Rehoboam Makes Judah Strong

⁵ Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built ·strong [fortified] cities in Judah for defense. ⁶ He built up the cities of Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, ⁷ Beth Zur, Soco, Adullam, ⁸ Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, ⁹ Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, ¹⁰ Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron. These were ·strong, walled [fortified] cities in Judah and Benjamin. ¹¹ When Rehoboam ·made those cities strong [strengthened the fortresses/their defenses], he put ·commanders [officers] and ·supplies [stores] of food, oil, and wine in them. ¹² Also, Rehoboam put shields and spears in all the cities and made them very strong. Rehoboam kept the people of Judah and Benjamin under his control.