Rehoboam Fortifies Judah and Consolidates Support
2 Chronicles 11:5-17
2 C.11.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויבן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ערים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- למצור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביהודה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:25 (quotation): Direct parallel in Kings with essentially the same wording: Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem and built cities for defense in Judah (verbatim equivalent of Chronicles 11:5).
- 2 Chronicles 11:4 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter that repeats and develops the same action—Rehoboam’s strengthening and building of fortified towns in Judah.
- 2 Chronicles 14:6 (thematic): Asa’s program of fortifying and building cities in Judah; thematically parallels the motive of securing the kingdom by constructing defensive towns.
- 2 Chronicles 32:5 (thematic): Hezekiah’s strengthening and fortification of Judean cities in preparation for external threats—another royal instance of building cities for defense in Judah.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Rehoboam settled in Jerusalem and built fortified cities in Judah.
- And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah.
2 C.11.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- עיטם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- תקוע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 14:21-22 (structural): The parallel summary of Rehoboam’s reign in Kings likewise notes that he strengthened and built towns — corresponding to Chronicles’ listing that he built Bethlehem, Etam and Tekoa.
- 2 Chronicles 11:5 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter describes Rehoboam building and fortifying cities and settling people there, of which verses 6–9 name specific towns (Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa).
- Micah 5:2 (thematic): Bethlehem appears elsewhere as a theologically significant town (the prophetic birthplace of a future ruler); Chronicles’ mention of Bethlehem echoes its recurring narrative and theological importance.
- Amos 1:1 (verbal): Tekoa is named as the hometown of the prophet Amos; the same place-name in Chronicles connects the royal building activity to locations later prominent in prophetic tradition.
Alternative generated candidates
- He built Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa.
- He built Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa.
2 C.11.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- שוכו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- עדלם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 11:6 (structural): Immediate context — the surrounding verses in 2 Chronicles 11 list the same fortified towns Rehoboam built; v.7 is part of this city-list and defensive program.
- Joshua 15:20–63 (verbal): Broad parallel — Joshua’s catalogue of the towns of the territory of Judah includes many of the same place-names (e.g., Beth‑Zur/Beth‑Tzur, Socoh, Adullam), showing these sites as established Judahite settlements.
- Judges 13:2 (verbal): Zorah (Tzur) appears here as the hometown of Samson’s family; connects the same geographic name in the tribal territory of Dan/Judah in other narratives.
- 1 Samuel 17:1 (verbal): Socoh is named as a Philistine staging area (near Azekah) in the account of Goliath — the same site referenced in Chronicles’ list of towns.
- 1 Samuel 22:1 (verbal): Adullam is the location of David’s refuge (the cave of Adullam); this ties the same place-name in Chronicles to other prominent biblical events and memories of the site.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Beth Zur, Sokho, and Adullam.
- And Beth‑zur, Socoh, and Adullam.
2 C.11.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- גת: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- מרשה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- זיף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:25 (quotation): Rehoboam’s program of building and fortifying cities in Judah is stated explicitly in Kings; Chronicles’ list (including Gath, Mareshah, Ziph) echoes this same policy.
- 1 Kings 14:21-31 (structural): The account of Rehoboam’s reign in Kings structurally parallels Chronicles’ narrative about his rule and the strengthening of Judah, of which the list of fortified towns is a part.
- Joshua 15:43-44 (verbal): The book of Joshua lists towns allotted in the territory of Judah; Mareshah and Ziph (and nearby sites) appear in those territorial lists, linking the place-names across the tradition.
- 1 Samuel 21:10 (verbal): Gath appears elsewhere as a known city (e.g., David’s flight to Achish of Gath), showing the same place-name in different narrative contexts.
- 1 Samuel 23:19 (verbal): The Ziphites and the region of Ziph are mentioned in the David–Saul narratives, attesting to the continued significance of the place named here in Chronicles.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Gath, Mareshah, and Ziph.
- And Gath, Mareshah, and Ziph.
2 C.11.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- אדורים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- לכיש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- עזקה: NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 10:31–33 (verbal): Mentions Lachish in the southern conquest—same town name and region as the Lachish listed among Rehoboam’s fortified/localities.
- Isaiah 36:2 (verbal): Refers to Lachish as the Assyrian staging/operational area—underscores Lachish’s role as a significant fortified city in Judah.
- 1 Kings 9:15 (thematic): Solomon’s record of building/fortifying cities (Hazor, Megiddo, Gezer) parallels Rehoboam’s program of strengthening towns—same royal practice of fortification.
- 2 Chronicles 32:5 (thematic): Hezekiah’s measures to strengthen and fortify Judah’s cities echo Rehoboam’s fortification efforts; similar language and purpose in defending Judah’s towns.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Adoraim, Lachish, and Azekah.
- And Adoraim, Lachish, and Azekah.
2 C.11.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- צרעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- אילון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואת: CONJ
- חברון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ביהודה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובבנימן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ערי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- מצרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:25 (verbal): Rehoboam's program of fortifying towns in Judah and Benjamin is described there—direct parallel to the list of fortified cities in 2 Chronicles 11:10.
