1
Now when Rehoboam came to Jerusalem, he assembled from the house of Judah and Benjamin one hundred and eighty thousand chosen men who were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might restore the kingdom to Rehoboam.
2
But the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
3
"Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,
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'Thus says the Lord: "You shall not go up or fight against your brethren! Let every man return to his house, for this thing is from Me." ' " Therefore they obeyed the words of the Lord, and turned back from attacking Jeroboam.
5
So Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah.
6
And he built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,
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Beth Zur, Sochoh, Adullam,
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Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,
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Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah,
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Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and Benjamin, fortified cities.
11
And he fortified the strongholds, and put captains in them, and stores of food, oil, and wine.
12
Also in every city he put shields and spears, and made them very strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.