2 Chronicles 11:1

KJV

¶ And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen [men], which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when Rehoboam {H7346} was come {H935} to Jerusalem {H3389}, he gathered {H6950} of the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063} and Benjamin {H1144} an hundred {H3967} and fourscore {H8084} thousand {H505} chosen {H977} men, which were warriors {H6213}{H4421}, to fight {H3898} against Israel {H3478}, that he might bring {H7725} the kingdom {H4467} again {H7725} to Rehoboam {H7346}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When Rechav'am arrived in Yerushalayim, he assembled the house of Y'hudah and Binyamin, 180,000 select soldiers, to fight Isra'el and bring the rulership back to Rechav'am.

Berean Standard Bible

When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized the house of Judah and Benjamin—180,000 chosen warriors—to fight against Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam.

American Standard Version

And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled the house of Judah and Benjamin, a hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, that were warriors, to fight against Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse vividly recounts King Rehoboam's immediate and decisive military mobilization upon his return to Jerusalem following the dramatic division of the united monarchy. Driven by a fierce determination to reclaim his lost authority, he assembled a formidable army of 180,000 elite warriors from the loyal tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with the explicit intent of waging war against the newly formed Northern Kingdom of Israel and forcibly restoring the unified monarchy under his personal rule.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This passage directly follows the pivotal event of the kingdom's schism, detailed in [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - The Division of the Kingdom"). Rehoboam's arrogant rejection of the elders' counsel and his oppressive policies led to the rebellion of ten northern tribes, who subsequently crowned Jeroboam as their king. [2 Chronicles 11:1](/2_chronicles/11-1 "2 Chronicles 11:1 - Rehoboam Gathers an Army") immediately presents Rehoboam's human response to this catastrophic loss of territory and power. It sets the stage for an impending civil war, which is then dramatically averted by divine intervention in the subsequent verses of [2 Chronicles 11:2-4](/2_chronicles/11-2-4 "2 Chronicles 11:2-4 - God Forbids the War"), highlighting the Chronicler's emphasis on God's sovereign control over human affairs.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate aftermath of King Solomon's death and the subsequent succession crisis. Solomon's reign, while glorious, had imposed heavy burdens on the people, particularly the northern tribes. Rehoboam's failure to alleviate these burdens, as recorded in [1 Kings 12:1-15](/1_kings/12-1-15 "1 Kings 12:1-15 - The Rebellion Against Rehoboam"), directly triggered the division of the united kingdom, a monumental turning point in Israelite history. Rehoboam was left with only the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the Kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital. His response in this verse reflects the typical reaction of an ancient Near Eastern monarch whose authority was challenged: the immediate and aggressive mobilization of military force to suppress rebellion and reassert control. The fragmentation of the kingdom was not only a political disaster but also a profound theological crisis, challenging the ideal of a unified people under God's chosen king.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several profound themes central to the Chronicler's theological narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Rehoboam's Human Resolve and Ambition**, showcasing his determination to reverse a divinely orchestrated outcome through sheer military might. The sheer size and elite nature of the army he gathered underscore the seriousness of his intent to restore the unified kingdom by force. Secondly, the passage starkly highlights the tension between **Human Will and Divine Sovereignty**. Rehoboam's plan to "bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam" directly contradicts God's declared judgment against Solomon's idolatry, which explicitly stated that the kingdom would be torn from his son's hand ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). This sets up a crucial theological lesson about God's ultimate control over historical events, even those driven by human ambition. Finally, [2 Chronicles 11:1](/2_chronicles/11-1 "2 Chronicles 11:1 - Rehoboam Gathers an Army") immediately creates dramatic tension by foreshadowing an **Imminent Civil War**. This tension is swiftly resolved in the subsequent verses by God's direct intervention, which prevents the bloodshed, further emphasizing His providential hand in the affairs of His people ([2 Chronicles 11:2-4](/2_chronicles/11-2-4 "2 Chronicles 11:2-4 - God Forbids the War")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **chosen (Hebrew, _bâchar'_):** This term (H977) signifies "selected," "picked," or "elite." It emphasizes that the 180,000 men gathered by Rehoboam were not a conscripted rabble but a highly trained, formidable fighting force, underscoring the serious and decisive nature of his military intent. The selection implies quality and readiness for battle.
* **warriors (Hebrew, _milchâmâh'_):** While the KJV translates it as "warriors," the underlying Hebrew (H4421) primarily means "battle" or "warfare," but its definition includes "warrior." In this context, it refers to those engaged in war, highlighting that these chosen men were not just able-bodied but were experienced in combat, ready for active engagement.
* **fight (Hebrew, _lâcham'_):** This primitive root (H3898) means "to feed on," but figuratively, "to consume," and by implication, "to battle" or "to wage war." Its use here clearly states Rehoboam's aggressive purpose: to engage in military conflict with the northern tribes, aiming to forcefully subjugate them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem,"**: This clause establishes the setting and the immediate aftermath of the kingdom's division. Jerusalem, as the capital of Judah and the seat of the Davidic dynasty, was the natural place for Rehoboam to rally his forces and plan his counter-action. His return signifies a strategic regrouping after the humiliation of the northern tribes' secession.
* **"he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin"**: This specifies the loyal tribes that remained under Rehoboam's rule. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin formed the core of the Southern Kingdom, indicating their allegiance to the Davidic line and their readiness to support Rehoboam's cause against their northern brethren.
* **"an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen [men], which were warriors,"**: This detail highlights the sheer scale and formidable nature of the army Rehoboam assembled. "An hundred and fourscore thousand" (180,000) is a massive number, indicating a significant mobilization of resources and manpower. The description "chosen men, which were warriors" further emphasizes the quality and readiness of this force, composed of elite, experienced fighters.
* **"to fight against Israel,"**: This clearly states the objective of the military gathering: to wage war against the newly formed Northern Kingdom, referred to here simply as "Israel." This directly sets up the impending civil conflict that God will intervene to prevent.
* **"that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam."**: This final clause reveals Rehoboam's ultimate motivation and ambition. He sought to reverse the division by force, to re-establish the united monarchy, and to restore the entire kingdom under his personal authority, demonstrating his unwillingness to accept the divine decree that had orchestrated the split.

