Bible Commentaries

And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and ^a Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen [men], which were warriors, to fight against ^b Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.

(a) That is, the half tribe of Benjamin for the other half went after Jeroboam.

(b) Meaning the ten tribes who rebelled.

And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and ^c built cities for defence in Judah.

(c) Or, repaired them and made them strong to be more able to resist Jeroboam.

And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the ^d devils, and for the calves which he had made.

(d) Meaning idols, (Isaiah 44:15).

And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their ^e hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.

(e) Who were zealous of true religion and feared God.

So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they ^f walked in the way of David and Solomon.

(f) As long as they feared God, and set forth his word, they prospered.

And Rehoboam made ^g Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, [to be] ruler among his brethren: for [he thought] to make him king.

(g) Called also Abijam, who reigned three years, (1 Kings 15:2).

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 ^h desired many wives.

(h) He gave himself to have many wives.