And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.

2 CHRONICLES 11:5KJV
Know the Bible

2 Chronicles 11:5 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 11:5 mean?

2 Chronicles 11:5 describes how Rehoboam, after becoming king, settled in Jerusalem and began building fortified cities in the territory of Judah to strengthen his kingdom’s defenses. This verse shows Rehoboam taking practical steps to secure his rule after a period of instability.

Rehoboam was Solomon’s son and became king after Solomon’s death. At this point in the story, the kingdom had just split, with the northern tribes breaking away under Jeroboam. Rehoboam’s decision to live in Jerusalem and build up defensive cities reflects his concern for security and his efforts to protect the people and territory that remained loyal to him.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 11:5

  • The word “dwelt” (יָשַׁב, yashav) means to settle or remain, showing that Rehoboam made Jerusalem his main base rather than just visiting or passing through.
  • The word “built” (בָּנָה, banah) here refers specifically to constructing or strengthening cities, often with the idea of fortifying them for protection.
  • The word “defence” (מָצוֹר, matzor) points to fortifications or strongholds, highlighting that these cities were not just ordinary towns but were specifically designed for military defense.

Why 2 Chronicles 11:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Rehoboam’s response to losing much of his kingdom was not passive; he actively worked to secure what remained under his control.
  • The emphasis on building defensive cities shows the real threat Rehoboam faced from outside forces, especially from the new northern kingdom and possibly other enemies.
  • Understanding this verse helps set the stage for the following verses, which list the specific cities Rehoboam fortified, giving a sense of the geography and strategy involved in his reign.

Where else these words appear

“defence” Hebrew H4692 · used in 25 verses

  • Deuteronomy 20:19 When thou shalt besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an axe against them: for thou mayest eat of them, and thou shalt not cut them down(for the tree of the field is man's life) to employ them in the siege:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:10 Thus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria, Whereon do ye trust, that ye abide in the siege in Jerusalem?
  • Ezekiel 4:7 Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and thine arm shall be uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it.

“Rehoboam” Hebrew H7346 · used in 41 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:43 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 14:29 Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • 2 Chronicles 11:1 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.