111 Now when Rehoboam had come to Jerusalem , he assembled the house of Judah and Benjamin , 180,000 e e chosen men who were 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 "Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon , king of Judah , and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin , saying , 4 'Thus says the Lord , "You shall not go up or fight against your relatives ; return every man to his house , for this thing 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 Thus 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 in Benjamin . 11 He also strengthened the fortresses and put officers in them and stores of food , oil and wine . 12 He put shields and spears in every city and strengthened them greatly e . So he held Judah and Benjamin .
13 Moreover, the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel stood with him from all their districts . 14 For the Levites left their pasture lands and their property and came to Judah and Jerusalem , for Jeroboam and his sons had excluded them from serving as priests to the Lord . 15 He set up priests of his own for the high places , for the satyrs and for the calves which he had made . 16 Those from all the tribes of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the Lord God of Israel followed them to Jerusalem , to sacrifice to the Lord God of their fathers . 17 They strengthened the kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam the son of Solomon for three years , for they walked in the way of David and Solomon for three years .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:1-17
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:1-12
(Read 2 Chronicles 11:1-12)
A few good words might have prevented the rebellion of Rehoboam's subjects; but all the force of his kingdom cannot bring them back. And it is in vain to contend with the purpose of God, when it is made known to us. Even those who are destitute of true faith, will at times pay some regard to the word of God, and be kept by it from wrong actions, to which they are prone by nature.
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:13-23
(Read 2 Chronicles 11:13-23)
When the priests and Levites came to Jerusalem, the devout, pious Israelites followed them. Such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel, left the inheritance of their fathers, and went to Jerusalem, that they might have free access to the altar of God, and be out of the temptation to worship the calves. That is best for us, which is best for our souls; in all our choices, religious advantages must be sought before all outward conveniences. Where God's faithful priests are, his faithful people should be. And when it has been proved that we are willing to renounce our worldly interests, so far as we are called to do so for the sake of Christ and his gospel, we have good evidence that we are truly his disciples. And it is the interest of a nation to protect religion and religious people.