2 Chronicles 11:1-13

Rehoboam Reigns over Judah and Builds Cities

1 ¹Now when Rehoboam had come to Jerusalem, he assembled the house of Judah and Benjamin, 180,000 * * chosen men who were warriors, to fight against Israel to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam.

2 But the word of the LORD came to ²Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

3 "Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,

4 'Thus says the LORD, "You shall not go up or fight against ³your relatives; return every man to his house, ⁴for this thing is from Me.""' So they listened to the words of the LORD and returned from going against Jeroboam.

5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and ⁵built cities for defense in Judah.

6 Thus he built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

7 Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,

8 Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

9 Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah,

10 Zorah, Aijalon and Hebron, which are fortified cities in Judah and in Benjamin.

11 He also strengthened the fortresses and put officers in them and stores of food, oil and wine.

12 He put shields and spears in every city and strengthened them greatly *. So he held Judah and Benjamin.

13 Moreover, the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel stood with him from all their districts.

2 Chronicles 11:1-13 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 11

In this chapter are related the preparations Rehoboam made to regain the ten tribes that revolted from him, but was forbid making the attempt by a prophet of the Lord, which he paid a regard unto, 2Ch 11:1-4, the fortification of several cities in Judah and Benjamin for his defence, 2Ch 11:5-12, the resort of several priests and Levites to him from Jeroboam, which served to strengthen his kingdom, 2Ch 11:13-17, and an account of his wives, and of his children, and of his disposal of them, 2Ch 11:18-23.

been at Shechem, and had given his answer to the request of the men of Israel, upon which they revolted from him: this and the three following verses are the same with 1Ki 12:21-24. \\See Gill on "1Ki 12:21"\\. 19374-950111-2023-2Ch11.2

Cross References

• 1. 1 Kings 12:21-24
• 2. 2 Chr 12:5-7, 15
• 3. 2 Chronicles 28:8-11
• 4. 2 Chronicles 10:15
• 5. 2 Chronicles 8:2-6; 2 Chronicles 11:23

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "brothers"