And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.
Rehoboam remained dwelling in Jerusalem and after returning there built cities for defense in Judah. That building work was his attempt to profit from the troubles that had marked the opening of his reign. The system he raised was one of fortified strongholds set under commanders and stocked with food, oil, and wine, until they became very strong. Yet the prosperity Judah enjoyed during the first three years of his reign did not come from those military preparations, but from recognizing God as the supreme ruler and seeking Him.
Rehoboam remained dwelling in Jerusalem and after returning there built cities for defense in Judah. That building work was his attempt to profit from the troubles that had marked the opening of his reign. The system he raised was one of fortified strongholds set under commanders and stocked with food, oil, and wine, until they became very strong. Yet the prosperity Judah enjoyed during the first three years of his reign did not come from those military preparations, but from recognizing God as the supreme ruler and seeking Him.