2 Chronicles 11:12
New International Version
He put shields and spears in all the cities, and made them very strong. So Judah and Benjamin were his.

New Living Translation
He also put shields and spears in these towns as a further safety measure. So only Judah and Benjamin remained under his control.

English Standard Version
And he put shields and spears in all the cities and made them very strong. So he held Judah and Benjamin.

Berean Standard Bible
He also put shields and spears in all the cities and strengthened them greatly. So Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.

King James Bible
And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.

New King James Version
Also in every city he put shields and spears, and made them very strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.

New American Standard Bible
He put shields and spears in every city and strengthened them greatly. So he held Judah and Benjamin.

NASB 1995
He put shields and spears in every city and strengthened them greatly. So he held Judah and Benjamin.

NASB 1977
And he put shields and spears in every city and strengthened them greatly. So he held Judah and Benjamin.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he put large shields and spears in every city and strengthened them greatly. So he held Judah and Benjamin.

Amplified Bible
And in each city he put [large] shields and spears, and made them very strong. So he held Judah and Benjamin.

Christian Standard Bible
He also put large shields and spears in each and every city to make them very strong. So Judah and Benjamin were his.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He also put large shields and spears in each and every city to make them very strong. So Judah and Benjamin were his.

American Standard Version
And in every city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong. And Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.

Contemporary English Version
as well as with shields and spears. He used these fortified cities to keep control of Judah and Benjamin.

English Revised Version
And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong. And Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In each city he stored shields and spears. He made the cities very secure. So Rehoboam held on to Judah and Benjamin.

Good News Translation
and also shields and spears. In this way he kept Judah and Benjamin under his control.

International Standard Version
He also stockpiled shields and spears in every city and fortified them greatly to secure his rule over Judah and Benjamin.

Majority Standard Bible
He also put shields and spears in all the cities and strengthened them greatly. So Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.

NET Bible
In each city there were shields and spears; he strongly fortified them. Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.

New Heart English Bible
He put shields and spears in every city, and made them exceeding strong. Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.

World English Bible
He put shields and spears in every city, and made them exceedingly strong. Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and in each and every city [he puts] bucklers and spears, and strengthens them very greatly; and he has Judah and Benjamin.

Young's Literal Translation
and in every city and city targets and spears, and strengtheneth them very greatly; and he hath Judah and Benjamin.

Smith's Literal Translation
And in every city and city, shields and spears, and he will strengthen them very greatly, and there will be to him Judah and Benjamin.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moreover in every city he made an armoury of shields and spears, and he fortified them with great diligence, and he reigned over Juda, and Benjamin,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Moreover, in each city he made an armory of shields and spears, and he strengthened them with the utmost diligence. And he ruled over Judah and Benjamin.

New American Bible
In every city were shields and spears, and he made them very strong. Thus Judah and Benjamin remained his.

New Revised Standard Version
He also put large shields and spears in all the cities, and made them very strong. So he held Judah and Benjamin.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Go to him; he shall tell you what shall become of this child.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you shall go to him. He will reveal to you whatever happens to this boy.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And in every city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong. And Judah and Benjamin adhered to him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
shields and spears in every several city, and he fortified them very strongly, and he had on his side Juda and Benjamin.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Rehoboam Fortifies Judah
11He strengthened their fortresses and put officers in them, with supplies of food, oil, and wine. 12He also put shields and spears in all the cities and strengthened them greatly. So Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.

Cross References
1 Kings 12:21-24
And when Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized the whole house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin—180,000 chosen warriors—to fight against the house of Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam son of Solomon. / But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God: / “Tell Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and the rest of the people ...

2 Chronicles 12:1-4
After Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he and all Israel with him forsook the Law of the LORD. / In the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem / with 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and countless troops who came with him out of Egypt—Libyans, Sukkites, and Cushites. ...

2 Chronicles 17:2
He stationed troops in every fortified city of Judah and put garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured.

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.

2 Chronicles 26:14-15
Uzziah supplied the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones. / And in Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shoot arrows and catapult large stones from the towers and corners. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was helped tremendously until he became powerful.

2 Chronicles 32:5
Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields.

2 Chronicles 11:5-10
Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah. / He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, / Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, ...

2 Chronicles 13:3
Abijah went into battle with an army of 400,000 chosen men, while Jeroboam drew up in formation against him with 800,000 chosen and mighty men of valor.

2 Chronicles 14:8
Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow. All these were mighty men of valor.

2 Chronicles 17:10-12
And the dread of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. / Some Philistines also brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and the Arabs brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats from their flocks. / Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah

2 Chronicles 20:29
And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.

2 Chronicles 21:8-10
In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. / So Jehoram crossed into Edom with his officers and all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. / So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Likewise, Libnah rebelled against his hand at the same time, because Jehoram had forsaken the LORD, the God of his fathers.

