Rehoboam lived in JerusalemRehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, was the first king of the southern kingdom of Judah after the division of the united monarchy. Jerusalem, the capital city, held significant religious and political importance as the location of the Temple, which Solomon had built. This city was the center of worship for the Israelites and symbolized God's presence among His people. Rehoboam's residence in Jerusalem underscores the continuity of Davidic rule and the centrality of the city in Judah's identity. The choice of Jerusalem as his dwelling place also reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to David that his descendants would continue to rule from this city (
2 Samuel 7:12-16).
and he built up cities for defense in Judah
Following the division of the kingdom, Rehoboam focused on strengthening his territory against potential threats, particularly from the northern kingdom of Israel and other neighboring nations. The construction of fortified cities was a strategic move to protect Judah's borders and maintain control over the region. These cities served as military outposts and refuges in times of conflict. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of fortified cities during this period, highlighting the historical accuracy of the biblical account. This action reflects a common practice in the ancient Near East, where kings fortified cities to secure their reign and protect their people. The emphasis on defense also points to the turbulent political climate of the time, as Rehoboam sought to consolidate his power and ensure the survival of his kingdom.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
RehoboamThe son of Solomon and the grandson of David, Rehoboam was the first king of the southern kingdom of Judah after the united monarchy of Israel split. His reign is marked by the division of the kingdom and efforts to fortify his rule.
2.
JerusalemThe capital city of Judah and the spiritual center for the Israelites. It was the location of the Temple built by Solomon and served as the political and religious hub for the southern kingdom.
3.
Cities for DefenseRehoboam's strategic initiative to build fortified cities in Judah was a response to the political and military threats following the division of the kingdom. These cities served as a protective measure against potential invasions.
Teaching Points
Leadership and ResponsibilityRehoboam's actions demonstrate the importance of leadership in times of crisis. Leaders must take proactive steps to protect and provide for their people, even amidst challenges.
Strategic PlanningThe building of fortified cities reflects the necessity of strategic planning and preparation. Believers are encouraged to be wise and discerning in their personal and communal lives, preparing for future challenges.
Reliance on GodWhile Rehoboam's efforts were necessary, they also remind us of the need to balance human initiative with trust in God's sovereignty. Our plans should be made with prayerful consideration and reliance on God's guidance.
Unity and DivisionThe context of Rehoboam's reign serves as a reminder of the consequences of division within God's people. Unity in faith and purpose is crucial for spiritual and communal strength.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 11:5?
2.How does Rehoboam's action in 2 Chronicles 11:5 demonstrate leadership and responsibility?
3.What can we learn about God's protection from Rehoboam's fortified cities in Judah?
4.How does 2 Chronicles 11:5 relate to God's promises to David's lineage?
5.In what ways can we fortify our spiritual lives like Rehoboam's cities?
6.How can Rehoboam's strategy in Judah inspire our approach to spiritual challenges today?
7.What historical evidence supports Rehoboam's fortification efforts in 2 Chronicles 11:5?
8.How do Rehoboam's actions in 2 Chronicles 11:5 reflect his leadership style?
9.What theological significance do the fortified cities in 2 Chronicles 11:5 hold?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 11?
11.How do we reconcile 2 Chronicles 11:5–10, which describes Rehoboam’s extensive city fortifications, with the lack of clear archaeological evidence for such large-scale construction?
12.What is Tekoa's biblical significance?
13.Who were Rehoboam and Jeroboam in biblical history?
14.Numbers 32:34–38: Can we verify the rapid construction or fortification of these cities in Transjordan through any historical or archaeological findings?What Does 2 Chronicles 11:5 Mean
Rehoboam lived“Rehoboam lived…” (2 Chronicles 11:5)
• The verb “lived” signals stability after the shock of losing ten tribes (1 Kings 12:16–20).
• God had promised David “a lamp in Jerusalem” (1 Kings 11:36), so Rehoboam’s continued life and reign affirm the unbroken Davidic line.
