2 Chronicles 11 6

2 Chronicles 11:6 kjv

He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,

2 Chronicles 11:6 nkjv

And he built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

2 Chronicles 11:6 niv

Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

2 Chronicles 11:6 esv

He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

2 Chronicles 11:6 nlt

He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa,

2 Chronicles 11 verses

2 Chronicles 11 6 Meaning

2 Chronicles 11:6 details one of the initial acts of King Rehoboam following the division of the united kingdom of Israel: he built or heavily fortified the cities of Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa. These actions represent a pragmatic, human-centered defensive strategy undertaken to secure the newly diminished Kingdom of Judah after ten northern tribes seceded. It illustrates his attempt to establish a strong southern defensive line guarding his capital, Jerusalem, and the core territory of Judah.

2 Chronicles 11 6 Context

Following the division of the united kingdom of Israel, detailed in 1 Kings 12 and 2 Chronicles 10, King Rehoboam initially assembled a vast army to forcibly reclaim the ten northern tribes (2 Chr 11:1). However, the prophet Shemaiah intervened with a divine message, stating that the division was God's will and forbidding war between Judah and Israel (2 Chr 11:2-4). Rehoboam, though impetuous earlier, heeded this prophetic word. Instead of waging war, he returned to Jerusalem and embarked on a comprehensive program of fortifying cities across his remaining kingdom of Judah and Benjamin (2 Chr 11:5). This verse (2 Chr 11:6) specifically names Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa as the initial cities to be strengthened. This strategic building effort was a practical response to secure his smaller kingdom against potential incursions from the north or other neighboring peoples, ensuring defensive readiness.

2 Chronicles 11 6 Word analysis

• He built (וַיִּבֶן - vayyiben): The Hebrew verb is banah, meaning "to build" or "to establish." In the context of fortifying cities, it implies not merely erecting new structures but strengthening existing walls, towers, and gates, making them militarily defensible. This was often done by adding inner and outer walls, creating citadels, and installing garrisons and supplies. The Septuagint translates it as "he fortified" (ὠχύρωσεν - ochyrōsen), which better conveys the defensive nature of the building. This action shows a proactive military preparation in the face of political instability.
• Bethlehem (בֵּית לֶחֶם - Beit Leḥem): Literally meaning "House of Bread." Located approximately six miles south of Jerusalem, it was a significant ancient town, famously known as the birthplace of King David (1 Sam 17:12) and, later, prophesied to be the birthplace of the Messiah (Mic 5:2). Its fortification was crucial as it lay on the primary southern route to Jerusalem, guarding a critical approach to the capital.
• Etam (עֵיטָם - Etam): The exact location is debated but it is generally placed southwest of Bethlehem. Josephus mentions "Etham" as a location near Bethlehem known for its beautiful gardens and, critically, a large, well-watered area from which King Solomon drew water via an aqueduct to supply Jerusalem (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 8.7.3). Fortifying Etam thus secured an essential water source for Jerusalem and nearby garrisons, and controlled access through a valley often used for ascent. The root could imply "place of birds of prey" or "closed/fortified place."
• Tekoa (תְּקוֹעַ - Təqoaʿ): Located about ten miles south of Jerusalem, on a high, elevated plateau overlooking the Judean Wilderness. Its name might derive from a root meaning "to fix," "to pitch (a tent)," or "to drive a peg," suggesting a firm, established dwelling place. It was known as the hometown of the prophet Amos (Amos 1:1) and the wise woman who spoke to David (2 Sam 14:2). Its elevated position provided an excellent strategic lookout over the desert routes from the east, allowing for early detection of approaching forces.

Words-group analysis:

• "Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa": This trio of cities forms a defensive arc to the south-southwest of Jerusalem. By fortifying them, Rehoboam established a primary defensive perimeter for his capital and the heartland of Judah. This was a critical military and logistical decision. Bethlehem guarded the direct route, Etam secured water and passage, and Tekoa provided elevated surveillance and control over desert approaches. Together, they represent an initial strategic cluster among the 15 fortified cities mentioned in the subsequent verses (2 Chr 11:7-10), indicating a comprehensive and deliberate defense plan for the remaining kingdom.

2 Chronicles 11 6 Bonus section

• Total Fortified Cities: While 2 Chronicles 11:6 names three, Rehoboam is recorded as fortifying fifteen cities in total (v. 5-10), demonstrating a wide-ranging, planned defensive network across Judah and Benjamin. This established a layered defense for the smaller kingdom.
• Strategic Arc: The cities chosen by Rehoboam (Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, along with others like Lachish, Azekah, and Hebron) created an arc of defense, mainly to the west, southwest, and south of Jerusalem, anticipating threats from the northern kingdom of Israel, Philistia, and desert raiders.
• Purpose Beyond Defense: Besides military garrisons, these fortified cities served as administrative centers for Rehoboam, providing bases for his officers and places to store provisions and weaponry, thus strengthening his internal control over the remaining kingdom.
• Contrasting Kingship: Rehoboam's act of building and fortifying stands in contrast to the prior unity and strength under David and Solomon, where military power was often projectable. His reign began defensively, a testament to the consequences of his and the people's choices.

2 Chronicles 11 6 Commentary

Rehoboam's decision to fortify Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa was a pivotal strategic move after the division of the kingdom. Following God's directive to desist from military aggression against the northern tribes, he channeled his energy into a pragmatic, defensive strategy. These cities, particularly Bethlehem and Tekoa, held significant strategic value: Bethlehem controlled key roads leading to Jerusalem from the south, and Tekoa offered high ground for observation and defense against incursions from the Judean Wilderness. Etam, though less biblically prominent, was likely important for water resources and its position within this defensive line.

This act highlights a typical ancient Near Eastern response to geopolitical instability – strengthening infrastructure for security. Rehoboam’s focus shifted from reuniting the kingdom by force to ensuring the security and stability of what remained. While these fortifications demonstrated practical leadership, they ultimately pointed to a common biblical tension: reliance on human strength versus reliance on divine protection. Despite Rehoboam's significant defensive works, the narrative later shows that these fortified cities could still fall, as seen with Shishak's invasion (2 Chr 12:4), illustrating that human endeavors alone cannot guarantee ultimate security apart from God's favor.