2. But the Lord told the prophet Shemaiah
3. to give this message to King Rehoboam and to all the people of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin:
4. “Do not attack your fellow-Israelites. Go home, all of you. What has happened is my will.” They obeyed the Lord's command and did not go to fight Jeroboam.
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.