presence of HaMelech Sh'lomo, and Yarov`am dwelt in Mitzrayim);
3. That they sent and called him. And Yarov`am and kol Kehal Yisroel came, and spoke unto Rechav`am, saying,
4. Avicha made our ol (yoke) difficult; now therefore make thou the grievous avodat Avicha, and his heavy ol (yoke) which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.
5. And he said unto them, Depart yet for shloshah yamim, then come back to me. And HaAm departed.
6. And HaMelech Rechav`am consulted with the Zekenim, that stood before Sh'lomo Aviv while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may return answer to HaAm Hazeh?
7. And they spoke unto him, saying, If thou wilt be an eved unto this people today, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak devarim tovim to them, then they will be thy avadim kol hayamim.
8. But he forsook the atzat HaZekenim (counsel of the Elders), which they had given him, and consulted with the yeladim (young people) that were grown up with him, and which stood before him (i.e., were in his court);
9. And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may return answer to HaAm Hazeh, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the ol (yoke) which Avicha did put upon us lighter?
10. And the yeladim that were grown up with him spoke unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto HaAm hazeh that spoke unto thee, saying, Avicha made our ol (yoke) heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than the loins of Avi!
11. And now whereas Avi did lay on you an ol kaved (heavy yoke), I will add to your ol (yoke); Avi hath scourged you with shotim (whips), but I will scourge you with akrabim (scorpions).