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.

2 CHRONICLES 11:23KJV
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2 Chronicles 11:23 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 11:23 mean?

2 Chronicles 11:23 describes how King Rehoboam acted wisely by spreading his sons throughout the fortified cities of Judah and Benjamin, providing them with plenty of food, and seeking many wives. This verse shows Rehoboam’s strategy to strengthen his rule and secure his family’s influence across his kingdom.

The verse is part of a section about Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, after the kingdom of Israel split. Rehoboam is not speaking; the writer is describing his actions. By placing his sons in key cities and giving them resources, Rehoboam aimed to prevent rivalry and rebellion, while also increasing his family’s alliances through marriage.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 11:23

  • "Wisely" (בִּין, bin): This word means to act with understanding or skill. The verse notes that Rehoboam’s actions were not random but showed careful planning.
  • "Dispersed" (פָּרַץ, parats): This word carries the sense of spreading out or scattering. Rehoboam intentionally placed his sons in different locations, not keeping them all in one place.
  • "Fenced" (בָּצוּר, batsur): This refers to fortified or well-defended cities. The detail shows that Rehoboam chose secure, important places for his sons, not just any towns.
  • "Desired" (שָׁאַל, sha’al): This word can mean to ask or seek. Here, it points to Rehoboam’s active pursuit of many wives, likely for political reasons.

Why 2 Chronicles 11:23 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Rehoboam’s distribution of his sons was a deliberate move to maintain control and stability, not just a matter of convenience or favoritism.
  • The mention of fortified cities and abundant provisions highlights the importance of security and resources in royal strategy during this period.
  • By noting Rehoboam’s desire for many wives, the verse hints at the political customs of the time, where marriages often served to build alliances and strengthen a king’s position.

Where else these words appear

“victual” Hebrew H4202 · used in 2 verses

  • Genesis 45:23 And to his father he sent after this manner; ten asses laden with the good things of Egypt, and ten she asses laden with corn and bread and meat for his father by the way.

“fenced” Hebrew H4694 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 11:10 And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:4 And he took the fenced cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.
  • 2 Chronicles 21:3 And their father gave them great gifts of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fenced cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave he to Jehoram; because he was the firstborn.

“dispersed” Hebrew H6555 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 28:14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.
  • 2 Kings 14:13 And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.
  • Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

“many” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
  • Ezekiel 7:14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.