2 Chronicles 11:23

And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.

And he dealt wisely {H995}, and dispersed {H6555} of all his children {H1121} throughout all the countries {H776} of Judah {H3063} and Benjamin {H1144}, unto every fenced {H4694} city {H5892}: and he gave {H5414} them victual {H4202} in abundance {H7230}. And he desired {H7592} many {H1995} wives {H802}.

He was wise in his treatment of his sons, sending all of them throughout the territory of Y'hudah and Binyamin, to every fortified city, providing them with plenty of supplies and seeking for them many wives.

Rehoboam also acted wisely by dispersing some of his sons throughout the districts of Judah and Benjamin, and to all the fortified cities. He gave them abundant provisions and sought many wives for them.

And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his sons throughout all the lands of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fortified city: and he gave them victuals in abundance. And he sought for them many wives.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 11:23 provides insight into King Rehoboam's strategic domestic policies after the significant political upheaval that led to the division of the Israelite kingdom. This verse highlights his pragmatic approach to family and governance, showcasing a period of stability and shrewd management following his initial folly.

Context

Following the schism of the kingdom, where ten tribes seceded to form Israel under Jeroboam, Rehoboam was left to rule over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The preceding verses in 2 Chronicles 11 describe Rehoboam's efforts to consolidate power, including fortifying cities and strengthening his position against the northern kingdom. Verse 23 details his internal family strategy, which was intertwined with his national security and stability plans.

Key Themes

  • Rehoboam's Strategic Wisdom: The phrase "And he dealt wisely" (Hebrew: ื•ึทื™ึธึผื‘ึถืŸ, vayaven, meaning "he understood" or "he discerned") indicates a newfound prudence in Rehoboam's leadership, contrasting with his earlier rash decisions that led to the kingdom's division (1 Kings 12:13-14). His decision to disperse his many sons throughout the fortified cities of Judah and Benjamin was a clever move to prevent internal power struggles, secure loyalty in key regions, and provide for his numerous offspring. This also served as a means to ensure a stable succession.
  • Consolidation of Power and Succession Planning: By placing his sons in positions of authority within the kingdom's strongholds, Rehoboam was not only providing for them but also strengthening his grip on the territory. These sons would serve as local administrators and military leaders, ensuring the king's influence extended to every corner of his realm. This was a common practice in ancient monarchies to maintain control and manage a large royal family.
  • Polygamy and its Implications: The concluding phrase, "And he desired many wives," highlights Rehoboam's extensive polygamy. This practice, while common among ancient Near Eastern monarchs for political alliances and producing many heirs, was specifically warned against for Israelite kings in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 17:17). Rehoboam's actions here echo those of his father, King Solomon, whose many foreign wives ultimately led him astray from God. While the verse doesn't explicitly state negative consequences for Rehoboam regarding this, it sets a pattern that often led to spiritual compromise and internal strife in the royal family.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew term for "dealt wisely," vayaven (ื•ึทื™ึธึผื‘ึถืŸ), emphasizes a deeper understanding or discernment. It's not merely cunning, but a thoughtful and strategic approach to managing his complex family and political situation. The phrase "dispersed of all his children" uses the verb vayafretz (ื•ึทื™ึทึผืคึฐืจึตืฅ), which implies spreading out or breaking forth, suggesting a deliberate and expansive distribution.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 11:23 offers lessons on leadership and the consequences of choices. Even after making significant mistakes, leaders can learn and adapt, applying wisdom to new challenges. Rehoboam's strategic distribution of his sons demonstrates foresight in managing potential internal conflicts and strengthening governance. However, the mention of his many wives serves as a subtle reminder of the potential for even wise leaders to fall into practices that, while culturally accepted, might conflict with divine principles or lead to future complications, particularly in spiritual matters or family dynamics. It underscores the importance of not just practical wisdom, but also adherence to moral and spiritual guidelines for lasting success and peace.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 10:8

    But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.

  • 2 Chronicles 10:15

    So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

  • 1 Kings 1:5

    ยถ Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.

  • 1 Kings 1:6

    And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why hast thou done so? and he also [was a] very goodly [man]; and [his mother] bare him after Absalom.

  • Genesis 25:6

    But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country.

  • Luke 16:8

    And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

  • 2 Chronicles 21:3

    And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he [was] the firstborn.
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