Analysis of 2 Chronicles Chapter 11
2 Chronicles Chapter 11 delves into the reign of King Rehoboam following the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate entities: the Kingdom of Judah in the south and the Kingdom of Israel in the north. This chapter primarily focuses on Rehoboam’s initial responses to the political and religious upheavals of his time and provides insight into the strategic, religious, and familial decisions of his reign. Let’s explore the chapter verse by verse to draw a comprehensive understanding of its messages and implications.
Verses 1-4: Rehoboam’s Preparation for War and Obedience to God
Verses 1-2: “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. But the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,”
In these opening verses, Rehoboam, upon returning to Jerusalem, gathers a formidable army from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to wage war against the northern tribes that have formed the Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam. This action indicates Rehoboam’s initial inclination to forcefully reunite the kingdom, reflecting a typical response of a king seeking to consolidate power. This decision underscores the theme of human efforts in conflict resolution, often contrasted later with divine interventions.
Verses 3-4: “Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the Lord, and returned from going against Jeroboam.”
Shemaiah, a prophet, conveys God’s command to Rehoboam, instructing him not to engage in civil war against their brethren. God’s message reveals that the division of the kingdom is part of His divine plan. Rehoboam’s compliance with this divine directive showcases a rare moment of obedience and humility, recognizing the sovereignty of God’s will over his ambitions. This section emphasizes the importance of seeking and adhering to God’s guidance, particularly in times of national and personal turmoil.
Verses 5-12: Strengthening of Cities and Defensive Measures
Verses 5-6: “And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah. He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,”
After abandoning the plan to attack Israel, Rehoboam focuses on fortifying cities within his domain for defensive purposes. This strategic shift from offensive to defensive measures indicates a prudent and practical approach to ensuring the security and stability of Judah. The construction and strengthening of cities like Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa highlight Rehoboam’s efforts to safeguard his kingdom against external threats and internal insecurity.
Verses 7-10: “And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam, And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph, And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah, And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities.”
The comprehensive list of fortified cities emphasizes the wide scope of Rehoboam’s defensive initiatives. Each of these cities served as strongholds, potentially fortified with walls, garrisons, and resources to withstand sieges. This detailed enumeration also suggests an organized and methodical approach, ensuring that strategic points within the Kingdom of Judah were well-protected.
Verses 11-12: “And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine. And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.”
Rehoboam not only fortified the cities but also placed capable leaders, provisions, and weaponry within them. This thorough preparation reflects a keen sense of leadership and responsibility. Rehoboam’s actions illustrate the importance of vigilance and preparedness in governance. These verses also underline the king’s role in ensuring the well-being of his people by creating a secure and fortified environment.
Verses 13-17: Religious Reformation and Loyalty of the Levites
Verses 13-14: “And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts. For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest’s office unto the Lord:”
This segment introduces a significant religious migration. The Levitical priests, who were traditionally scattered throughout Israel, move to Judah and Jerusalem. This relocation is a response to Jeroboam’s rejection of their role as religious leaders in the northern kingdom. Jeroboam’s actions, aimed at establishing an alternative religious system, force the Levites to seek refuge and continuity of their priestly duties in Judah.
The arrival of the priests and Levites in Jerusalem signifies a consolidation of religious authority in the southern kingdom. These actions also underscore the Levites’ commitment to maintaining the worship of Yahweh according to Mosaic laws, a poignant reminder of the importance of faithful stewardship in religious practice.
Verses 15-16: “And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made. And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the Lord God of their fathers.”
These verses describe the religious schism between the kingdoms. Jeroboam establishes his own priests and introduces idolatrous practices, including the worship of calves and other deities. In stark contrast, those in Israel who remain faithful to Yahweh travel to Jerusalem to continue their worship. This migration underscores a significant religious division where true worshipers of Yahweh align themselves with Judah, further legitimizing Rehoboam’s kingdom as the spiritual center.
Verse 17: “So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.”
The coexistence of political strength and spiritual fidelity fortifies the Kingdom of Judah. As the citizens abide by the Davidic and Solomonic traditions, they align themselves with the legacy of faithfulness, ensuring stability and divine favor. This coalition of political and religious unity under Rehoboam serves as a reinforcement of the kingdom’s foundations.
Verses 18-23: Rehoboam’s Family and Governance
Verses 18-19: “And Rehoboam took him Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David to wife, and Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse; Which bare him children; Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham.”
Rehoboam’s marriages to Mahalath and Abihail intertwine the ruling lineage of David with significant families of Judah. These alliances strengthen his political base by consolidating connections within influential clans. The mention of their offspring indicates the continuity of the Davidic line and the importance of heredity in maintaining royal legitimacy.
Verses 20-21: “And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith. And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines: (for he took eighteen wives, and threescore concubines; and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters.)”
Rehoboam’s marriage to Maachah, the granddaughter of Absalom (the son of David who rebelled against his father), adds another layer of familial connection, albeit a complex one due to Absalom’s history. His preference for Maachah and the prolific expansion of his family through multiple wives and concubines highlight the customary practices of polygamy and dynastic proliferation in maintaining a strong royal lineage.
Verses 22-23: “And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king. And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.”
Rehoboam’s designation of Abijah as the chief among his sons and likely successor reinforces the importance of planning for dynastic stability. By strategically placing his other sons in positions of influence across fortified cities, Rehoboam ensures loyalty and prevents potential discord within his family. This distribution of power also strengthens his governance by creating a network of dependable allies.
Conclusion
2 Chronicles Chapter 11 presents a multifaceted portrait of King Rehoboam’s early reign. The chapter opens with a critical moment of obedience, where divine intervention, through Shemaiah, redirects Rehoboam’s military ambitions towards a more peaceful approach. This obedience sets a tone of seeking divine guidance in governance. The subsequent focus on fortifying cities reveals Rehoboam’s prudence in ensuring the kingdom’s security.
The migration of the Levites and faithful Israelites to Judah highlights the religious integrity of Rehoboam’s kingdom, establishing it as a spiritual stronghold amidst the idolatry of the north. This religious dimension, coupled with wise administrative strategies—like the placement and provision for his sons—demonstrates Rehoboam’s comprehensive approach to leadership.
Moreover, the chapter subtly underscores the themes of legacy and continuity, seen in Rehoboam’s marriages and his efforts to strengthen familial ties within the kingdom. The narrative of 2 Chronicles Chapter 11, therefore, offers a profound exploration of the interplay between divine will, religious fidelity, strategic governance, and dynastic continuity in the early years of King Rehoboam’s rule over Judah.
