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?