1
Forsooth Rehoboam came into Jerusalem, and he called together all the house of Judah and of Benjamin, unto ninescore thousand of chosen men and warriors, for to fight against Israel, and for to turn again his realm to him (and to bring back his kingdom to him).
2
And the word of the Lord was made to Shemaiah, the man of God, and said,
3
Speak thou to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel, which is in Judah and Benjamin; (and say,) (Speak thou to Solomon's son Rehoboam, the king of Judah, and to all Israel, who be in Judah and Benjamin; and say,)
4
The Lord saith these things, Ye shall not go up, neither ye shall fight against your brethren; each man turn again to his house, for this thing is done by my will. And when they had heard the word of the Lord, they turned again, and went not against king Jeroboam. (The Lord saith these things, Ye shall not go up, nor shall ye fight against your kinsmen; each man return to his house, for this thing is done by my will. And when they had heard the word of the Lord, they returned to their homes, and did not go up against King Jeroboam.)
5
And Rehoboam dwelled in Jerusalem, and he builded walled cities in Judah; (And Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built walls for many cities in Judah;)
6
and he builded Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, (yea, he fortified Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,)
7
and Bethzur; and Shoco, and Adullam;
8
also and Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph;
9
but also Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah;