8. Gath, Mareshah, Ziph,
9. Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah,
10. Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron. These became the fortified towns of Judah and Benjamin.
11. Rehoboam strengthened their defenses and stationed commanders in them, and he stored supplies of food, olive oil, and wine.
12. He also put shields and spears in these towns as a further safety measure. So only Judah and Benjamin remained under his control.
13. But all the priests and Levites living among the northern tribes of Israel sided with Rehoboam.
14. The Levites even abandoned their pasturelands and property and moved to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons would not allow them to serve the lord as priests.