2 Chronicles 11:5

5 Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem but built up a defense system for Judah all around:

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 this to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, along with all the Israelites in Judah and Benjamin,

4 This is God's word: Don't march out; don't fight against your brothers the Israelites. Go back home, every last one of you; I'm in charge here." And they did it; they did what God said and went home.

5 Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem but built up a defense system for Judah all around:

6 in Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

7 Beth Zur, Soco, Adullam,