2 Chronicles 27:3-4
Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD, and he worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel. / He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests.

2 Chronicles 32:27-29
Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles. / He also made storehouses for the harvest of grain and new wine and oil, stalls for all kinds of livestock, and pens for the flocks. / He made cities for himself, and he acquired herds of sheep and cattle in abundance, for God gave him very great wealth.

2 Chronicles 33:14
After this, Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David from west of Gihon in the valley to the entrance of the Fish Gate, and he brought it around the hill of Ophel and heightened it considerably. He also stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities of Judah.


Treasury of Scripture

And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.

he put shields

2 Chronicles 26:14,15
And Uzziah prepared for them throughout all the host shields, and spears, and helmets, and habergeons, and bows, and slings to cast stones…

2 Chronicles 32:5
Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.

2 Samuel 13:19,22
And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying…

having Judah

2 Chronicles 11:1
And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.

Jump to Previous
Adhered Belonged Benjamin Body-Covers Cities City Exceeding Exceedingly Greatly Held Judah Several Shields Side Spears Stores Strengthened Strengtheneth Strong Targets
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Adhered Belonged Benjamin Body-Covers Cities City Exceeding Exceedingly Greatly Held Judah Several Shields Side Spears Stores Strengthened Strengtheneth Strong Targets
2 Chronicles 11
1. Rehoboam raising an army to subdue Israel, is forbidden by Shemaiah
5. He strengthens his kingdom with forts and provisions
13. The priests and Levites, and such as feared God, forsaken by Jeroboam,
17. strengthen the kingdom of Judah
18. The wives and children of Rehoboam














He also put shields and spears
The act of placing "shields and spears" in the cities signifies preparation and defense. In the Hebrew context, shields (מָגֵן, magen) and spears (רֹמַח, romach) were essential for protection and warfare. Shields were often made of wood and covered with leather, while spears were long-range weapons. This preparation indicates a proactive approach to safeguarding the kingdom, reflecting a leader's responsibility to protect his people. Spiritually, it can symbolize the believer's need to be equipped with the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.

in all the cities
The phrase "in all the cities" underscores the comprehensive nature of Rehoboam's defensive strategy. It wasn't just a few select cities that were fortified, but all of them, indicating thoroughness and diligence. Historically, this reflects the political and military strategy of the time, where fortified cities served as strongholds against enemy invasions. Spiritually, it can remind believers of the importance of being vigilant and prepared in every area of life, not leaving any part unguarded against spiritual attacks.

and strengthened them greatly
The act of strengthening the cities "greatly" (עָצַם, atsam) implies not just physical fortification but also an increase in morale and readiness among the people. This strengthening was significant, suggesting a period of consolidation and security for the kingdom. In a spiritual sense, it can be seen as an encouragement for believers to seek strength in the Lord, ensuring that their faith and resolve are fortified against trials and tribulations.

So Judah and Benjamin belonged to him
The phrase "So Judah and Benjamin belonged to him" indicates the political and territorial control Rehoboam maintained over these tribes. Historically, after the division of the united monarchy, Rehoboam's rule was limited to the southern kingdom, comprising Judah and Benjamin. This reflects God's providential plan, as these tribes were central to the Davidic line and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies. Spiritually, it can be seen as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of remaining faithful to His covenant, as Judah and Benjamin did by staying with the Davidic king.

(12) Shields.--The "targets" of 2Chronicles 9:15.

Made them exceeding strong.--Strengthened them (the same word as "fortified" in 2Chronicles 11:11) very abundantly (l'harb?h meod). A form of words only used by the chronicler. (See 2Chronicles 16:8; and comp. Nehemiah 6:18.)

Having Judah and Benjamin on his side.--Literally, and he had (or, there fell to him) Judah and Benjamin. A definition of Rehoboam's territory. (Comp. 2Chronicles 10:17.) . . .

Verse 12. - Having Judah and Benjamin on his side. The mention of both tribes just serves to point for us the fact that Benjamin's existence and value were not absolutely ignored, but were for a short while quoted before the kingdom of Rehoboam became called by the name of Judah simply.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He also put shields
צִנּ֣וֹת (ṣin·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6793: A hook, a, shield, cold

and spears
וּרְמָחִ֔ים (ū·rə·mā·ḥîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7420: A lance, the iron point

in all
וּבְכָל־ (ū·ḇə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the cities
וָעִיר֙ (wā·‘îr)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

and strengthened
וַֽיְחַזְּקֵ֖ם (way·ḥaz·zə·qêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

them greatly.
לְהַרְבֵּ֣ה (lə·har·bêh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great

So Judah
יְהוּדָ֥ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

and Benjamin
וּבִנְיָמִֽן׃ (ū·ḇin·yā·min)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites

belonged to him.
וַיְהִי־ (way·hî-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 11:12 In every city he put shields (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 11:11
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