^2-3 Meanwhile, friends of Jeroboam (son of Nebat) sent word to him of Solomon’s death. He was in Egypt at the time, where he had gone to escape from King Solomon. He now quickly returned, and was present at the coronation, and led the people’s demands on Rehoboam:

⁴ “Your father was a hard master,” they said. “Be easier on us than he was, and we will let you be our king!”

⁵ Rehoboam told them to return in three days for his decision.