#### Literary Devices
[2 Chronicles 11:1](/2_chronicles/11-1 "2 Chronicles 11:1 - Rehoboam Gathers an Army") employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The mention of "an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men" serves as a form of **Hyperbole**, or at least a significant emphasis on the immense scale of Rehoboam's military mobilization. This highlights the gravity of the impending conflict and his unwavering determination. This grand assembly also functions as **Foreshadowing**, immediately signaling the threat of civil war and setting up the dramatic tension that will be swiftly resolved by divine intervention in the subsequent verses. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces **Irony**: Rehoboam's zealous attempt to "bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam" through human might stands in stark contrast to the divine decree that explicitly tore the kingdom from his hand due to Solomon's sin. This highlights the futility of human ambition when it directly opposes God's sovereign plan, a central theological point the Chronicler emphasizes throughout this narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a powerful illustration of the tension between human will and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme throughout biblical history. Rehoboam's immediate and forceful reaction to the kingdom's division demonstrates a human inclination to solve problems through strength and control, rather than seeking divine counsel or submitting to God's declared purposes. The Chronicler, writing from a post-exilic perspective, emphasizes that the division of the kingdom was not merely a political upheaval but a divinely orchestrated judgment against Solomon's idolatry and the people's unfaithfulness. Thus, Rehoboam's attempt to reverse this through military might represents a direct challenge to God's authority and a failure to discern His hand in the unfolding events. This passage underscores the principle that God's plans will ultimately prevail, even when human leaders attempt to thwart them with impressive displays of power.

