Bible Commentaries

2 Chronicles 11:13. And the priests and the Levites—resorted to him— Thus the tribe of Levi was added to that of Judah. Part of the tribe of Simeon too seems to have united itself with Judah; for we read, 2 Chronicles 11:6 that Rehoboam built or rather repaired Etam, which was a town in the tribe of Simeon. See Bishop Patrick.

2 Chronicles 11:17. In the way of David and Solomon— That is, in the laws, agreeably to the statutes and appointments of David and Solomon.

2 Chronicles 11:23. And he desired many wives— And he took wives for them; i.e. for his sons. Houbigant.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, Though Rehoboam had been unsuccessful in his attempt to reduce the people by fair words, he resolved to try the sword before Jeroboam was strengthened in his kingdom: and, he soon raised out of Judah and Benjamin a formidable force. But,

1. On the prophet's warning he disbanded them. Note; Opposition to the divine will, will only end in our greater confusion.

2. He fortified his country, weakened by such a defection; and as many of the loyal Israelites, as well as the Levites, chose to live under his government, they might be fixed in some of the cities that he built. Note; When our loss is irrecoverable, it is our wisdom to make the best of what remains.

2nd, We have here,

1. The noble conduct of the priests and Levites. Since their country was become idolatrous, and they were no more permitted to exercise their sacred functions at home, or to go up in course to Jerusalem, they quitted their cities, and the lands assigned them; rather choosing to suffer any hardships, than be debarred from God's service, which they valued above all possessions. Their brethren of Judah gladly received and entertained them. Note; (1.) The enjoyment of the free exercise of our religion cannot be too dearly purchased. (2.) Better is it to beg our bread from door to door with a good conscience, than by base compliances secure ease and affluence. (3.) They who for the sake of God forsake all, shall one day find themselves no losers. (4.) They should be received with open arms, and treated with every kindness, who, suffering for conscience sake, seek among us a refuge from persecution.

2. Many pious Israelites followed their example, and rather chose to forsake all, than be destitute of the pastors thus driven from them. Note; (1.) They who know the value of their souls, will prefer the care of them to every other consideration. (2.) When God's ministers are persecuted and cast out, we must still adhere to them, and share with them in weal and woe. (3.) Trying seasons of persecution serve to separate the precious from the vile.

3. Israel lost, and Judah gained exceedingly by them. They added not only strength by their numbers, but more by the blessing which attended them. Three years they walked in the way of David; but afterwards Rehoboam, and they led by his example, grievously turned aside, and lost thereby the divine protection. Note; (1.) All persecution is as impolitic as it is wicked. (2.) We can only expect support, while we continue faithful to God. (3.) Many a refugee, in the place of his asylum, has found greater danger from ease and peace, than from the sword of the persecutor.

4. Rehoboam, following the unjustifiable example of his fathers, greatly multiplied his wives and increased his family. However, he chose to match among his brethren, and those chiefly of the seed royal, and took not strange wives, as Solomon did. Abijah, his son by Maachah the daughter of Absalom, (not the son of David, see 1 Kings 15:2; 1 Kings 13:2.) was appointed his successor, and his other sons were dispersed in the several cities of Judah and Benjamin, as persons in whom he could confide.