2 Chronicles 11:5

5 Rehoboam remained in Jerusalem and fortified various towns for the defense of 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, and to all the Israelites in Judah and Benjamin:

4 ‘This is what the LORD says: Do not fight against your relatives. Go back home, for what has happened is my doing!’” So they obeyed the message of the LORD and did not fight against Jeroboam.

5 Rehoboam remained in Jerusalem and fortified various towns for the defense of Judah.

6 He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

7 Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,