2 Chronicles 11

13–17 Jeroboam had set up an alternate system of worship throughout the ten northern tribes (see 1 Kings 12:25–33 and comment), which included the worship of goat¹ and calf idols (verse 15). Because Jeroboam had rejected the Levites living among the northern tribes and had forbidden them to act as priests, they left their pasture lands and property (Numbers 35:1–5) and moved to the south in support of Rehoboam. Also many other faithful believers moved south at that time and, in so doing, strengthened the kingdom of Judah (verses 16–17).

Rehoboam’s Family (11:18–23)

18–23 Like his father Solomon, Rehoboam took many wives and concubines. He chose Abijah, the son of his favorite wife Maacah, to succeed him as king, even though he was not the oldest of his sons (verse 22). He dispersed some of his sons throughout his kingdom so that they would not be on hand to contest the succession of their brother Abijah (verse 23).