2. Chronik 11:17 Kommentar

We are here going on with the history of Rehoboam. I. His attempt to recover the ten tribes he has lost, and the letting fall of that attempt in obedience to the divine command (Ch2 11:1-4). II. His successful endeavours to preserve the two tribes that remained (Ch2 11:5-12). III. The resort of the priests and Levites to him (Ch2 11:13-17). IV. An account of his wives and children (Ch2 11:18-23).

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 11 In this chapter are related the preparations Rehoboam made to regain the ten tribes that revolted from him, but was forbid making the attempt by a prophet of the Lord, which he paid a regard unto, Ch2 11:1, the fortification of several cities in Judah and Benjamin for his defence, Ch2 11:5, the resort of several priests and Levites to him from Jeroboam, which served to strengthen his kingdom, Ch2 11:13, and an account of his wives, and of his children, and of his disposal of them, Ch2 11:18.

Which bare him children,.... Or, "and she bore him" (d); for it is said only of one of them, the other perhaps died without children; this may refer to the last mentioned, Abihail, whose children were Jeush, and Shamariah, and Zaham; who perhaps all died in their father's lifetime, since the firstborn of a later wife succeeded him. (d) "peperit", Pagninus, Montanus.

Rehoboam raises an array, purposing to reduce the ten tribes; but is prevented by Shemaiah the prophet, Ch2 11:1-4. He builds several cities of defense, and fortifies others, Ch2 11:5-12. The priests and Levites being turned out by Jeroboam, come to Rehoboam, Ch2 11:13, Ch2 11:14. Jeroboam's gross idolatry, Ch2 11:15. The pious of the land join with Judah, and strengthen the kingdom of Rehoboam, Ch2 11:16, Ch2 11:17. His wives, concubines, and numerous issue, Ch2 11:18-21. He places his own sons for governors in the different provinces, Ch2 11:22, Ch2 11:23.

For three years they walked in the way of David - During this time he prospered; but for fourteen years after this he and the people were unfaithful to the Lord, except at such intervals as the hand of God's judgments was upon them.

REHOBOAM, RAISING AN ARMY TO SUBDUE ISRAEL, IS FORBIDDEN BY SHEMAIAH. (2Ch. 11:1-17) Rehoboam . . . gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin . . . to fight against Israel--(See Kg1 12:21-24).

they strengthened the kingdom of Judah--The innovating measures of Jeroboam were not introduced all at once. But as they were developed, the secession of the most excellent of his subjects began, and continuing to increase for three years, lowered the tone of religion in his kingdom, while it proportionally quickened its life and extended its influence in that of Judah.

Rehoboam's defection from the Lord, and his humiliation by the Egyptian king Shishak. - Ch2 12:1. The infinitive כּהכין, "at the time of the establishing," with an indefinite subject, may be expressed in English by the passive: when Rehoboam's royal power was established. The words refer back to Ch2 11:17. כּחזקתו, "when he had become strong" (חזקה is a nomen verbale: the becoming strong; cf. Ch2 26:16; Ch2 11:2), he forsook the Lord, and all Israel with him. The inhabitants of the kingdom of Judah are here called Israel, to hint at the contrast between the actual conduct of the people in their defection from the Lord, and the destiny of Israel, the people of God. The forsaking of the law of Jahve is in substance the fall into idolatry, as we find it stated more definitely in Kg1 14:22.