- 2 Chronicles 11:6-12 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same narrative that lists the cities Rehoboam fortified and the organization of defenses in Judah and Benjamin.
- Joshua 14:13 (thematic): Hebron is repeatedly identified as a principal city of Judah (here given to Caleb), confirming Hebron’s longstanding significance and location within Judah.
- Judges 13:25 (verbal): Mentions Zorah (Zorah) in its geographical context (the territory near Dan/Benjamite border), corroborating the town named in 2 Chronicles 11:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron; these are fortified cities in Judah and in Benjamin.
- And Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron—which are in Judah and in Benjamin—fortified cities.
2 C.11.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחזק: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- המצרות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ויתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- נגידים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואצרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מאכל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושמן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:21 (verbal): Parallel account of Rehoboam in the Kings narrative: he dwelt in Jerusalem and built fortified cities, setting officers/captains over them (same action and administrative detail).
- 2 Chronicles 17:12 (verbal): Jehoshaphat’s building program: he strengthened Judah by building fortified cities and placing garrisons and provisions—language and function closely parallel to Rehoboam’s fortifying and provisioning.
- 2 Chronicles 8:2 (thematic): Solomon’s construction and store-cities: the report of building, storehouses and military resources echoes the provision and logistical preparations (stores of food, oil, wine) for defended sites.
- Nehemiah 4:9 (thematic): During the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls Nehemiah organizes guards and practical defenses—thematic parallel in fortifying communities and arranging protection and supplies.
Alternative generated candidates
- He strengthened the fortresses and placed there commanders and storehouses of food, oil, and wine.
- He strengthened the fortresses, appointed commanders in them, and set up storehouses for grain, oil, and wine.
2 C.11.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובכל: CONJ+PREP
- עיר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועיר: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,const
- צנות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ורמחים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויחזקם: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- להרבה: PREP+VERB,hiphil,inf
- מאד: ADV
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ובנימן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 14:21 (verbal): States Rehoboam's rule 'in Jerusalem over the people of the house of Judah and Benjamin,' matching 2 Chron 11:12's statement that Judah and Benjamin were his.
- 1 Kings 9:15-19 (structural): Solomon built and fortified cities and stationed officers and provisions there—parallel royal policy of fortifying cities and garrisoning them (cf. Rehoboam's strengthening of cities and arms).
- 2 Chronicles 32:5 (thematic): Hezekiah 'strengthened himself, built up the wall, and raised towers' and appointed commanders—another Judean king fortifying and provisioning cities, echoing Rehoboam's actions in 2 Chr 11:12.
- Nehemiah 4:13-15 (thematic): Nehemiah places armed watchmen and organizes labor to strengthen the wall—a parallel image of assigning men and weapons to fortify and secure urban defenses as in 2 Chr 11:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- In every fortified city he stationed shields and spears and greatly strengthened them; Judah and Benjamin were his.
- In every city he placed shields and spears and made them exceedingly strong; and Judah and Benjamin were his.
2 C.11.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התיצבו: VERB,hitp,perf,2,m,pl
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- מכל: PREP
- גבולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:31-33 (structural): Narrative parallel explaining why Levites abandoned Jeroboam: he appointed non-Levitical priests and set up rival altars, prompting the legitimate priests/Levites to align with the true sanctuary.
- 2 Chronicles 11:14 (verbal): Immediate continuation in Chronicles: specifies that the Levites left their possessions and came to Judah and Jerusalem—expands on 11:13's report that priests and Levites stood with him.
- Ezra 1:5 (thematic): Like 2 Chr 11:13, Ezra records priests and Levites assembling and moving to the recognized center of worship (Jerusalem), showing the pattern of religious personnel relocating to support the legitimate sanctuary.
- Deuteronomy 12:5-7 (thematic): Command to bring offerings to the place the LORD chooses (centralized worship) provides the covenantal rationale for Levites and priests to remain with/support the appointed sanctuary (Jerusalem) rather than local altars.
Alternative generated candidates
- The priests and the Levites throughout all Israel stood by him from all their districts.
- And the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel rallied to him from all their districts.
2 C.11.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- עזבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- מגרשיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- ואחזתם: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ליהודה: PREP+PN,masc,sg
- ולירושלם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
- כי: CONJ
- הזניחם: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובניו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- מכהן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:31 (verbal): Describes Jeroboam appointing priests from among the people (not Levites) and establishing alternative worship—direct parallel account explaining why the Levites abandoned their holdings.
- 1 Kings 12:26-30 (thematic): Gives the background motive: Jeroboam's fear that people would continue to go to Jerusalem to worship, so he instituted calf-worship and non-Levite priests—themeually linked to the Levites' departure.
- 2 Chronicles 11:13-15 (verbal): Immediate parallel verses in the same chapter that explicitly state the Levites and priests left their holdings and came to Judah and Jerusalem to serve the LORD under Rehoboam.
