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Joshua 15:33
And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,

Zoreah

Genesis 23:2
And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the sameis Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.

Numbers 13:22
And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak,were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)

Joshua 14:14
Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite unto this day, because that he wholly followed the LORD God of Israel.

Aijalon
Aijalon was another strategically important city, situated in the tribal territory of Dan but later associated with Benjamin. It is mentioned in the context of several biblical battles, including the famous battle where Joshua commanded the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12). The fortification of Aijalon by Rehoboam indicates its continued military significance, serving as a buffer against invasions from the north and west. Its location on a major route made it a key point for controlling access to the interior of Judah.

and Hebron
Hebron is one of the most ancient cities in the region, with deep historical and religious significance. It was the site where Abraham settled and later purchased the Cave of Machpelah as a burial place for his family (Genesis 23). Hebron was also David's first capital before he moved to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 2:1-4). The fortification of Hebron by Rehoboam reflects its ongoing importance as a political and military center in the southern part of Judah. Its elevation and natural defenses made it a stronghold against southern threats.

the fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin
The fortification of cities in Judah and Benjamin was a strategic move by Rehoboam to strengthen his kingdom after the division of Israel. This action was necessary to protect against potential attacks from the northern kingdom of Israel and other neighboring enemies. The emphasis on fortifying cities in both Judah and Benjamin highlights the unity and shared defense of these two tribes, which were central to the southern kingdom. This period of fortification reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s people preparing for and trusting in divine protection while also taking practical steps to ensure their security.

• Rehoboam’s choice to fortify Zorah (2 Chronicles 11:10) shows strategic wisdom: the town lay on the border where Philistine pressure had often come (cf.Joshua 15:33;1 Samuel 13:17).

• God had earlier raised Samson from Zorah to push back Philistine domination (Judges 13:2–5). By strengthening the same place, Rehoboam follows a proven pattern of guarding God’s heritage.

• The verse reminds us that protecting covenant land is a legitimate, even necessary, act of faithfulness—as long as the king’s trust remains in the Lord who “is our refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1).

• Situated in the Shephelah, Aijalon controlled a key valley running toward the coastal plain. It was where Joshua saw the sun stand still while Israel pursued its foes (Joshua 10:12–14).

• By reinforcing a site marked by past miracles, Rehoboam implicitly acknowledges that national security ultimately rests on the same God who once intervened there (cf.Psalm 20:7).

• The repair of Aijalon also signals vigilance: even cities linked to great victories need ongoing attention lest former triumphs breed present complacency.

• Hebron is saturated with covenant history—Abraham built an altar there (Genesis 13:18), and Caleb received it as an inheritance for wholly following the Lord (Joshua 14:13–14).

• Strengthening Hebron underscores continuity: Rehoboam, though presiding over a diminished kingdom, fortifies the very ground promised to the patriarchs, affirming that God’s promises have not shrunk with Judah’s borders (cf.Psalm 105:9–11).

• Fortification here is more than military; it is a declaration that sacred heritage will be preserved against foreign or idolatrous encroachment.

•2 Chronicles 11:5–12 lists fifteen strongholds. These walls, gates, and armories reflect prudent stewardship rather than unbelief; God’s people are to plan wisely while resting in Him (Proverbs 21:31,Nehemiah 4:9).

• Rehoboam’s action contrasts with Jeroboam’s counterfeit religion in the north (1 Kings 12:28–30). One king strengthens what God assigned; the other distorts worship.

• Proper defenses safeguard true worship. In every age the church must guard doctrine and community life, “contending for the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

• After the schism, only these two tribes remained under Davidic rule (1 Kings 12:20–21). Fortifying their territory practically acknowledges God’s decision to limit yet preserve the royal line (2 Samuel 7:16).

• Benjamin’s inclusion highlights unity: cities in both tribes are treated alike, modeling cooperation among God’s people (cf.Psalm 133:1).

• The phrase also foreshadows future hope. Though reduced, the southern kingdom is the cradle from which Messiah will arise (Micah 5:2;Matthew 2:6). Strengthening Judah and Benjamin keeps the messianic promise on course.

2 Chronicles 11:10 records more than a construction project; it captures a moment when a humbled king shores up border towns tied to past deliverance (Zorah, Aijalon) and covenant legacy (Hebron). By fortifying these strategic sites within Judah and Benjamin, Rehoboam exercises responsible leadership, safeguards true worship, and silently testifies that God’s promises stand firm even when political boundaries shift.

Aijalon.--Yalo, north of Sur'ah, four leagues west of Gibeon. Zorah and Aijalon, or Ajalon, may have become Benjamite cities at the epoch of the migration of Dan (Judges 18). (SeeJoshua 19:41-42; alsoJoshua 15:33;Joshua 10:12.) Of the fifteen fortified cities here enumerated these two lay farthest north.

Hebron.--El Khalil (Genesis 23:2).

Which are in Judah and in Benjamin.--This refers to the entire list. . . .