2 Chronicles 11:7

And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam,

And Bethzur {H1049}, and Shoco {H7755}, and Adullam {H5725},

Beit-Tzur, Sokho, 'Adulam,

Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,

And Beth-zur, and Soco, and Adullam,

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of a detailed account in 2 Chronicles 11:5-12, which describes the defensive measures taken by King Rehoboam, son of Solomon. After the ten northern tribes of Israel seceded to Jeroboam (see 1 Kings 12:19 and 2 Chronicles 10:19), Rehoboam was left with the southern kingdom of Judah and Benjamin. Recognizing the vulnerability of his reduced territory, he embarked on a significant project to fortify strategic cities throughout Judah, turning them into strongholds with garrisons and provisions. Verses 6-10 list 15 such cities, and 2 Chronicles 11:7 specifically names three of them.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Fortification: The primary theme is Rehoboam's pragmatic and extensive effort to secure his kingdom through military infrastructure. This shows a leader taking proactive steps for national security.
  • Consequences of Division: The necessity for these fortifications underscores the fragile state of affairs following the split of the united monarchy, highlighting the new political realities.
  • Geographical Importance: The specific cities listed were chosen for their strategic locations, controlling key routes and defending borders against potential threats.

Linguistic Insights

The verse "And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam," simply lists three proper nouns, which are significant Hebrew place names within the territory of Judah. There are no complex grammatical structures or unique word meanings to analyze beyond their geographical and historical identity as fortified locations.

Significance of the Cities

The cities mentioned in this verse were vital for the defense of Judah:

  • Bethzur: Located in the Judean hills, about four miles north of Hebron, Bethzur was a historically important fortress that commanded a crucial route to Jerusalem and the southern part of Judah. Its elevated position made it an excellent defensive point.
  • Shoco (or Socoh): Situated in the Shephelah, the lowlands between the Judean hills and the Philistine plain, Shoco controlled access from the west. It was near the Valley of Elah, famous as the site of David's battle with Goliath, making it a key strategic location for guarding against Philistine incursions.
  • Adullam: Also in the Shephelah, Adullam is well-known for its cave where David sought refuge from King Saul. Its natural caves and strategic position provided excellent defensive capabilities and control over a significant area.

Practical Application

Rehoboam's diligent efforts to fortify his physical kingdom offer a valuable spiritual parallel. Just as he built strongholds against external threats, believers are called to build up their spiritual defenses against the challenges and temptations of the world. This involves actively engaging with God's Word, prayer, and cultivating a life of obedience. The concept of being prepared and resilient is echoed in the New Testament's call to put on the full armor of God, signifying a readiness to stand firm in faith. This verse reminds us of the importance of wise stewardship and proactive preparation, whether in national defense or personal spiritual growth.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

Cross-References

  • Joshua 15:35

    Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

  • Micah 1:15

    Yet will I bring an heir unto thee, O inhabitant of Mareshah: he shall come unto Adullam the glory of Israel.

  • 1 Samuel 22:1

    ¶ David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard [it], they went down thither to him.

  • Joshua 12:15

    The king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;

  • 2 Samuel 23:13

    And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.

  • Joshua 15:58

    Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,
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