1 Rehoboam went to Shechem where everyone was waiting to crown him king.
2 Jeroboam son of Nebat heard what was happening, and he stayed in Egypt, where he had gone to hide from Solomon.
3 But the people from the northern tribes of Israel sent for him. Then together they went to Rehoboam and said,
4 “Your father Solomon forced us to work very hard. But if you make our work easier, we will serve you and do whatever you ask.”