Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah.
Parallel translations
- WEB Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah.
- KJV And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.
- NKJV So Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah.
- NASB Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built cities for defense in Judah.
- NLT Rehoboam remained in Jerusalem and fortified various towns for the defense of Judah.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Rehoboam settles in Jerusalem and builds fortified cities throughout Judah. He turns to securing the kingdom he still holds.
Overview
Rather than pursuing war against Israel, Rehoboam strengthens his defenses at home. This building program reflects a season of relative wisdom and stability in his reign. The Chronicler presents it as evidence of God's blessing during the years Judah walked faithfully (vv. 16-17).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 8
- 2 Chr 8:2–6Solomon rebuilt the cities Hiram had given him and settled Israelites there.
- 2 Chr 17:12Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah
- 2 Chr 26:6Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines.
- 2 Chr 16:6Then King Asa brought all the men of Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials he built up Geba and Mizpah.
- 2 Chr 14:6–7Because the land was at peace, Asa built fortified cities in Judah. In those days no one made war with him, because the LORD had given him rest.
- 2 Chr 11:23Rehoboam also acted wisely by dispersing some of his sons throughout the districts of Judah and Benjamin, and to all the fortified cities. He gave them abundant provisions and sought many wives for them.
- 2 Chr 27:4He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests.
- Isa 22:8–11He has uncovered the defenses of Judah. On that day you looked to the weapons in the House of the Forest.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
Resources, by level
Commentaries & study tools
Free animated overview and word-study videos for this book.
Sermons and teaching on this passage from across YouTube.
Clear, readable, conservative exposition — the best free place to start on any passage.
Matthew Henry, Barnes, Gill, the Pulpit Commentary, Ellicott, Cambridge, and more — stacked on one page for this exact verse.
The beloved Puritan exposition of this whole book — warm, devotional, and verse by verse (free, CCEL).
Hebrew/Greek interlinear, word definitions, and cross-references for this verse.
Christ at the center
Temple, priesthood, and the repeated need for a faithful king who seeks the LORD all point past every imperfect reign to the King and Temple who finally and fully dwell with God's people.
How 2 Chronicles 11:5 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.