17. But as for the Bnei Yisroel which dwelt in the towns of Yehudah, Rechav`am reigned over them.
18. Then HaMelech Rechav`am sent Adoram, who was over the mas (forced labor); and kol Yisroel stoned him, that he died. Therefore HaMelech Rechav`am made speed to get himself up to his merkavah, to flee to Yerushalayim.
19. So Yisroel has been in rebellion against the Bais Dovid unto this day.
20. And it came to pass, when kol Yisroel heard that Yarov`am was come again, that they sent and called him unto the Edah, and made him melech over kol Yisroel; there was none that followed the Bais Dovid, but the Shevet Yehudah only.
21. And when Rechav`am was come to Yerushalayim he assembled kol Bais Yehudah, with the Shevet Binyamin, a hundred and fourscore thousand bachur oseh milchamah (chosen fighting men), to fight against Bais Yisroel, to regain the Kingdom for Rechav`am Ben Sh'lomo.
22. But the Devar HaElohim came unto Shemayah the Ish HaElohim, saying,
23. Speak unto Rechav`am Ben Sh'lomo Melech Yehudah, and unto kol Bais Yehudah and Binyamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying,
24. Thus saith Hashem, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the Bnei Yisroel; Shuvu (go back! return!) every ish to his bais; for this thing is from Me. They paid heed therefore to the Devar Hashem, and turned around to depart, according to the Devar Hashem.