2 Chronicles 11:5

Judah's King Rehoboam

5 Rehoboam stayed in Jerusalem, and he fortified cities^[a] 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 "Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people:

4 'This is what the Lord says: You are not to march up and fight against your brothers. Each of you must return home, for this incident has come from Me.' " So they listened to what the Lord said and turned back from going against Jeroboam.

5 Rehoboam stayed in Jerusalem, and he fortified cities in Judah.

6 He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

7 Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,

Footnotes

• [a] Lit he built cities for a fortress