2 Chronicles 11 7

2 Chronicles 11:7 kjv

And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam,

2 Chronicles 11:7 nkjv

Beth Zur, Sochoh, Adullam,

2 Chronicles 11:7 niv

Beth Zur, Soko, Adullam,

2 Chronicles 11:7 esv

Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,

2 Chronicles 11:7 nlt

Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam,

2 Chronicles 11 verses

2 Chronicles 11 7 Meaning

2 Chronicles 11:7 lists three more cities, Beth-zur, Soco, and Adullam, that King Rehoboam fortified and strengthened in Judah after the kingdom of Israel was divided. These cities were strategically located in the Shephelah (lowlands) and hill country, forming part of a defensive network intended to protect the southern kingdom of Judah against external threats and the potential northern aggression. The verse highlights Rehoboam's focus on securing his realm through military preparedness following the split.

2 Chronicles 11 7 Context

Chapter 11 of 2 Chronicles details Rehoboam's actions following the catastrophic division of the Israelite kingdom. After the northern ten tribes seceded to Jeroboam (2 Chr 10), Rehoboam initially considered waging war to reclaim them but was deterred by a divine message (2 Chr 11:1-4). Consequently, he shifted his focus to fortifying the remaining southern kingdom of Judah. This involved strengthening Jerusalem and building or reinforcing a network of fifteen strategic cities throughout Judah and Benjamin. These fortifications were essential for defense against the burgeoning northern kingdom of Israel and, more immediately, against anticipated foreign incursions like the historical Egyptian invasion under Shishak (2 Chr 12). The chapter also highlights the crucial influx of priests and Levites, and other God-fearing Israelites, who migrated from the northern kingdom to Judah, abandoning Jeroboam's idolatry for faithful worship in Jerusalem. This not only added to Judah's population but also spiritually strengthened Rehoboam's realm for a time. Verse 7 specifically lists three of these crucial fortified cities.

2 Chronicles 11 7 Word analysis

• and Beth-zur (וּבֵית צוּר - u·veit Tsur):
  • and: Connects this city to the previous list, indicating an ongoing fortification effort.
  • Beth-zur: (House of Rock/Fortress). A very ancient and strategic town located in the Judean hill country, on a major route from Jerusalem south to Hebron. Its name literally reflects its fortified nature and rugged terrain. It controlled the pass leading to the high ridge and was vital for defending Judah's heartland. Mentioned in Joshua 15:58 as part of Judah's inheritance. Its historical significance continues into the Maccabean period where it served as a crucial stronghold.
• and Soco (וְשׂוֹכוֹ - ve·Sokho):
  • and: Continues the list of fortified locations.
  • Soco: (Thicket/Hedge). A city in the Shephelah, the lowlands between the Judean hills and the coastal plain. Its location was strategically important as it guarded the western approaches to the central Judean hill country. It is famous from the account of David and Goliath (1 Sam 17:1), situated near the battlefield in the Valley of Elah. Fortifying Soco demonstrated Rehoboam's intent to secure Judah's vulnerable western border against potential Philistine incursions or attacks from the north via the coastal plain.
• and Adullam (וַעֲדֻלָּם - va·'Adullam):
  • and: Adds another city to the defensive network.
  • Adullam: (Place of Retreat/Justice). Also located in the Shephelah, like Soco, and near the Elah Valley. It's historically significant as the place where David took refuge from Saul (1 Sam 22:1) and gathered his men. Its terrain with caves made it a natural stronghold. Fortifying Adullam reinforced the defensive line in the lowlands, controlling access routes and providing a strategic base for troop movements and storage.

2 Chronicles 11 7 Bonus section

The list of fortified cities in 2 Chronicles 11 (including those in verse 7) not only demonstrates Rehoboam's strategic thinking but also implicitly underlines the reduced geographical scope of Judah. No longer ruling a united kingdom, his concerns were focused solely on securing the core tribal lands of Judah and Benjamin. The Shephelah cities mentioned were key chokepoints and border regions. Their fortification was a recognition of Judah's new geopolitical reality as a smaller, more exposed state. This chapter, especially this verse, illustrates Rehoboam shifting from a failed political leader (in dividing the kingdom) to a more competent military and administrative ruler, at least in consolidating his remaining territory. However, despite these impressive defenses, Judah still suffered an invasion from Shishak a few years later, suggesting that human fortifications, while necessary, are insufficient without divine blessing and faithfulness (2 Chr 12).

2 Chronicles 11 7 Commentary

2 Chronicles 11:7 details three specific cities, Beth-zur, Soco, and Adullam, from Rehoboam's extensive fortification program. These locations were chosen for their strategic significance in protecting the vulnerable kingdom of Judah. Beth-zur secured a vital northern approach into the Judean hills, Soco and Adullam controlled crucial routes in the western Shephelah, acting as a buffer against external threats like the Philistines and, more pertinently, preparing for the looming threat from Egypt under Shishak. Rehoboam’s meticulous building efforts reflect a pragmatic and necessary response to the kingdom’s sudden vulnerability after the split. While God had prevented him from warring with Israel, Rehoboam was still responsible for defending the remaining kingdom. His focus on these military defenses, alongside the influx of devout Israelites from the northern kingdom, highlights Judah's initial steps toward stability, though ultimately their security would depend on divine favor, not just fortified walls. The narrative reminds that human efforts in defense are part of prudent leadership, but ultimate reliance should remain on God's protection.