3. “Say to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin,
4. ‘Thus says the Lord, You shall not go up or fight against your relatives. Return every man to his home, for this thing is from me.’” So they listened to the word of the Lord and returned and did not go against Jeroboam.
5. Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built cities for defense in Judah.
6. He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,
7. Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,
8. Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,
9. Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah,
10. Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, fortified cities that are in Judah and in Benjamin.
11. He made the fortresses strong, and put commanders in them, and stores of food, oil, and wine.