2 Chronicles 11:5

5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, but he built cities for Judah's defense

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 Tell Judah's King Rehoboam, Solomon's son, and all Israel in Judah and Benjamin,

4 This is what the LORD says: Don't make war against your relatives. Go home, every one of you, because this is my plan. When they heard the LORD's words, they abandoned their attack against Jeroboam.

5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, but he built cities for Judah's defense

6 in Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

7 Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,