1. And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.
2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he had fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)
3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
4. 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.
5. And he said to them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.
6. And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?