⁶ He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the Lord gave him rest.^(A)

¹⁵ All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God^(A) eagerly, and he was found by them. So the Lord gave them rest^(B) on every side.

Rehoboam Fortifies Judah

⁵ Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built up towns for defense in Judah: ⁶ Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, ⁷ Beth Zur, Soko, Adullam, ⁸ Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, ⁹ Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, ¹⁰ Zorah, Aijalon and Hebron. These were fortified cities^(A) in Judah and Benjamin. ¹¹ He strengthened their defenses and put commanders in them, with supplies of food, olive oil and wine. ¹² He put shields and spears in all the cities, and made them very strong. So Judah and Benjamin were his.

⁹ But you will have a son who will be a man of peace^(A) and rest,^(B) and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon,^[a](C) and I will grant Israel peace and quiet^(D) during his reign.