Rehoboam Builds Cities for Defense

⁵ Rehoboam resided in Jerusalem. He built cities for defense in Judah. ⁶ He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, ⁷ Beth Zur, Soko, Adullam, ⁸ Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, ⁹ Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, ¹⁰ Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron. These are fortified cities in Judah and in Benjamin. ¹¹ He built up their fortifications. He placed commanders in them and stores of food, oil, and wine. ¹² In each and every city he placed shields and spears and made the cities very strong. Judah and Benjamin belonged to him.