Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, New Living Translation He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, English Standard Version He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Berean Standard Bible He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, King James Bible He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, New King James Version And he built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, New American Standard Bible He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, NASB 1995 Thus he built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, NASB 1977 Thus he built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Legacy Standard Bible Thus he built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Amplified Bible He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Christian Standard Bible He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Holman Christian Standard Bible He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, American Standard Version He built Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, Contemporary English Version Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, English Revised Version He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, GOD'S WORD® Translation He rebuilt Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Good News Translation Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, International Standard Version including Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, NET Bible Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, New Heart English Bible He built Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, Webster's Bible Translation He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, World English Bible He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionindeed, he builds Beth-Lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, Young's Literal Translation yea, he buildeth Beth-Lehem and Etam, and Tekoa, Smith's Literal Translation And he will build the house of bread, and the place of ravenous beasts, and the pitching of tents, Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he built Bethlehem, and Etam, and Thecue, Catholic Public Domain Version And he built up Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, New American Bible He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, New Revised Standard Version He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yorbaam said in his heart: “The kingdom is returning itself to the house of David. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917He built even Beth-lehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, Brenton Septuagint Translation And he built Bethleem, and Aetan and Thecoe, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Rehoboam Fortifies Judah5Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah. 6He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, 7Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,… Cross References 1 Kings 12:25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And from there he went out and built Penuel. 2 Chronicles 8:5 He rebuilt Upper and Lower Beth-horon as fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars, 2 Chronicles 11:5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah. 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 17:12 Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah 2 Chronicles 27:4 He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests. 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. 1 Kings 15:17 Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. 1 Kings 15:21-22 When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah. / Then King Asa summoned all the men of Judah, with no exceptions, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with these materials King Asa built up Geba of Benjamin, as well as Mizpah. Nehemiah 3:16 Beyond him, Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Mighty. Nehemiah 3:27 And next to them, the Tekoites repaired another section, from a point opposite the great tower that juts out to the wall of Ophel. Isaiah 22:9-10 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. Jeremiah 41:9 Now the cistern into which Ishmael had thrown all the bodies of the men he had struck down along with Gedaliah was a large one that King Asa had made for fear of Baasha king of Israel. Ishmael son of Nethaniah filled it with the slain. Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Matthew 7:24-25 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. Treasury of Scripture He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. Joshua 19:15 And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages. Genesis 35:19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. Etam Judges 15:8 And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam. 1 Chronicles 4:32 And their villages were, Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities: Tekoa 2 Chronicles 20:20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. 2 Samuel 14:2 And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead: Nehemiah 3:5,27 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord… Jump to Previous Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Builder Buildeth Built Etam Tekoa Teko'aJump to Next Bethlehem Beth-Lehem Builder Buildeth Built Etam Tekoa Teko'a2 Chronicles 11 1. Rehoboam raising an army to subdue Israel, is forbidden by Shemaiah5. 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 built up Bethlehem Bethlehem, known as the "House of Bread," is a significant town in biblical history. It is the birthplace of King David, as noted in 1 Samuel 16:1, and later becomes the prophesied birthplace of Jesus Christ, fulfilling the prophecy in Micah 5:2. The town's strategic location near Jerusalem made it an important site for fortification. Rehoboam's efforts to build up Bethlehem indicate a focus on strengthening defenses in Judah, reflecting the political and military challenges faced during his reign. Etam Tekoa Persons / Places / Events 1. RehoboamThe son of Solomon and king of Judah, Rehoboam is the central figure in this passage. After the division of the united kingdom, he focused on fortifying cities in Judah for protection and strength. 2. Bethlehem A significant city in Judah, known as the birthplace of King David and later Jesus Christ. It holds historical and prophetic importance in the biblical account. 3. Etam A location in Judah, possibly a fortified city or a strategic point. Its exact historical significance is less clear but is mentioned in the context of Rehoboam's fortifications. 4. Tekoa Another city in Judah, known for its strategic location. It is also the hometown of the prophet Amos, who would later emerge as a significant prophetic voice. 5. Fortification of Cities This event marks Rehoboam's efforts to strengthen his kingdom's defenses after the split of Israel and Judah, reflecting a period of political and military consolidation. Teaching Points Strategic PreparationRehoboam's actions remind us of the importance of preparation and strategic planning in our lives. Just as he fortified cities, we should fortify our spiritual lives through prayer, study, and community. Historical Significance Understanding the historical and prophetic significance of places like Bethlehem and Tekoa can deepen our appreciation for God's unfolding plan throughout Scripture. Leadership and Responsibility Rehoboam's leadership decisions, though politically motivated, reflect the responsibility leaders have to protect and guide their people. This can be applied to spiritual leadership within families and communities. Legacy and Prophecy The mention of Bethlehem and Tekoa points to the broader account of God's redemptive plan, encouraging us to see our lives as part of a larger account that God is writing. