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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - 2 Chronicles 11:1 - 11:12
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Rehoboam's Army and Forts
v. 1. And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, after fleeing from Shechem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, veteran soldiers, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam, he wanted to make the rebels submit to his authority by force of arms.
v. 2. But the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, the man of God, saying,
v. 3. Speak unto Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, that is, the entire assembled army, saying,
v. 4. Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up nor fight against your brethren, for such they were, in spite of their rebellion. Return every man to his house; for this thing is done of Me, the rebellion had been accomplished by His express permission. And they obeyed the words of the Lord, and returned from going against Jeroboam. The army, fearing the divine prohibition, dispersed, and the king was obliged to submit.
v. 5. And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, which continued to be the capital of the southern nation, and built cities for defense in Judah, since he, in the present weakened state of his kingdom, feared both the northern tribes and other powerful neighbors.
v. 6. He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, as outposts of Jerusalem toward the south,
v. 7. and Beth-zur, and Shoco, and Adullam,
v. 8. and Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,
v. 9. and Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah, all these cities being toward the south. west, toward Egypt, and in the west, toward Philistia,
v. 10. and Zorah, and Aijalon, cities originally belonging to Dan, but now to Benjamin, near the northern border of his dominion, and Hebron, the ancient city in the south central part of the Judean country, which are in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities.
v. 11. And he fortified the strong holds, making use of their natural location in making them strong fortresses, and put captains in them, experienced commanders, and store of victual, and of oil and wine, military stores sufficient to enable the garrison to withstand a siege.
v. 12. And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, able to withstand the offensive of a strong attacking force, having Judah and Benjamin on his side, these two tribes, as a political division, forming his nation. In all this the promise of God to David was fulfilled; for He had assured him the continuation of his dynasty on the throne of Judah.