- 2 Chronicles 11:16-17 (structural): Continuation that lists where the Levites and priests settled in Judah because they would not serve under Jeroboam—shows the consequence and resolution of the situation described in v.14.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the Levites abandoned their fields and their possessions and came to Judah and to Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from serving as priests of the LORD.
- For the Levites had abandoned their allotted fields and holdings and went to Judah and to Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had made them cease to be priests of the LORD.
2 C.11.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעמד: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- כהנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לבמות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ולשעירים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולעגלים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 13:33 (verbal): Almost identical wording — Jeroboam 'appointed priests for the high places, for the goats, and for the calves' (explicitly links his non‑Levitical priests with the cultic images).
- 1 Kings 12:31 (thematic): Describes Jeroboam's creation of high places and his appointment of priests from 'the lowest of the people' rather than Levites — same reformative/idolatrous policy behind 2 Chr 11:15.
- 1 Kings 12:28-30 (structural): Explains Jeroboam's motive and program (making two golden calves, establishing high‑place worship) that led him to set up alternative priests and cults — provides narrative background for the action of appointing priests.
- Exodus 32:1-6 (allusion): Early Israelite precedent of making a calf and conducting non‑authorized cultic worship; thematically parallels the establishment of calf/high‑place worship and illicit priesthood in Jeroboam's reforms.
Alternative generated candidates
- He appointed for himself priests for the high places, for the goat-idols and for the calves that he had made.
- And he (Jeroboam) set up priests for the high places, for the goat‑idols and for the calves that he had made.
2 C.11.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואחריהם: PREP,3,pl
- מכל: PREP
- שבטי: NOUN,m,pl,con
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנתנים: ADJ,ptcp,pass,m,pl,def
- את: PRT,acc
- לבבם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
- לבקש: PREP+VERB,qal,infc
- את: PRT,acc
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לזבוח: VERB,qal,inf
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבותיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 15:12 (verbal): Uses the same language of covenanting/committing to 'seek the LORD' (לבקש את־יהוה); emphasizes hearts set to seek God as communal reform.
- 2 Chronicles 30:11-12 (structural): Hezekiah's Passover account: many from northern tribes humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem to worship — closely parallels Israelites coming to Jerusalem whose hearts were set on seeking the LORD.
- Ezra 7:10 (verbal): Ezra 'prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD' — a personal/inner setting of the heart to pursue God that echoes the phrase 'those whose heart was set to seek the LORD'.
- Deuteronomy 4:29 (thematic): Promises that if one seeks the LORD with all heart and soul one will find Him — provides the theological background for the idea of Israelites 'whose heart was set to seek the LORD' coming to worship.
Alternative generated candidates
- After them, from all the tribes of Israel, those who set their heart to seek the LORD, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
- And from them, from all the tribes of Israel, those who set their hearts to seek the LORD, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
2 C.11.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחזקו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- מלכות: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ויאמצו: VERB,piel,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- לשנים: PREP+NUM,m,du,abs
- שלוש: NUM,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושלמה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשנים: PREP+NUM,m,du,abs
- שלוש: NUM,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:17 (verbal): Direct parallel in the Deuteronomistic history: same report that they strengthened the kingdom of Judah and made Rehoboam strong for three years because they walked in the way of David and Solomon.
- 1 Kings 12:21-24 (structural): Related narrative in 1 Kings describing Rehoboam's consolidation in Jerusalem and the mustering of forces (and the prophetic word to desist) — complements Chronicles' note that Judah was strengthened under Rehoboam.
- 2 Chronicles 11:16 (verbal): Immediate Chronicle parallel: many Israelites, including priests and Levites, defected to Rehoboam and supported him in Jerusalem — the factual basis for the three years of stability mentioned in v.17.
- 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 (thematic): The earlier establishment and strengthening of David's rule provides the thematic background: Rehoboam's support is portrayed as continuity with the Davidic tradition (the verse links loyalty to the way of David and Solomon).
Alternative generated candidates
- They strengthened the kingdom of Judah and made Rehoboam son of Solomon secure for three years, for he walked in the way of David and in the way of Solomon for three years.
- They strengthened the kingdom of Judah and made Rehoboam son of Solomon secure for three years; for he walked in the ways of David and of Solomon for three years.
And Rehoboam settled in Jerusalem and built fortified cities in Judah.
He built Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa.
He built Beth-zur, Soco, and Adullam.
He built Gath, Mareshah, and Ziph.
He built Adoraim, Lachish, and Azekah.
He built Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin—cities of defense.
He strengthened the fortifications, and placed commanders and storehouses of food, oil, and wine in them.
In every city he set shields and spears and made them exceedingly strong; and Judah and Benjamin were his.
The priests and Levites throughout all Israel rallied to him from all their territories.
For the Levites abandoned their pasturelands and holdings and went to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them from ministering as priests to the LORD. And he set up for himself priests for the high places, for the goat-idols, and for the calves that he had made. And from among them, from all the tribes of Israel, those whose hearts were intent to seek the LORD, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to the LORD, the God of their fathers.
They strengthened the kingdom of Judah and made Rehoboam son of Solomon secure for three years, for he walked in the ways of David and Solomon for three years.