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 11:6?2. How does Rehoboam's action in 2 Chronicles 11:6 demonstrate leadership and wisdom? 3. What strategic importance did Bethlehem hold for Rehoboam's fortified cities? 4. How can we apply Rehoboam's defensive strategies to our spiritual lives today? 5. Compare Rehoboam's fortifications with Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts in Nehemiah 4:6-9. 6. What lessons on preparedness can we learn from Rehoboam's actions in this verse? 7. What historical evidence supports the construction of Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa in 2 Chronicles 11:6? 8. How does 2 Chronicles 11:6 reflect Rehoboam's leadership and strategic decisions? 9. What is the theological significance of fortifying cities in 2 Chronicles 11:6? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 11? 11. What is Tekoa's biblical significance? 12. How do we reconcile 2 Chronicles 11:5-10, which describes Rehoboam's extensive city fortifications, with the lack of clear archaeological evidence for such large-scale construction? 13. How do we reconcile the role of Joab in 1 Chronicles 11:6 with other biblical narratives that present different leadership structures and timelines? 14. 2 Chronicles 11 portrays Rehoboam as a strong central authority; how do we address the inconsistencies when comparing his strength here with his weaker portrayal in other biblical passages? What Does 2 Chronicles 11:6 Mean He built up Bethlehem2 Chronicles 11:5–6 sets the scene: “Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built up cities for defense in Judah. He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa”. • Bethlehem sat only six miles south of Jerusalem on the main north–south ridge road. Fortifying it secured the first strategic line of defense against any northern assault after the kingdom divided (cf. 1 Kings 12:21–24). • The city already carried deep covenant significance—Rachel was buried there (Genesis 35:19), Ruth and Boaz raised a family there (Ruth 1:1; 4:11), and David was anointed there (1 Samuel 16:1–13). Rehoboam’s walls went around a town the prophets would later spotlight as Messiah’s birthplace (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:5-6). • By strengthening Bethlehem, Rehoboam underscored God’s faithfulness to keep His promises through David’s line—fitting for a fortress guarding Judah’s heartland. Etam • Etam lay just two miles southwest of Bethlehem, perched above the lush Rephaim Valley. By reinforcing Etam, Rehoboam created a second tier of defense that could relay warnings and troops between Bethlehem and Tekoa. • Samson once hid in “the cleft of the rock of Etam” (Judges 15:8, 11), showing the area’s natural strongholds long before Rehoboam added stone walls. • Later, Solomon would channel spring-fed water from “the pools of Solomon” near Etam to Jerusalem (1 Kings 4:9; Ecclesiastes 2:6), so securing this site protected Judah’s water supply as well as her borders. • The name itself—“lair of birds” or “place of eagles”—evokes a lookout, and Rehoboam used it just that way: a sentinel post guarding approaches from the west. Tekoa • Located about ten miles south of Jerusalem on a high ridge overlooking the wilderness, Tekoa formed the southern anchor of Rehoboam’s defensive arc. From its heights a watchman could see miles across the Judean desert toward possible Edomite or Philistine movements (cf. Jeremiah 6:1). • Tekoa produced faithful voices for the kingdom: Joab recruited the “wise woman of Tekoa” to speak truth to David (2 Samuel 14:2–20), and centuries later the prophet Amos introduced himself as “one of the sheep breeders from Tekoa” (Amos 1:1). • The town’s men distinguished themselves in reform days, too: they helped repair Jerusalem’s wall under Nehemiah (Nehemiah 3:5, 27) and rallied with Jehoshaphat when he trusted the Lord for victory (2 Chronicles 20:20). Rehoboam’s fortifications prepared the way for these later acts of courage and faith. summary By fortifying Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa, Rehoboam built more than walls; he shored up the inheritance God had given Judah. Bethlehem guarded the throne’s messianic promise, Etam protected life-giving springs and relay points, and Tekoa watched the wilderness approaches. Together they formed a protective triangle south of Jerusalem, declaring that even in a divided kingdom God’s covenant purposes for David’s line would stand secure. (6) He built even.--And he built--i.e., fortified.Beth-lehem.--Beit-lahm, on a rocky eminence, two hours south of Jerusalem (Genesis 35:19; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6). The birthplace of David and of Christ. Etam.--Ain Attan; different from the place mentioned in 1Chronicles 4:32 and Judges 15:8, which lay in Simeonite territory. . . . Verse 6. - Bethlehem. This was a case not of actual new building of a city, but of restoring and strengthening it. Bethlehem, originally Ephrath (Genesis 35:16; Genesis 48:7), was one of the very oldest towns existent in Jacob's time. It was not called Bethlehem till long after the settlement of the tribes. It was six miles from Jerusalem, on the east of the road to Hebron. Etam. A place near Bethlehem (1 Chronicles 4:3, 4, not 32; Septuagint of Joshua 15:60); possibly the resort of Samson after his revenge on the Philistines (Judges 15:8, 11). It was not the Etam mentioned as belonging to Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:32). Tekoa. According to Jerome, as also Eusebius, six Roman miles from Bethlehem, and nine from Jerusalem, or else, possibly by another road, twelve (Jerome's 'Pro-oemium in Amos,' and his 'Onomasticon'). It is absent from the Hebrew catalogue of Judah towns (Joshua 15:49), but is in the Septuagint Version of it. It was the place of the "wise woman" of 2 Samuel 14:2.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew He built upוַיִּ֧בֶן (way·yi·ḇen) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1129: To build Bethlehem, לֶ֛חֶם (le·ḥem) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1035: Bethlehem -- 'place of bread', a city in Judah, also a city in Zebulun Etam, עֵיטָ֖ם (‘ê·ṭām) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 5862: Etam -- three places in Israel Tekoa, תְּקֽוֹעַ׃ (tə·qō·w·a‘) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 8620: Tekoa -- a city in Judah Links 2 Chronicles 11:6 NIV2 Chronicles 11:6 NLT 2 Chronicles 11:6 ESV 2 Chronicles 11:6 NASB 2 Chronicles 11:6 KJV 2 Chronicles 11:6 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 11:6 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 11:6 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 11:6 French Bible 2 Chronicles 11:6 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 11:6 He built Bethlehem and Etam and Tekoa (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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