11:1 When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he summoned 180,000 skilled warriors from Judah and Benjamin 1 to attack Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam. 11:2 But the Lord told Shemaiah the prophet, 2 11:3 “Say this to King Rehoboam son of Solomon of Judah and to all the Israelites in Judah and Benjamin, 11:4 ‘The Lord says this: “Do not attack and make war with your brothers. Each of you go home, for I have caused this to happen.”’” 3 They obeyed the Lord and called off the attack against Jeroboam. 4
11:5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem; 5 he built up these fortified cities throughout Judah: 11:6 Bethlehem, 6 Etam, Tekoa, 11:7 Beth Zur, Soco, Adullam, 11:8 Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, 11:9 Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, 11:10 Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron. These were the fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin. 11:11 He fortified these cities and placed officers in them, as well as storehouses of food, olive oil, and wine. 11:12 In each city there were shields and spears; he strongly fortified them. 7 Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.
11:13 The priests and Levites who lived throughout Israel supported him, no matter where they resided. 8
1 tn Heb “he summoned the house of Judah and Benjamin, 180,000 chosen men, accomplished in war.”
2 tn Heb “and the word of the
3 tn Heb “for his thing is from me.”
4 tn Heb “and they heard the words of the
5 map For location see Map5-B1; Map6-F3; Map7-E2; Map8-F2; Map10-B3; JP1-F4; JP2-F4; JP3-F4; JP4-F4.
6 map For location see Map5-B1; Map7-E2; Map8-E2; Map10-B4.
7 tn Heb “he strengthened them greatly, very much.”
8 tn Heb “and the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel supported him from all their territory.”