2 Chronicles 11:6

KJV

He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,

KJV (with Strong's)

He built {H1129} even Bethlehem {H1035}, and Etam {H5862}, and Tekoa {H8620},

Complete Jewish Bible

he built Beit-Lechem, 'Eitam, T'koa,

Berean Standard Bible

He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

American Standard Version

He built Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Rehoboam, the first king of Judah after the kingdom's division, undertook a comprehensive program of fortifying key cities in his territory. This verse specifically names Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa among the fifteen cities he strengthened, highlighting his strategic efforts to secure the southern kingdom against potential threats from the newly formed northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam. This act of fortification demonstrates Rehoboam's pragmatic leadership in a time of significant political and military instability, aiming to establish defensive strongholds and ensure the stability and survival of Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader account of King Rehoboam's reign, specifically detailing his actions immediately following the tumultuous division of the united monarchy (cf. [2 Chronicles 10:19](/2_chronicles/10-19 "The Division of the Kingdom")). After the northern tribes seceded and crowned Jeroboam as their king, Rehoboam initially contemplated military action to reclaim the lost territory, but was divinely restrained (cf. [2 Chronicles 11:1-4](/2_chronicles/11-1 "Rehoboam's Restraint from War")). Instead, he wisely turned his attention to consolidating and securing the remaining southern kingdom of Judah. [2 Chronicles 11:5-12](/2_chronicles/11-5 "Rehoboam's Fortification Program") lists fifteen cities that Rehoboam fortified, with verse 6 specifically mentioning Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa as part of this crucial defensive strategy. This passage emphasizes Rehoboam's shift from offensive ambition to defensive prudence, ensuring the stability and survival of his smaller kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of Israel into two kingdoms—Judah in the south and Israel in the north—was a monumental event with profound political and religious implications. Rehoboam, ruling over Judah (comprising the tribes of Judah and Benjamin), faced a new geopolitical reality: a hostile neighbor to his north. Fortifying cities was a standard and necessary practice in the ancient Near East for defense against invasion, controlling trade routes, and maintaining internal security. Cities like Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa were strategically chosen due to their geographical locations, often on elevated ground or near vital resources like water, providing natural defensive advantages. Bethlehem, already significant as David's hometown, and Tekoa, a prominent wilderness outpost, would have been key points in any defensive network protecting Jerusalem and the heartland of Judah. The act of "building" in this context often meant strengthening existing walls, towers, and gates, and potentially establishing garrisons, rather than constructing entirely new settlements.
* **Key Themes:** The fortification efforts described in [2 Chronicles 11:5-12](/2_chronicles/11-5 "Rehoboam's Fortified Cities") highlight several key themes. Firstly, **Pragmatic Leadership and Defense** is evident, as Rehoboam, despite his initial folly in [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "The Kingdom Divides"), demonstrates a practical and necessary response to a fragmented kingdom. He recognized the immediate need to secure his borders and internal territories, shifting from a posture of aggression to one of defense. Secondly, the passage underscores the **Strategic Importance of Key Locations**, with the specific mention of Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa emphasizing a calculated defensive strategy that leveraged the natural topography and existing settlements. Bethlehem, of course, carried immense historical and prophetic weight (cf. [1 Samuel 16:1](/1_samuel/16-1 "David Anointed in Bethlehem") and [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Prophecy of Messiah's Birth in Bethlehem")). Lastly, the narrative subtly conveys the theme of **Divine Providence Amidst Human Action**, as Rehoboam's defensive measures, though humanly conceived, align with God's established plan for the Davidic dynasty to continue in Judah, even as the northern kingdom splintered.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Built (Hebrew, בָּנָה, _bānâ'_):** While literally meaning "to build" or "to construct," in contexts involving existing cities, this verb often signifies "to rebuild," "to fortify," "to strengthen," or "to repair." It implies an investment in existing infrastructure, enhancing its defensive capabilities rather than creating a city from scratch. Rehoboam was not establishing new settlements but rather reinforcing strategic strongholds to protect Judah.
* **Bethlehem (Hebrew, בֵּית לֶחֶם, _Bêṯ Leḥem'_):** Meaning "house of bread," Bethlehem was a small but historically significant town in Judah, approximately six miles south of Jerusalem. It was the birthplace of King David (cf. [1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "David's Bethlehem Origins")) and later prophesied as the birthplace of the Messiah (cf. [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Prophecy of Messiah's Birth")). Its fortification highlights its strategic importance in the defense of Judah's heartland.
* **Tekoa (Hebrew, תְּקוֹעַ, _Təqôaʿ'_):** Located about ten miles south of Jerusalem, Tekoa was a town situated on a high ridge overlooking the wilderness of Judah. Its elevated position offered excellent defensive advantages and served as a strategic outpost. It is also known as the hometown of the prophet Amos (cf. [Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos from Tekoa")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He built even Bethlehem":** This clause indicates Rehoboam's direct and intentional action to fortify Bethlehem. The inclusion of "even" (or "also" in some translations) emphasizes that Bethlehem was among the key cities selected for this defensive program, underscoring its importance beyond its historical and religious significance. The work involved strengthening its walls, gates, and potentially establishing a garrison.
* **"and Etam":** Etam was likely located south of Bethlehem, possibly near a significant water source, which would have made it a vital strategic point in the arid region of Judah. Its fortification suggests a comprehensive defensive line protecting the southern approaches to Jerusalem and the central highlands.
* **"and Tekoa":** The mention of Tekoa further illustrates the strategic depth of Rehoboam's defensive plan. Its position on a high point overlooking the wilderness provided a crucial vantage point for observing movements and defending against incursions from the south or east. Together, these cities formed a network of strongholds designed to secure Judah's borders and internal stability.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Selection** to highlight Rehoboam's strategic actions. By listing specific cities—Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa—out of a larger total (mentioned in [2 Chronicles 11:5](/2_chronicles/11-5 "Rehoboam's Fortified Cities")), the chronicler draws attention to their particular significance. This **Specificity** lends credibility and detail to the account of Rehoboam's defensive program, showing that it was a well-planned and executed endeavor rather than a vague generalization. The mention of Bethlehem, in particular, serves as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing** or **Irony**, given its future role in redemptive history, even as it is here presented as a military stronghold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The fortification efforts of Rehoboam, while a pragmatic political and military response, carry deeper theological implications. They underscore the divine permission for the kingdom's division (cf. [1 Kings 12:24](/1_kings/12-24 "The Division is from God")) and the subsequent need for Judah to secure itself. This act of building and strengthening reflects a principle of responsible stewardship and preparedness in the face of adversity, even when that adversity is divinely ordained. It illustrates that human wisdom and effort are not antithetical to God's sovereign plan but can be instruments within it, especially when focused on preserving what God has entrusted. The chronicler often emphasizes the consequences of obedience and disobedience, and here, Rehoboam's wise, albeit defensive, actions stand in contrast to his earlier folly, suggesting a measure of divine favor or at least a practical wisdom that contributed to Judah's initial stability.

