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2 Chronicles 11:5

2 Chronicles 11:5 in Multiple Translations

Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah.

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

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

Now Rehoboam kept in Jerusalem, building walled towns in Judah.

Rehoboam stayed in Jerusalem, and he strengthened the defenses of the towns in Judah.

And Rehoboam dwelt in Ierusalem, and buylt strong cities in Iudah.

And Rehoboam dwelleth in Jerusalem, and buildeth cities for a bulwark in Judah,

Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah.

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

And Roboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built walled cities in Juda.

Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and his workers built walls around several of the cities and towns in Judah to protect them against enemy attacks.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 11:5

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

2 Chronicles 11:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב רְחַבְעָ֖ם בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם וַ/יִּ֧בֶן עָרִ֛ים לְ/מָצ֖וֹר בִּ/יהוּדָֽה
וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רְחַבְעָ֖ם Rᵉchabʻâm H7346 Rehoboam N-proper
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper
וַ/יִּ֧בֶן bânâh H1129 to build Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עָרִ֛ים ʻîyr H5892 excitement N-fp
לְ/מָצ֖וֹר mâtsôwr H4692 siege Prep | N-ms
בִּ/יהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 11:5

וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
רְחַבְעָ֖ם Rᵉchabʻâm H7346 "Rehoboam" N-proper
Rehoboam was a king of Judah, son of Solomon and Naamah, and is first mentioned in 1 Kings 11:43. He had several wives and children, including Abijah and Jeush. Rehoboam played a key role in the United and Divided Monarchy periods.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchyand Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.11.43; son of: Solomon (H8010) and Naamah (H5279A); brother of: Taphath (H2955) and Basemath (H1315); married to Maacah (H4601K), Mahalath (H4258H) and Abihail (H0032J); father of: Abijah (H0029I), Jeush (H3266K), Shemariah (H8114H), Zaham (H2093), Attai (H6262I), Ziza (H2124H) and Shelomith (H8019) Also named: Rhoboam (Ῥοβοάμ "Rehoboam" G4497) § Rehoboam = "a people has enlarged" son of Solomon and the 1st king of Judah after the split up of the kingdom of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Rehoboam. See also: 1 Kings 11:43; 2 Chronicles 10:3; 2 Chronicles 13:7.
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Prep | N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
וַ/יִּ֧בֶן bânâh H1129 "to build" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
עָרִ֛ים ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" N-fp
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
לְ/מָצ֖וֹר mâtsôwr H4692 "siege" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a siege or a place of entrenchment, like a fortress or stronghold. It's used in the Bible to describe a city under attack, such as in 2 Kings 17:5. It can also mean a defense or bulwark.
Definition: 1) siege-enclosure, siege, entrenchment, siege works 1a) siege 1b) enclosure, siege-works, rampart
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: besieged, bulwark, defence, fenced, fortress, siege, strong (hold), tower. See also: Deuteronomy 20:19; Jeremiah 19:9; Psalms 31:22.
בִּ/יהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" Prep | N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 11:5

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Chronicles 8:2–6 Solomon rebuilt the cities Hiram had given him and settled Israelites there. Then Solomon went to Hamath-zobah and captured it. He built Tadmor in the wilderness, in addition to all the store cities that he had built in Hamath. He rebuilt Upper and Lower Beth-horon as fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars, as well as Baalath, all the store cities that belonged to Solomon, and all the cities for his chariots and horses —whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion.
2 2 Chronicles 14:6–7 Because the land was at peace, Asa built fortified cities in Judah. In those days no one made war with him, because the LORD had given him rest. So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.
3 Isaiah 22:8–11 He has uncovered the defenses of Judah. On that day you looked to the weapons in the House of the Forest. You saw that there were many breaches in the walls of the City of David. You collected water from the lower pool. You counted the houses of Jerusalem and tore them down to strengthen the wall. You built a reservoir between the walls for the waters of the ancient pool, but you did not look to the One who made it, or consider Him who planned it long ago.
4 2 Chronicles 11:23 Rehoboam also acted wisely by dispersing some of his sons throughout the districts of Judah and Benjamin, and to all the fortified cities. He gave them abundant provisions and sought many wives for them.
5 2 Chronicles 16:6 Then King Asa brought all the men of Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials he built up Geba and Mizpah.
6 2 Chronicles 17:12 Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah
7 2 Chronicles 27:4 He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests.
8 2 Chronicles 26:6 Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines.

