1 And Rechav'am went to Shechem, for to Shechem were kol Yisroel come to make him melech.
2 And it came to pass, when Yarov'am ben Nevat, who was in Mitzrayim, where he fled from the presence of Sh'lomo HaMelech heard it, that Yarov'am returned out of Mitzrayim.
3 And they sent and called him. So Yarov'am and kol Yisroel came and spoke to Rechav'am, saying,
4 Avicha made our ol (yoke) kasheh (difficult, harsh); now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous avodas Avicha, and his heavy ol (yoke i.e., taxes, see verse 18) that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.
5 And he said unto them, Shuvu (come back, return) unto me after shloshet yamin. And HaAm departed.
6 And HaMelech Rechav'am took counsel with the Zekenim that had stood before Sh'lomo Avi while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to HaAm HaZeh?