2 Chronicles 11:5

5 Rehoboam resided in Jerusalem, and he built cities for defense in Judah.

2 Chronicles 11:5 Meaning and Commentary

2 Chronicles 11:5

And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem
The metropolis of Judah, and the capital city of his kingdom:

and built cities for defence in Judah;
that is, rebuilt, enlarged, and fortified them; for otherwise they were built before, though neglected before the revolt of the ten tribes; but now it became necessary to make them more capacious and strong, to protect his people, and defend himself against Israel; for though he was forbid to act offensively, and therefore contented himself to abide in Jerusalem, and not go forth to war; yet he might lawfully put himself into a condition of defence.

2 Chronicles 11:5 In-Context

3 Say to King Rehoboam of Judah, son of Solomon, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin,

4 "Thus says the Lord: You shall not go up or fight against your kindred. Let everyone return home, for this thing is from me." So they heeded the word of the Lord and turned back from the expedition against Jeroboam.

5 Rehoboam resided in Jerusalem, and he built cities for defense in Judah.

6 He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

7 Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,