2 Chronicles 11

1 venit autem Roboam in Hierusalem et convocavit universam domum Iuda et Beniamin in centum octoginta milibus electorum atque bellantium ut dimicaret contra Israhel et converteret ad se regnum suum

2 factusque est sermo Domini ad Semeiam hominem Dei dicens

3 loquere ad Roboam filium Salomonis regem Iuda et ad universum Israhel qui est in Iuda et Beniamin

4 haec dicit Dominus non ascendetis neque pugnabitis contra fratres vestros revertatur unusquisque in domum suam quia mea hoc gestum est voluntate qui cum audissent sermonem Domini reversi sunt nec perrexerunt contra Hieroboam

5 habitavit autem Roboam in Hierusalem et aedificavit civitates muratas in Iuda

6 extruxitque Bethleem et Aetham et Thecue

7 Bethsur quoque et Soccho et Odollam

8 necnon Geth et Maresa et Ziph

9 sed et Aduram et Lachis et Azecha

10 Saraa quoque et Ahilon et Hebron quae erant in Iuda et Beniamin civitates munitissimas

11 cumque clausisset eas muris posuit in eis principes ciborumque horrea hoc est olei et vini

12 sed et in singulis urbibus fecit armamentaria scutorum et hastarum firmavitque eas multa diligentia et imperavit super Iudam et Beniamin

13 sacerdotes autem et Levitae qui erant in universo Israhel venerunt ad eum de cunctis sedibus suis

14 relinquentes suburbana et possessiones suas et transeuntes ad Iudam et Hierusalem eo quod abiecisset eos Hieroboam et posteri eius ne sacerdotio Domini fungerentur

15 qui constituit sibi sacerdotes excelsorum et daemonum vitulorumque quos fecerat

16 sed et de cunctis tribubus Israhel quicumque dederant cor suum ut quaererent Dominum Deum Israhel venerunt Hierusalem ad immolandas victimas Domino Deo patrum suorum

17 et roboraverunt regnum Iuda et confirmaverunt Roboam filium Salomonis per tres annos ambulaverunt enim in viis David et Salomonis annis tantum tribus

18 duxit autem Roboam uxorem Maalath filiam Hierimuth filii David Abiail quoque filiam Heliab filii Isai

19 quae peperit ei filios Ieus et Somoriam et Zoom

20 post hanc quoque accepit Maacha filiam Absalom quae peperit ei Abia et Ethai et Ziza et Salumith

21 amavit autem Roboam Maacha filiam Absalom super omnes uxores suas et concubinas nam uxores decem et octo duxerat concubinasque sexaginta et genuit viginti octo filios et sexaginta filias

22 constituit vero in capite Abiam filium Maacha ducem super fratres suos ipsum enim regem facere cogitabat

23 qui sapientior fuit et potentior super omnes filios eius et in cunctis finibus Iuda et Beniamin et in universis civitatibus muratis praebuitque eis escas plurimas et multas petivit uxores

2 Chronicles 11 Commentary

Chapter 11

Rehoboam forbidden to war against Israel. (1-12) The priests and Levites find refuge in Judah. (13-23)

Verses 1-12 A few good words might have prevented the rebellion of Rehoboam's subjects; but all the force of his kingdom cannot bring them back. And it is in vain to contend with the purpose of God, when it is made known to us. Even those who are destitute of true faith, will at times pay some regard to the word of God, and be kept by it from wrong actions, to which they are prone by nature.

Verses 13-23 When the priests and Levites came to Jerusalem, the devout, pious Israelites followed them. Such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel, left the inheritance of their fathers, and went to Jerusalem, that they might have free access to the altar of God, and be out of the temptation to worship the calves. That is best for us, which is best for our souls; in all our choices, religious advantages must be sought before all outward conveniences. Where God's faithful priests are, his faithful people should be. And when it has been proved that we are willing to renounce our worldly interests, so far as we are called to do so for the sake of Christ and his gospel, we have good evidence that we are truly his disciples. And it is the interest of a nation to protect religion and religious people.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 11

In this chapter are related the preparations Rehoboam made to regain the ten tribes that revolted from him, but was forbid making the attempt by a prophet of the Lord, which he paid a regard unto, 2Ch 11:1-4, the fortification of several cities in Judah and Benjamin for his defence, 2Ch 11:5-12, the resort of several priests and Levites to him from Jeroboam, which served to strengthen his kingdom, 2Ch 11:13-17, and an account of his wives, and of his children, and of his disposal of them, 2Ch 11:18-23.

been at Shechem, and had given his answer to the request of the men of Israel, upon which they revolted from him: this and the three following verses are the same with 1Ki 12:21-24. \\See Gill on "1Ki 12:21"\\. 19374-950111-2023-2Ch11.2