2 Chronicles - Chapter 11

2 Chronicles 11.1 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. 2 Chronicles 11.2 But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 2 Chronicles 11.3 Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, 2 Chronicles 11.4 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. 2 Chronicles 11.5 And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah. 2 Chronicles 11.6 He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa, 2 Chronicles 11.7 And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam, 2 Chronicles 11.8 And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph, 2 Chronicles 11.9 And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah, 2 Chronicles 11.10 And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities. 2 Chronicles 11.11 And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine. 2 Chronicles 11.12 And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side. 2 Chronicles 11.13 And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts. 2 Chronicles 11.14 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: 2 Chronicles 11.15 And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made. 2 Chronicles 11.16 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. 2 Chronicles 11.17 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. 2 Chronicles 11.18 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; 2 Chronicles 11.19 Which bare him children; Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham. 2 Chronicles 11.20 And after her he took Maachah the daughter of Absalom; which bare him Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith. 2 Chronicles 11.21 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.) 2 Chronicles 11.22 And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king. 2 Chronicles 11.23 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.

2 Chronicles : Chapter 11

The Division of the Kingdom in 2 Chronicles 11

Chapter 11 of 2 Chronicles plunges us into the heart of the early reign of Rehoboam, son of Solomon. This crucial passage deals with the separation of Israel and Judah, highlighting the defensive measures taken by Rehoboam and the influx of faithful Levites and priests into Jerusalem. Through this narrative, we explore profound themes such as the consequences of disobedience, the importance of loyalty to God, and the central role of the temple in worship.

This chapter also discusses Rehoboam's family, setting the stage for the events to come. We invite you to examine with us five biblical passages that shed light on the fundamental themes of this controversial chapter.

1. 1 Kings 12:21-24

In this passage, we read: “When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he summoned 180,000 warriors from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin to fight against Israel and win back the kingdom for Rehoboam. But the Lord spoke to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, ‘Say to Rehoboam, son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin: Thus says the Lord: Do not fight against your fellow Israelites. All of you return home, for I have done this.’” This parallel passage in 1 Kings provides additional context for the events described in 2 Chronicles 11, revealing the divine intervention that preserved peace between the two kingdoms.

2. Deuteronomy 12:5-6

We also find a fundamental commandment in Deuteronomy: “But you shall seek him in the place which the Lord your God will choose out of all the tribes to write his name there and to make his dwelling place. There you shall go; they shall bring burnt offerings and sacrifices, tithes and sacred contributions, vow offerings, freewill offerings, and the firstborn of their livestock.” This commandment contrasts with the actions of Jeroboam, who, according to 2 Chronicles 11:15, established his own places of worship.

3. 1 Kings 11:31-32

The prophecy given to Jeroboam is also essential: “And he said to Jeroboam, ‘Gather ten shekels for yourself, for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: See, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and will give you ten tribes. But for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of the city of Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, he shall have only one tribe.’” This prophecy explains the context for the division of the kingdom, revealing that it was a fulfillment of the divine plan.

4. Exodus 32:4

Another example of disobedience is found in Exodus: “He took what was given him and made an idol in the shape of a calf, and finished carving it. Then they said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’” This verse recalls the sin of the golden calf, echoing Jeroboam’s sin in 2 Chronicles 11:15, where he makes golden calves for worship.

5. Proverbs 11:14

Finally, we meditate on the proverb: “A nation without guidance falls, but many counselors save it.” This proverb contrasts with Rehoboam's attitude in 2 Chronicles 10, where he rejects the advice of the elders, thus leading to the division of the kingdom.

Through these reflections, we are called to recognize the importance of remaining faithful to God and His divine plan, while seeking wisdom in our decisions. May our commitment to the Lord guide us in our choices, so that we may avoid the mistakes of the past and walk in the light of His truth.