2 Chronicles 11:1-12 ▼

1 Now 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.

2 But 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.

5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built cities for defense in Judah.

6 He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

7 Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,

8 Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

9 Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah,

10 Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, which are fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin.

11 He also strengthened the fortresses and put officers in them and supplies of food, oil, and wine.

12 He put shields and spears in every city and strengthened them greatly. So he held Judah and Benjamin.