2 Chronicles 11:8
New International Version
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

New Living Translation
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

English Standard Version
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

Berean Standard Bible
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

King James Bible
And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

New King James Version
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

New American Standard Bible
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

NASB 1995
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

NASB 1977
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

Legacy Standard Bible
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

Amplified Bible
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

Christian Standard Bible
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

American Standard Version
and Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

Contemporary English Version
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

English Revised Version
and Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

Good News Translation
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

International Standard Version
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

Majority Standard Bible
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

NET Bible
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

New Heart English Bible
and Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

Webster's Bible Translation
And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

World English Bible
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

Young's Literal Translation
and Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the wine-press, and Mareshah, and Ziph,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Geth, and Maresa, and Ziph,

Catholic Public Domain Version
indeed also Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

New American Bible
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,

New Revised Standard Version
Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore the king took counsel and made two calves of gold, and said to the people, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem, why should you go up to Jerusalem and come down? Then he said, These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King was advised and he made two calves of gold and said to them: “It is much for you to go up! Why do you go up and go down to Jerusalem? These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and Geth, and Marisa, and Ziph,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Rehoboam Fortifies Judah
7Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, 8 Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, 9Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah,…

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 12:4
He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.

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 16:1-6
In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. / So Asa withdrew the silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he sent it with this message to Ben-hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: / “Let there be a treaty between me and you as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.” ...

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 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 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 32:1-5
After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself. / When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to make war against Jerusalem, / he consulted with his leaders and mighty men about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out. ...

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.

Nehemiah 4:7-9
When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious, / and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance. / So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night.

Isaiah 22:9-11
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.

Jeremiah 34:7
as the army of the king of Babylon was fighting against Jerusalem and the remaining cities of Judah—against Lachish and Azekah. For these were the only fortified cities remaining in Judah.

Ezekiel 21:20
Mark out one road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites, and another against Judah into fortified Jerusalem.

Matthew 24:15-16
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), / then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Mark 13:14
So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.


Treasury of Scripture

And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

Gath

1 Chronicles 18:1
Now after this it came to pass, that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and her towns out of the hand of the Philistines.

Mareshah

Joshua 15:44
And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:

Ziph

Joshua 15:24
Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,

1 Samuel 23:14,19
And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand…

Psalm 54:1
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.

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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














Gath
Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities and is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. It was a significant city during the time of the Judges and the early monarchy of Israel. Gath is best known as the hometown of Goliath, the giant defeated by David (1 Samuel 17). The city was strategically important due to its location on the border between Philistine and Israelite territories. Archaeological excavations at Tell es-Safi, believed to be the site of ancient Gath, have uncovered evidence of a large and fortified city, supporting its biblical significance. The inclusion of Gath in Rehoboam's fortification efforts indicates its strategic importance and the ongoing threat posed by the Philistines during his reign.

Mareshah
Mareshah was a city in the lowlands of Judah, mentioned several times in the Old Testament. It was fortified by Rehoboam as part of his defensive strategy against potential invasions (2 Chronicles 11:5-10). Mareshah is also noted in the context of the battle between King Asa of Judah and Zerah the Ethiopian (2 Chronicles 14:9-12), where Asa achieved a significant victory. The site of Mareshah has been identified with Tell Sandahannah, where archaeological findings have revealed a well-planned city with evidence of Hellenistic and Roman occupation. The city's fortification by Rehoboam highlights its importance in the defense network of Judah.

Ziph
Ziph was a town in the hill country of Judah, known for its association with David during his flight from King Saul. David sought refuge in the wilderness of Ziph, and the Ziphites twice betrayed his location to Saul (1 Samuel 23:19; 26:1). The wilderness of Ziph provided a rugged and remote area for David to hide, illustrating the challenges he faced before becoming king. The fortification of Ziph by Rehoboam suggests its strategic value in controlling the surrounding region and protecting the southern approaches to Jerusalem. The mention of Ziph in Rehoboam's fortification efforts underscores the ongoing need for security and defense in the kingdom of Judah.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, who fortified cities for defense against potential threats.

2. Gath
A Philistine city that Rehoboam fortified, indicating its strategic importance.

3. Mareshah
A city in the lowlands of Judah, known for its historical significance and later mentioned in the context of battles.

4. Ziph
A city in the hill country of Judah, also known for its association with David during his flight from Saul.

5. Fortification of Cities
An event where Rehoboam strengthened certain cities to protect his kingdom, reflecting a strategic military move.
Teaching Points
Strategic Planning
Rehoboam's actions remind us of the importance of planning and preparation in our lives. While we trust in God, we are also called to be wise stewards of our resources and responsibilities.

Spiritual Fortification
Just as Rehoboam fortified cities, we are called to fortify our spiritual lives through prayer, scripture, and community, ensuring we are prepared for spiritual battles.

Historical Context
Understanding the historical and geographical context of biblical events enriches our comprehension of scripture and its application to our lives.

Reliance on God
While human efforts are necessary, ultimate reliance should be on God, who is our true fortress and protector.

Lessons from Leadership
Rehoboam's reign offers lessons on leadership, particularly the balance between human wisdom and divine guidance.(8) Gath.--Uncertain. Perhaps in the Wady-el-Gat north of Ascalon. (See 1Kings 2:39 and 1Chronicles 18:1, from a comparison of which it appears that, under Solomon, Gath was ruled by a vassal king.)

Mareshah.--Marash; a ruin two miles south of Beit-jibrin, Eleutheropolis (Joshua 15:44; 2Chronicles 14:9).

Ziph.--Tel Zif; ruins about one hour and a quarter south east of Hebron (Joshua 15:55; 1Samuel 23:14, seqq.) Another Judean Ziph is mentioned (Joshua 15:24). . . .

Verse 8. - Gath. Site still unknown. Some think it may be the Gath-rimmon of Dan (Joshua 19:45). Otherwise it is Gath of the Philistines (Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:17), and of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4, 23). I.L.P., in Dr. Smith's 'Bible Dictionary,' 1:656, wishes to find it on a hill now called Tel-es-Safleh, on one side of the Plain of Philistia, about ten miles east of Ashdod and south - east of Ekron. See also "Topographical Index," p. 411, in Conder's ' andbook to the Bible,' 2nd edit. Other interesting references are 1 Samuel 17:1, 52; 1 Samuel 21:10; 1 Chronicles 18:1; ch. 26:6; 1 Kings 2:39; 2 Kings 12:17; Amos 6:2. Mareshah. In the Shefelah (Joshua 15:44), now Marash, a short distance south of Eleutheropolis. Zerah the Cushite came here when he was invading Judaea (ch. 14:9. See also ch. 20:37; Micah 1:15). It was taken by John Hyreanus, B.C. 110, and was demolished by the Parthians, B.C. 39. Ziph. Probably the present Tel-Lif, a little south-east of Hebron (Joshua 15:55; see also 24. See also 1 Samuel 23:14-24; 1 Samuel 26:2).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Gath,
גַּ֥ת (gaṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1661: Gath -- 'wine press', a Philistine city

Mareshah,
מָרֵשָׁ֖ה (mā·rê·šāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4762: Mareshah -- a place in Judah, also two Israelites

Ziph,
זִֽיף׃ (zîp̄)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2128: Ziph -- a son of Judah, also a city Southeast of Hebron and a city in southern Judah


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 11:8 And Gath and Mareshah and Ziph (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
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