1. And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin a hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, who were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.
2. But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
3. Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,
4. Thus says the LORD, You shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is from me.
5. And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah.
6. He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,
7. And Beth-zur, and Soco, and Adullam,
8. And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,
9. And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,
10. And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin, fortified cities.
11. And he fortified the strongholds, and put captains in them, and store of food, and of oil and wine.
12. And in every city he put shields and spears, and made them very strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.