2 Chronicles 11:1-12

Rehoboam Reigns over Judah and Builds Cities

¹Now when Rehoboam had come to Jerusalem, he assembled the house of Judah and Benjamin, 180,000 chosen warriors, to fight against Israel to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam. ²But the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, ³“Tell Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, ⁴‘This is what the Lord says: “You shall not go up nor fight against your relatives; return, every man, to his house, for this event is from Me.” ’ ” So they listened to the words of the Lord and returned from going against Jeroboam.

⁵Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built cities for defense in Judah. ⁶He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, ⁷Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, ⁸Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, ⁹Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, ¹⁰Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, which are fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin. ¹¹He also strengthened the fortresses and put officers in them and supplies of food, oil, and wine. ¹²He put shields and spears in every city and strengthened them greatly. So he held Judah and Benjamin.

Jeroboam Appoints False Priests

Rehoboam’s Family