5. Rehoboam remained in Jerusalem and had fortifications built for the following cities of Judah and Benjamin:
6. Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,
7. Bethzur, Soco, Adullam,
8. Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,
9. Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah,
10. Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron.
11. He had them strongly fortified and appointed a commander for each of them, and in each one he placed supplies of food, olive oil, and wine,
12. and also shields and spears. In this way he kept Judah and Benjamin under his control.
13. From all the territory of Israel priests and Levites came south to Judah.