2 Chronicles 11:5

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;)

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 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;