* [Nehemiah 2:17](/nehemiah/2-17 "Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem")
* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Unless the Lord Builds")
* [Proverbs 21:22](/proverbs/21-22 "A Wise Man Scales the City of the Mighty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rehoboam's strategic decision to fortify cities like Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual life of the believer. Just as he sought to secure his physical kingdom against external threats, we are called to actively build and strengthen our spiritual defenses. This involves diligently cultivating our faith, fortifying our minds with truth, and guarding our hearts against the subtle and overt attacks of the enemy. In a world full of spiritual challenges and temptations, wisdom dictates that we do not remain passive but proactively establish strong foundations for our faith, much like a well-fortified city. This preparedness is not born of fear, but of a sober recognition of spiritual realities and a desire to stand firm in Christ. It encourages us to identify the "key cities" in our own lives—our convictions, our relationships, our disciplines—and invest in their strength and resilience, ensuring they are not easily breached by doubt, despair, or deception.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "cities" in your spiritual life that need fortification and strengthening?**
* **How do you actively build up your faith and guard your heart against spiritual attacks?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more wisdom and preparedness, rather than reacting to crises?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rehoboam choose these specific cities for fortification?**

Answer: Rehoboam chose Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa, along with twelve other cities (as listed in [2 Chronicles 11:5-10](/2_chronicles/11-5 "Rehoboam's Fortified Cities")), primarily for their strategic geographical locations and defensive advantages. These cities were often situated on elevated ground, controlled access routes, or were near vital resources like water. Bethlehem, for instance, was a key town south of Jerusalem. Etam, possibly known for its springs, would have been important for water supply, and Tekoa, on a high ridge, offered excellent observation and defense capabilities. Together, they formed a network of strongholds designed to protect the heartland of Judah from potential incursions from the newly formed northern kingdom of Israel or other external threats. His choices reflect a pragmatic and well-thought-out defensive strategy to secure his kingdom after the division.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 11:6 describes Rehoboam's earthly efforts to build and secure a physical kingdom, it subtly points to a greater, eternal King who builds an unshakeable spiritual kingdom. The mention of Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David (cf. [1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "David's Bethlehem Origins")), and later prophesied as the birthplace of the Messiah (cf. [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Prophecy of Messiah's Birth")), naturally draws our gaze to Jesus Christ. Unlike Rehoboam, whose kingdom was divided and whose fortifications were ultimately temporary, Jesus builds a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" (cf. [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "God's Eternal Kingdom")). He is the true builder, not of stone cities, but of living stones—His Church (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones")). His work on the cross and resurrection established an eternal defense against sin and death, fortifying believers not with walls of brick but with the impenetrable Spirit of God (cf. [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ the Cornerstone")). The security we find in Christ is not in physical strongholds, but in His finished work, His ongoing intercession (cf. [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrew/7-25 "Christ's Intercession")), and the promise that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against" His Church (cf. [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "The Church Built on the Rock")). He is our ultimate refuge and strength, the one who truly builds and secures.

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

Matthew 2:5

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

Matthew 2:6

And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

2 Chronicles 20:20

¶ And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

Genesis 35:19

And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which [is] Bethlehem.

Judges 15:8

And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam.

Nehemiah 3:27

After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.

1 Chronicles 4:32

And their villages [were], Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities: