
2 Chronicles 11
In this chapter, Rehoboam, son of Solomon, responds to the division of Israel by preparing for war against the northern tribes. However, at God's command through a prophet, Rehoboam ceases his plans for war and focuses on fortifying his kingdom. The chapter also highlights how the priests and Levites remained loyal to Rehoboam, which strengthened the kingdom of Judah, while the northern kingdom under Jeroboam fell into idolatry.
2 Chronicles 11:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now when Rehoboam came to Jerusalem, he assembled from the house of Judah and Benjamin one hundred and eighty thousand chosen men who were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might restore the kingdom to Rehoboam.
2 But the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
3 “Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,
4 ‘Thus says the Lord: “You shall not go up or fight against your brethren! Let every man return to his house, for this thing is from Me.”’” Therefore they obeyed the words of the Lord, and turned back from attacking Jeroboam.
5 So Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah.
Rehoboam initially plans to wage war against the northern tribes to reunite the kingdom. However, God sends a message through the prophet Shemaiah, commanding Rehoboam not to fight against his fellow Israelites, as the division of the kingdom is part of God's plan. Obeying God, Rehoboam refrains from war and instead focuses on fortifying his kingdom. This act of obedience likely spared Judah from a bloody conflict and shows God's sovereignty in the political events of Israel.
2 Chronicles 11:6-10 (NKJV)
6 And he built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,
7 Beth Zur, Sochoh, Adullam,
8 Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,
9 Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah,
10 Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and Benjamin, fortified cities.
Rehoboam, after obeying God's command, shifts his focus to strengthening the defenses of his kingdom. He constructs and fortifies a series of strategic cities across Judah and Benjamin, ensuring that his kingdom would be well-protected. These cities were located in key areas to guard against potential attacks, showing Rehoboam’s wisdom in securing his reign militarily.
2 Chronicles 11:11-12 (NKJV)
11 And he fortified the strongholds, and put captains in them, and stores of food, oil, and wine.
12 Also in every city he put shields and spears, and made them very strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.
Rehoboam strengthens these fortified cities by appointing military commanders and stocking them with supplies. His preparation goes beyond mere construction, as he ensures that the cities have ample weapons, food, and other essentials. This strategy demonstrates Rehoboam's foresight in ensuring the kingdom's survival in case of future conflict, particularly since Judah and Benjamin were united under his rule.
2 Chronicles 11:13-14 (NKJV)
13 And from all their territories the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel took their stand with him.
14 For the Levites left their common-lands and their possessions and came to Judah and Jerusalem, for Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them from serving as priests to the Lord.
The Levites, who were scattered throughout Israel, abandoned their homes and possessions to remain faithful to God by aligning with Rehoboam. Jeroboam, ruling over the northern tribes, had rejected the true worship of God and replaced it with a corrupted system of worship. The loyalty of the Levites to Rehoboam strengthened the spiritual foundation of Judah, while Jeroboam's rejection of them led to further religious corruption in Israel.
2 Chronicles 11:15-17 (NKJV)
15 Then he appointed for himself priests for the high places, for the demons, and the calf idols which he had made.
16 And after the Levites left, those from all the tribes of Israel, such as set their heart to seek the Lord God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the Lord God of their fathers.
17 So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong for three years, because they walked in the way of David and Solomon for three years.
Jeroboam appoints false priests for idolatrous worship, introducing practices that opposed the true worship of God. However, many faithful Israelites, seeking to worship God according to His law, migrated to Judah and Jerusalem. This influx of devoted worshipers helped strengthen Rehoboam's kingdom both spiritually and politically. For three years, the kingdom of Judah thrived as the people followed the traditions of David and Solomon, which ensured stability and prosperity.
2 Chronicles 11:18-20 (NKJV)
18 Then Rehoboam took for himself as wife Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth, the son of David, and of Abihail, the daughter of Eliah, the son of Jesse.
19 And she bore him children: Jeush, Shamariah, and Zaham.
20 After her he took Maachah the granddaughter of Absalom; and she bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith.
Rehoboam strengthens his political alliances through marriage, taking wives from within the royal family. His first wife, Mahalath, was from the house of David, solidifying his royal lineage. His second wife, Maachah, was related to Absalom, further connecting him to prominent figures in Israel’s history. These marriages produced numerous children, ensuring a continuation of his dynasty.
2 Chronicles 11:21-23 (NKJV)
21 Now Rehoboam loved Maachah the granddaughter of Absalom more than all his wives and his concubines. (For he took eighteen wives and sixty concubines, and begot twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters.)
22 And Rehoboam appointed Abijah the son of Maachah as chief, to be leader among his brothers, for he intended to make him king.
23 He dealt wisely and dispersed some of his sons throughout all the territories of Judah and Benjamin, to every fortified city; and he gave them provisions in abundance. He also sought many wives for them.
Rehoboam's polygamy mirrors the practices of his father, Solomon. He shows favoritism toward Maachah and her son Abijah, intending to make him his successor. Rehoboam also demonstrates political wisdom by placing his sons in fortified cities throughout the kingdom. By giving them provisions and finding them wives, he ensures their loyalty and influence, thus stabilizing his reign over Judah and Benjamin. This strategy helped prevent internal conflicts among his sons while securing his kingdom.