5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built up towns for defense in Judah:
5 And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.
5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built cities for defense in Judah.
5 Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem but built up a defense system for Judah all around:
5 So Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah.
5 Rehoboam remained in Jerusalem and fortified various towns for the defense of Judah.
6 Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,
6 He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,
6 He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,
6 in Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,
6 And he built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,
6 He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,
(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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:5
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.