2 Chronicles 11:5 Summary

Rehoboam, the king of Judah, stayed in Jerusalem and built up cities to defend his kingdom, as seen in 2 Chronicles 11:5-7. This shows that he trusted God to protect him and his people, just like we are called to trust God in our own lives, as promised in Psalms 23:4 and Jeremiah 33:3. By obeying God's commands and prioritizing our relationship with Him, we can build up our own 'cities' of defense against spiritual threats, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18. Just like Rehoboam, we can trust that God will provide for us and keep us safe, as long as we follow His lead, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Matthew 6:33.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Rehoboam stay in Jerusalem after the warning from the LORD?

Rehoboam stayed in Jerusalem because he was obedient to the LORD's command to not fight against his brothers, as stated in 2 Chronicles 11:4, and instead focused on building up cities for defense in Judah, as seen in 2 Chronicles 11:5-7.

What was Rehoboam's strategy for defending Judah?

Rehoboam's strategy for defending Judah was to build up cities, including Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, and others, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 11:6-7, to provide a strong defense against potential threats, similar to the defensive strategies described in Deuteronomy 3:5 and Joshua 19:35.

How did Rehoboam's actions demonstrate his trust in God?

Rehoboam's actions demonstrated his trust in God by obeying the LORD's command to not fight against his brothers, as stated in 2 Chronicles 11:4, and instead focusing on building up cities for defense, which shows that he trusted God to protect him and Judah, as promised in Psalms 91:2 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

What can we learn from Rehoboam's decision to stay in Jerusalem?

We can learn from Rehoboam's decision to stay in Jerusalem that obedience to God's commands is crucial, even when it seems difficult or uncertain, and that trusting in God's protection and provision is essential, as seen in 2 Chronicles 11:5 and supported by verses like Isaiah 26:3 and Jeremiah 29:11.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in God's protection and provision in my own life, just like Rehoboam did in 2 Chronicles 11:5?
  2. How can I apply the principle of obedience to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 11:4, to my own life and decisions?
  3. What are some 'cities' in my life that need to be 'built up' for defense against spiritual threats, and how can I start working on them, as Rehoboam did in 2 Chronicles 11:6-7?
  4. In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God, just like Rehoboam prioritized his obedience to God's commands, as seen in 2 Chronicles 11:5?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 11:5

And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem,.... The metropolis of Judah, and the capital city of his kingdom: and built cities for defence in Judah; that is, rebuilt, enlarged, and fortified them; for otherwise

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 11:5

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:5

Built cities, i.e. repaired, and enlarged, and fortified them; as building is oft used in Scripture, as hath been formerly proved; for these cities, or divers of them, were built before, as appears from 12:15 15:21,33,35,58 19:42.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:5

2 Chronicles 11:5 And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.Ver. 5. And Rehoboam dwelt, &c.] See 1 Kings 12:18.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:5

(b) THE OF HIS KINGDOM (2 Chronicles 11:5-12). This section is peculiar to the chronicler. (5) Dwelt in Jerusalem.—As the capital. Cities for defence.—(‘Arξm l’mβητr = ‘arκ mβητr; 2 Chronicles 8:5), “embattled cities; “LXX., πόλειςτειχήρεις. In Judah.—Not the territory of the tribe, but the kingdom is intended, for some of the fortresses were in Benjamin (2 Chronicles 11:10).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:5

Verse 5. And built cities for defense in Judah.] He was obliged to strengthen his frontiers against the encroachments of the men of Israel; and Jeroboam did the same thing on his part to prevent the inroads of Judah. See 1Kg 12:25.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 11:5

5–23. The Prosperity of Rehoboam This section has no corresponding section in 1 Kin. On the other hand the Chronicler omits three important sections of 1 Kings 12:25-33 (the setting up of the golden calves), 2 Chronicles 13:1-22 (the episode of the prophet who cried against the altar in Beth-el) and 2 Chronicles 14:1-15 (the death of the son of Jeroboam).

Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 11:5

Rehoboam was between two dangers: on the north he might be attacked by Jeroboam, on the south by Jeroboam’s ally, Egypt.

Sermons on 2 Chronicles 11:5

SermonDescription
Bakht Singh (Pdf Book) Much Business by Bakht Singh Bakht Singh emphasizes the story of King Jehoshaphat, who initially ruled with a fear of God and sought to teach His commandments to the people of Judah. However, as he became pros

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