2 Chronicles 11 11

2 Chronicles 11:11 kjv

And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine.

2 Chronicles 11:11 nkjv

And he fortified the strongholds, and put captains in them, and stores of food, oil, and wine.

2 Chronicles 11:11 niv

He strengthened their defenses and put commanders in them, with supplies of food, olive oil and wine.

2 Chronicles 11:11 esv

He made the fortresses strong, and put commanders in them, and stores of food, oil, and wine.

2 Chronicles 11:11 nlt

Rehoboam strengthened their defenses and stationed commanders in them, and he stored supplies of food, olive oil, and wine.

2 Chronicles 11 verses

2 Chronicles 11 11 Meaning

2 Chronicles 11:11 details King Rehoboam's strategic and administrative actions to fortify the cities he had established in Judah and Benjamin. Following the division of the kingdom, he placed military outposts and commanders in these strongholds. Crucially, he also ensured each city was abundantly stocked with essential provisions—food, oil, and wine—to guarantee their sustainability and readiness against potential conflict. This verse illustrates Rehoboam's practical foresight in securing his diminished kingdom by establishing a self-sufficient and militarily prepared defense network.

2 Chronicles 11 11 Context

Following the immediate aftermath of the kingdom's division (2 Chr 10), Rehoboam, though initially prevented by divine command from waging war against the northern tribes (2 Chr 11:4), began to strengthen his remaining dominion. 2 Chronicles 11:5-10 lists the specific cities Rehoboam fortified throughout Judah and Benjamin. Verse 11 details how these fortifications were established and sustained. This involved not just building walls, but installing military personnel ("garrisons"), placing responsible leadership ("commanders"), and ensuring a continuous supply of vital provisions for sustenance during potential sieges or long-term defense. This systematic build-up reflects Rehoboam's practical efforts to consolidate his rule and deter aggression from the northern kingdom under Jeroboam, illustrating a period of relative strength and strategic action during his early reign.

2 Chronicles 11 11 Word analysis

• And he put (וַיָּשֶׂם, vayyāśem): A simple yet powerful verb meaning "to place," "to set," or "to appoint." It signifies deliberate, purposeful action by Rehoboam, indicating his personal oversight and involvement in organizing these defenses rather than it being a spontaneous event. This highlights the intentionality of his strategic planning.

• garrisons (מִצְבָא, miṣbāʼ): Derived from the root ṣābāʼ, which typically refers to "an army," "host," or "military service." Here, miṣbāʼ denotes a standing body of troops or a military detachment stationed at a specific location, specifically the fortified cities. These garrisons served as both a defensive force and a physical representation of the king's authority and control over those cities.

• in them (בָּהֶם, bāhem): Refers directly to the "cities of defense" (Hebrew: ʻārê maḥzôq) mentioned in the preceding verses (2 Chr 11:5-10), indicating the locations where these military units were stationed.

• and commanders (וְשָׂרִים, wəśārîm): From śar, meaning "prince," "chief," "official," or "captain." These were key individuals appointed to lead the garrisons, administer the cities, and oversee the distribution of provisions. Their presence ensured effective management, discipline, and loyalty within the fortified system. Their role extends beyond purely military, encompassing administrative duties.

• with supplies (וְצֵדָה, wəṣêḏāh): Refers to "provisions," specifically "food prepared for a journey" or "for a military campaign/siege." This word choice emphasizes a foresight for sustainability, suggesting that the provisions were intended to allow the garrisons and citizens within the cities to withstand long periods without outside resupply, crucial for any besieged city.

• of food and oil and wine (לְמַאֲכָל וְשֶׁמֶן וָיָּיִן, ləma’akāl wəšemen wayyayin): These three items represent the basic and essential staples of the ancient Israelite diet and economy. Their explicit mention signifies a comprehensive and thorough provisioning:

  • food (ma’akāl): General term for edible sustenance.
  • oil (šemen): Primarily olive oil, crucial for nutrition, lamp fuel, skin anointing, and trade. Its presence ensures energy and practical daily needs.
  • wine (yayin): A fundamental beverage, offering hydration, nutritional value, and morale boosting qualities; also used medicinally and in cultic practices. The inclusion of these three implies robust and self-sustaining supplies.

• in every city (בְּכָל־עִיר וָעִיר, bəḵol-ʿîr wāʿîr): This emphatic phrase ("in every city and every city") underscores the meticulousness and comprehensiveness of Rehoboam's defense strategy. It implies a systematic approach where no fortified city was overlooked, demonstrating a complete and uniform preparation across his entire loyal territory.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • He put garrisons in them: Highlights the strategic military occupation of the fortified cities. It's not just walls; it's active military presence for defense.
  • and commanders with supplies: Demonstrates organizational depth, ensuring that military strength is complemented by leadership and essential logistical support, vital for the long-term viability of the defenses.
  • of food and oil and wine: Specifies the nature of the "supplies," indicating a highly practical and well-thought-out provision plan to sustain both military personnel and the civilian population in times of siege or extended conflict.
  • in every city: Emphasizes the wide-ranging and consistent implementation of this defense policy across Rehoboam's remaining territory, reflecting a strong effort to unify and secure his realm.

2 Chronicles 11 11 Bonus section

• Rehoboam's fortifications, including the detailed provisioning described in this verse, were crucial steps after the prophetic warning not to fight against the northern kingdom. Since offensive action was disallowed by God through Shemaiah the man of God (2 Chr 11:4), building up defensive capabilities was the only viable military response Rehoboam could take.
• This period, covered in 2 Chronicles 11:1-12:1, describes a time when Rehoboam followed "the word of the LORD" and found some success and strength. The thoroughness of his defensive preparations indicates an initial period of wise, though perhaps pragmatically rather than purely spiritually driven, leadership.
• The Levites and priests from all over Israel, fleeing Jeroboam's apostasy, came to Judah and reinforced Rehoboam (2 Chr 11:13-17). Their migration would have swelled the population of these fortified cities and contributed spiritual and possibly even logistical strength to Rehoboam's kingdom, complementing the physical provisions. This synergy of material and spiritual consolidation further solidified Judah.

2 Chronicles 11 11 Commentary

2 Chronicles 11:11 showcases Rehoboam's proactive and well-planned defense strategy in the face of a divided kingdom. By establishing garrisons and appointing capable commanders within the previously constructed fortifications, he created a network of strongholds designed to deter or withstand attacks. The detailed provisioning of each city with basic necessities—food, oil, and wine—speaks to a logistical foresight aimed at self-sufficiency, enabling these cities to endure prolonged isolation during a siege. This immediate post-division action was a prudent human response to the threat posed by Jeroboam and the northern kingdom. While a divinely forbidden military offensive (2 Chr 11:4) was averted, Rehoboam focused on strengthening his existing borders. This period reflects a measure of practical competence in Rehoboam's reign, emphasizing reliance on human organization and military preparation. However, the Chronicler's broader narrative often contrasts such human strength with ultimate dependence on God, hinting that true security lies in divine favor rather than physical defenses alone. This verse is an example of wise earthly governance, but not necessarily a depiction of perfect spiritual trust, which becomes evident later in Rehoboam's story.