* [1 Kings 12:24](/1_kings/12-24 "1 Kings 12:24 - The Word of the Lord Prevails")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Chronicles 11:1](/2_chronicles/11-1 "2 Chronicles 11:1 - Rehoboam Gathers an Army") offers a profound lesson for contemporary believers regarding our responses to difficult or unwelcome circumstances. Like Rehoboam, our natural inclination when faced with loss, division, or perceived injustice can be to immediately mobilize our own resources, strategies, and strength to regain control or reverse an undesirable outcome. This verse challenges us to pause and consider whether our actions are aligned with God's will, or if we are merely reacting out of human ambition, pride, or a desire for self-preservation. Rehoboam's readiness to wage civil war, despite the clear divine hand in the kingdom's division, serves as a cautionary tale against relying solely on our own might and wisdom. It compels us to cultivate a spirit of discernment, seeking God's counsel and submitting to His sovereign plan, even when it diverges from our preferred outcomes. True peace and lasting solutions often come not from human force, but from humble reliance on God's higher ways.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with significant challenges or losses, what is my immediate, natural inclination? Do I first seek to mobilize my own resources, or do I first seek God's counsel and direction?**
* **How can I better discern God's sovereign hand in circumstances that seem to go against my plans or desires?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be attempting to "bring the kingdom again to myself" rather than trusting in God's ultimate control and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rehoboam gather such a large army if God had already decreed the division of the kingdom?**

Answer: Rehoboam gathered such a massive army because, from a human perspective, he was acting as a typical ancient Near Eastern monarch whose authority had been challenged and whose kingdom had been severely diminished. He saw the secession of the ten northern tribes as an act of rebellion that needed to be suppressed by force to restore his rightful rule over all Israel. While God had indeed decreed the division as a judgment against Solomon's idolatry ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")), Rehoboam either did not fully grasp this divine purpose, or he chose to defy it, prioritizing his own ambition and perceived right to rule over God's stated will. His actions in [2 Chronicles 11:1](/2_chronicles/11-1 "2 Chronicles 11:1 - Rehoboam Gathers an Army") demonstrate a reliance on human strength and strategy rather than divine wisdom or submission.

**What was the significance of only Judah and Benjamin remaining loyal to Rehoboam?**

Answer: The loyalty of Judah and Benjamin was significant for several reasons. Judah was the tribe from which the Davidic dynasty originated, making its allegiance foundational to Rehoboam's legitimacy. Benjamin, though smaller, was closely intertwined with Judah, especially since Jerusalem, the capital, lay on the border between the two. Their continued loyalty meant that Rehoboam retained control over the spiritual and political heartland of the former united kingdom, including the Temple in Jerusalem. This division effectively created two distinct entities: the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often characterized by political instability and idolatry, and the Southern Kingdom of Judah, which, despite its own struggles, maintained the Davidic line and the Jerusalem Temple, serving as the primary locus of Yahweh worship for centuries ([2 Chronicles 11:1](/2_chronicles/11-1 "2 Chronicles 11:1 - Rehoboam Gathers an Army") highlights this initial consolidation of power).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Chronicles 11:1](/2_chronicles/11-1 "2 Chronicles 11:1 - Rehoboam Gathers an Army"), with Rehoboam's attempt to restore his earthly kingdom through military might, stands in stark contrast to the way God's true and eternal kingdom is established. While Rehoboam sought to reclaim a divided earthly realm through force, Christ, the ultimate King, came not to conquer with armies but to reconcile a divided humanity through self-sacrifice. His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it advanced by carnal weapons or human power ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World"); [2 Corinthians 10:4](/2_corinthians/10-4 "2 Corinthians 10:4 - The Weapons of Our Warfare")). The division of Israel under Rehoboam foreshadows the deeper spiritual schism of humanity alienated from God by sin, a division that no human king or army could bridge. It is only through the finished work of Christ on the cross that peace is made and reconciliation achieved, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and uniting all who believe into one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Unlike Rehoboam, whose efforts were thwarted by divine decree, Jesus's mission to establish His spiritual kingdom was perfectly aligned with the Father's will and culminated in His glorious resurrection and ascension, ensuring His reign is eternal and universal ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Thus, Rehoboam's futile attempt to restore his kingdom by force points to the profound truth that God's ultimate plan of redemption and reconciliation would be accomplished not by human might, but by the humble, suffering, and victorious Lamb of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 12:21

And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon.

1 Kings 12:24

Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Psalms 33:10

The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Proverbs 21:31

The horse [is] prepared against the day of battle: but safety [is] of the LORD.