1 And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen [men], which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.
2 But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
3 Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,
4 Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam.
5 And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.
6 He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,
7 And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam,
8 And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,
9 And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,
10 And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which [are] in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities.
11 And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine.
12 And in every several city [he put] shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.
13 And the priests and the Levites that [were] in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts.
14 For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest’s office unto the LORD:
15 And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.
16 And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.
17 So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.
18 And Rehoboam took him Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David to wife, [and] Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse;
19 Which bare him children; Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham.
20 And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.
21 And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters.)
22 And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, [to be] ruler among his brethren: for [he thought] to make him king.
23 And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.
Overview of 2 Chronicles Chapter 11
2 Chronicles Chapter 11 describes the events following the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate kingdoms: Judah and Israel. This chapter focuses on the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and the establishment of his rule over the southern kingdom of Judah.
Key Themes
- Division of the Kingdom: The chapter highlights the political and spiritual ramifications of the split between Rehoboam’s Judah and Jeroboam’s Israel.
- Rehoboam’s Leadership: The actions and decisions made by Rehoboam as he consolidates his power and responds to the challenges posed by the northern tribes.
- Faithfulness to God: The importance of adhering to God’s commandments and the consequences of turning away from them.
Summary of Events
- Rehoboam’s Ascension: Following Solomon’s death, Rehoboam travels to Shechem where Israel gathers to make him king.
- Request for Lighter Burdens: The people, led by Jeroboam, request that Rehoboam lighten the heavy yoke imposed by Solomon, seeking relief from the burdens of taxation and labor.
- Rehoboam’s Consultation: Rehoboam seeks advice from both the older advisors who served his father and the younger men who grew up with him. The older advisors recommend he be kind to the people, while the younger advisors suggest he assert his authority more aggressively.
- Rehoboam’s Decision: Ignoring the wise counsel of the elders, Rehoboam chooses to follow the advice of his peers, responding harshly to the people’s request for leniency.
- Division of the Kingdom: As a result of Rehoboam’s decision, the ten northern tribes reject his rule, leading to the establishment of Jeroboam as their king, while only Judah and Benjamin remain loyal to Rehoboam.
- Rehoboam’s Response: After learning of the division, Rehoboam prepares to go to war against Israel, but God intervenes through a prophet, instructing him not to fight against his brethren.
- Rehoboam Strengthens Judah: Rehoboam focuses on strengthening his kingdom by building fortified cities and gathering an army to protect Judah from potential attacks.
- Priests and Levites Join Judah: Many priests and Levites from Israel migrate to Judah, abandoning their cities and positions in the north, as they seek to remain faithful to the worship of Yahweh.
- Rehoboam’s Marriages: The chapter concludes with a description of Rehoboam’s marriages, highlighting his polygamous relationships and the birth of several sons and daughters.
Character Analysis
- Rehoboam: His character is portrayed as one who is influenced by peer pressure and lacks the wisdom necessary for effective leadership. His decision-making leads to the division of the kingdom and sets the stage for future conflicts.
- Jeroboam: A key figure in the northern kingdom, he represents the challenge to Rehoboam’s authority and the shift towards a separate identity for Israel.
- Prophet of God: The prophet serves as a divine messenger, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God’s will and the consequences of rebellion.
Theological Implications
This chapter illustrates the significance of wise counsel and the impact of leadership decisions on a nation. It emphasizes the necessity of seeking God’s guidance in leadership roles and the dangers of pride and harshness. The migration of priests and Levites signifies the importance of maintaining true worship and fidelity to God amidst political turmoil.
Conclusion
2 Chronicles Chapter 11 serves as a critical moment in the history of Israel, marking the beginning of a divided kingdom. The chapter emphasizes the importance of wisdom in leadership and the consequences of straying from God’s commandments. It sets the tone for the future interactions between Judah and Israel and the ongoing struggle for faithfulness among God’s people.
