1–15 (= 1 Kings xii. 1–15).
The Conference at Shechem.
¹And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.
1. Shechem] Chosen by Rehoboam for its central position, for it is in the heart of Western Palestine between Mt Ebal and Mt Gerizim.
²And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it, (for he was in Egypt, whither he had fled from the presence of king Solomon,) that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt. ³And they sent and called him; and Jeroboam and all Israel came, and they spake to Rehoboam, saying,
2. Jeroboam] For his antecedents (which are not given by the Chronicler) see 1 Kings xi. 26 ff.
that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt] So we should read also in 1 Kings xii. 2 for “and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt.” The difference in Hebrew between the two readings when written without the vowels is confined to one letter, מ instead of ב.
⁴Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee. ⁵And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.
4. the grievous service of thy father] The “service” complained of is described (in part) in 1 Kings v. 13, 14 (no parallel in Chronicles). Compare viii. 9 (= 1 Kings ix. 22), note.
and we will serve thee] The people claim their ancient right to a voice in the appointment of a king; compare 1 Samuel xi. 14, 15 (Saul) and 2 Samuel v. 1–3 (David).
⁶And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people?