2 Chronicles 11:5

And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.

And Rehoboam {H7346} dwelt {H3427} in Jerusalem {H3389}, and built {H1129} cities {H5892} for defence {H4692} in Judah {H3063}.

Rechav'am lived in Yerushalayim and built cities for defense in Y'hudah -

Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah.

And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 11:5 introduces us to King Rehoboam's strategic actions following the significant division of the Israelite kingdom. After the northern ten tribes rebelled and formed the kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, Rehoboam, Solomon's son, was left to rule over the southern kingdom of Judah, with Jerusalem as its capital.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic split of the united monarchy, detailed in 2 Chronicles chapter 10 and 1 Kings chapter 12. Rehoboam's foolish decision to reject the counsel of the elders and listen to the young men's harsh advice led to the rebellion. Faced with a newly hostile northern neighbor and a reduced territory, Rehoboam wisely turned his attention to strengthening his remaining kingdom. His dwelling in Jerusalem confirms its status as the administrative and spiritual center of Judah.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Leadership: Despite his initial folly, Rehoboam demonstrates a practical, defensive approach to governance. Recognizing the vulnerability of his kingdom after the split, he prioritizes national security.
  • Fortification: The building of "cities for defence" highlights a period of intense military preparation. This was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, crucial for protecting trade routes, borders, and population centers.
  • Focus on Judah: With Israel now separate, Rehoboam's efforts are concentrated solely on Judah, reinforcing its boundaries and key locations. This marks the beginning of the distinct histories of the two kingdoms.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "defence" (ΧžΦ΄Χ‘Φ°Χ¦ΦΈΧ¨, mibtzar) implies a fortified place, stronghold, or fortress. It conveys the idea of a secure, impenetrable structure designed to withstand attack. This emphasizes the serious nature of Rehoboam's building program – these were not just towns, but strongholds.

Practical Application

Rehoboam's actions, while politically motivated, offer a lesson in responsible stewardship and preparation. Even after significant setbacks, a leader or individual must assess current realities and take pragmatic steps to ensure safety and stability. For believers, this can translate to building spiritual defenses against temptation and adversity, as Paul encourages in Ephesians 6:11 when speaking of putting on the full armor of God. It also reminds us that even human kings, despite their flaws, often acted under divine providence, as God had foretold the kingdom's division (1 Kings 12:15).

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 8:2

    That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.

  • 2 Chronicles 8:6

    And Baalath, and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion.

  • 2 Chronicles 27:4

    Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.

  • 2 Chronicles 26:6

    And he went forth and warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities about Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

  • 2 Chronicles 14:6

    And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.

  • 2 Chronicles 14:7

    Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about [them] walls, and towers, gates, and bars, [while] the land [is] yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought [him], and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.

  • Isaiah 22:8

    ΒΆ And he discovered the covering of Judah, and thou didst look in that day to the armour of the house of the forest.
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