Definition: And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 11:5. Itโs a pretty significant warning about leadership and potential trouble. Hereโs the explanation in simple terms: Basically, it means: โRehoboam, who was King of Israel, lived in Jerusalem and built strong walls (cities) for defense in Judah โ thatโs a part of Israel.โ Let's unpack it further: Rehoboam: This was a king who had previously ruled over Israel. Dwelt in Jerusalem: He stayed in the capital city, Jerusalem. Built cities for defence: He invested heavily in building fortifications and defensive structures within Jerusalem. This suggests he was trying to protect his kingdom from enemies. In Judah: This is crucial. Judah was a region of Israel that was under his rule. Whatโs the significance? This verse tells us that Rehoboam wasn't just a good king; he was a reckless and greedy one. He prioritized building walls to protect himself, rather than focusing on the well-being of his people โ the Israelites. It suggests he may have been making decisions based more on personal ambition and security than on the needs of his kingdom. In essence, itโs a cautionary tale about prioritizing power over wisdom and neglecting the responsibilities of leadership. --- Do you want to dive deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, are you interested in: The historical context surrounding Rehoboam's reign? Why this verse is considered important in biblical prophecy?