• His physical presence among the people answers the Lord’s earlier call for kings to “be careful to walk before Me” (1 Kings 2:3–4).
In Jerusalem“…in Jerusalem…”
• Jerusalem is the city God chose “for My Name to dwell” (2 Chronicles 6:6).
• By remaining in the temple city, Rehoboam showed at least outward loyalty to the covenant worship established by Solomon.
•Psalm 132:13 reminds us, “For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling.” Staying there kept the king under the shadow of God’s ordained center of worship, rather than chasing political advantage elsewhere.
And he built up cities“…and he built up cities…”
• Instead of retreating in defeat, Rehoboam went to work.2 Chronicles 11:6–10 lists fifteen fortified towns (e.g., Bethlehem, Lachish, Azekah).
• This construction echoes Solomon’s earlier efforts to strengthen the land (2 Chronicles 8:2 ff;1 Kings 9:15).
• Building projects provided employment, unified Judah, and demonstrated that the kingdom still possessed resources worth defending.
For defense“…for defense…”
• The northern kingdom under Jeroboam was now a real threat. Fortifications prepared Judah for the inevitable conflicts noted later (2 Chronicles 13:4–12).
• Defensive readiness also guarded temple worship; losing Judah would have endangered the altar God designated (Deuteronomy 12:5–6).
• Asa and Hezekiah would follow the same pattern, “building walls and towers” when foreign pressure mounted (2 Chronicles 14:6–7; 32:5).
In Judah“…in Judah.”
• The phrase narrows the focus to the territory God preserved for David’s heirs (1 Kings 12:21).
• Priests and Levites who fled the north settled here, strengthening both spiritual life and manpower (2 Chronicles 11:13–17).
• Concentrating defenses within Judah honored the tribal allotment God had sustained since Joshua (Joshua 15), showing that even after schism the covenant land promise stood firm.
summary2 Chronicles 11:5 reveals a battered but believing king anchoring himself in God’s chosen city, taking practical steps to safeguard the remnant kingdom, and trusting the Lord’s covenant to David. Rehoboam’s residence in Jerusalem, his energetic fortification program, and his focus on Judah together illustrate responsible leadership that clings to God’s promises while acting wisely in the face of division.
(
b)
REHOBOAM STRENGTHENS THE DEFENCES OF HIS KINGDOM (
2Chronicles 11:5-12).
This section is peculiar to the chronicler.
(5)Dwelt in Jerusalem.--As the capital.
Cities for defence.--('Arim l'm?cor ='are m?c?r;2Chronicles 8:5), "embattled cities; "LXX.,?????? ?????????.
In Judah.--Not the territory of the tribe, but the kingdom is intended, for some of the fortresses were in Benjamin (2Chronicles 11:10).
Verses 5-12. - These eight verses tell how Rehoboam, relieved of the responsibility of attempting to reconquer the revolted, wisely betakes himself to strengthening and defending what was left to him. He builds fifteen "fenced cities," or "cities for defence," twelve of them south and west of Jerusalem, for lear of Egypt; he fortifies certain strongholds, officering them, provisioning them, and supplying to them and "every several city" the necessary weapons of warfare and shields.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Rehoboamרְחַבְעָ֖ם(rə·ḥaḇ·‘ām)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7346:Rehoboam -- 'a people are enlarged', a king of Judahcontinued to liveוַיֵּ֥שֶׁב(way·yê·šeḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryin Jerusalem,בִּירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם(bî·rū·šā·lim)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389:Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israeland he built upוַיִּ֧בֶן(way·yi·ḇen)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129:To buildcitiesעָרִ֛ים(‘ā·rîm)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892:Excitementfor defenseלְמָצ֖וֹר(lə·mā·ṣō·wr)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4692:Something hemming in, a mound, a siege, distress, a fastnessin Judah.בִּיהוּדָֽה׃(bî·hū·ḏāh)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063:Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites
Links
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OT History: 2 Chronicles 11:5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built cities (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) 
