What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 11:5? Rehoboam lived “Rehoboam lived…” (2 Chronicles 11:5) • The verb “lived” signals stability after the shock of losing ten tribes (1 Kings 12:16–20). • God had promised David “a lamp in Jerusalem” (1 Kings 11:36), so Rehoboam’s continued life and reign affirm the unbroken Davidic line. • His physical presence among the people answers the Lord’s earlier call for kings to “be careful to walk before Me” (1 Kings 2:3–4). In Jerusalem “…in Jerusalem…” • Jerusalem is the city God chose “for My Name to dwell” (2 Chronicles 6:6). • By remaining in the temple city, Rehoboam showed at least outward loyalty to the covenant worship established by Solomon. • Psalm 132:13 reminds us, “For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling.” Staying there kept the king under the shadow of God’s ordained center of worship, rather than chasing political advantage elsewhere. And he built up cities “…and he built up cities…” • Instead of retreating in defeat, Rehoboam went to work. 2 Chronicles 11:6–10 lists fifteen fortified towns (e.g., Bethlehem, Lachish, Azekah). • This construction echoes Solomon’s earlier efforts to strengthen the land (2 Chronicles 8:2 ff; 1 Kings 9:15). • Building projects provided employment, unified Judah, and demonstrated that the kingdom still possessed resources worth defending. For defense “…for defense…” • The northern kingdom under Jeroboam was now a real threat. Fortifications prepared Judah for the inevitable conflicts noted later (2 Chronicles 13:4–12). • Defensive readiness also guarded temple worship; losing Judah would have endangered the altar God designated (Deuteronomy 12:5–6). • Asa and Hezekiah would follow the same pattern, “building walls and towers” when foreign pressure mounted (2 Chronicles 14:6–7; 32:5). In Judah “…in Judah.” • The phrase narrows the focus to the territory God preserved for David’s heirs (1 Kings 12:21). • Priests and Levites who fled the north settled here, strengthening both spiritual life and manpower (2 Chronicles 11:13–17). • Concentrating defenses within Judah honored the tribal allotment God had sustained since Joshua (Joshua 15), showing that even after schism the covenant land promise stood firm. summary 2 Chronicles 11:5 reveals a battered but believing king anchoring himself in God’s chosen city, taking practical steps to safeguard the remnant kingdom, and trusting the Lord’s covenant to David. Rehoboam’s residence in Jerusalem, his energetic fortification program, and his focus on Judah together illustrate responsible leadership that clings to God’s promises while acting wisely in the face of division. |
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