11:1 When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he summoned 180,000 skilled warriors from Judah and Benjamin 1 to attack Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam. 11:2 But the Lord told Shemaiah the prophet, 2 11:3 “Say this to King Rehoboam son of Solomon of Judah and to all the Israelites in Judah and Benjamin, 11:4 ‘The Lord says this: “Do not attack and make war with your brothers. Each of you go home, for I have caused this to happen.”’” 3 They obeyed the Lord and called off the attack against Jeroboam. 4
11:5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem; 5 he built up these fortified cities throughout Judah: 11:6 Bethlehem, 6 Etam, Tekoa,