1. And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for to Shechem had all Israel come to make him king.
2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt.
3. And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
4. Your father made our yoke heavy: now therefore ease you somewhat the heavy service of your father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve you.
5. And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.
6. And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel do you give me to return an answer to this people?