He removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah. The kingdom had rest under his rule.

and Asa went out to oppose him. They deployed for battle in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.

But Rehoboam rejected their advice and consulted the young advisers who served him, with whom he had grown up.

My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to serve in his presence and offer sacrifices.”

Look, I am ready to build a temple to honor the Lord my God and to dedicate it to him in order to burn fragrant incense before him, to set out the bread that is regularly displayed, and to offer burnt sacrifices each morning and evening, and on Sabbaths, new moon festivals, and at other times appointed by the Lord our God. This is something Israel must do on a permanent basis.

Of course, who can really build a temple for him, since the sky and the highest heavens cannot contain him? Who am I that I should build him a temple! It will really be only a place to offer sacrifices before him.

He ordered the altars of the Baals to be torn down, and broke the incense altars that were above them. He smashed the Asherah poles, idols and images, crushed them up and sprinkled the dust over the tombs of those who had sacrificed to them.