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?
7. And they spoke unto him, saying, If thou be kind to HaAm HaZeh, and please them, and speak devarim tovim to them, they will be thy avadim kol hayamim (all the days).
8. But he forsook the Atzat HaZekenim they gave him, and took counsel with the yeladim that were brought up with him, that stood before him.
9. And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to HaAm HaZeh, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat haOl that Avicha did put upon us?
10. And the yeladim that grew up with him spoke unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer HaAm that spoke unto thee, saying, Avicha made our ol (yoke) heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger is thicker than the loins of Avi.