111 And Rehoboam cometh in to Jerusalem, and assembleth the house of Judah and Benjamin, a hundred and eighty thousand chosen warriors, to fight with Israel, to bring back the kingdom to Rehoboam. 2 And a word of Jehovah is unto Shemaiah, a man of God, saying, 3 'Speak unto Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, and unto all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, 4 Thus said Jehovah, Ye do not go up nor fight with your brethren, turn back each to his house, for from Me hath this thing been;' and they hear the words of Jehovah, and turn back from going against Jeroboam.
5 And Rehoboam dwelleth in Jerusalem, and buildeth cities for a bulwark in Judah, 6 yea, he buildeth Beth-Lehem and Etam, and Tekoa, 7 and Beth-Zur, and Shocho, and Adullam, 8 and Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph, 9 and Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah, 10 and Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, that 'are' in Judah and in Benjamin, cities of bulwarks. 11 And he strengtheneth the bulwarks, and putteth in them leaders, and treasures of food, and oil, and wine, 12 and in every city and city targets and spears, and strengtheneth them very greatly; and he hath Judah and Benjamin.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:1-12
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:1-12
(Read 2 Chronicles 11:1-12)
A few good words might have prevented the rebellion of Rehoboam's subjects; but all the force of his kingdom cannot bring them back. And it is in vain to contend with the purpose of God, when it is made known to us. Even those who are destitute of true faith, will at times pay some regard to the word of God, and be kept by it from wrong actions, to which they are prone by nature.