12 He put shields and spears in all the cities, and made them very strong. So Judah and Benjamin were his.
12 And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.
12 And he put shields and spears in all the cities and made them very strong. So he held Judah and Benjamin.
12 He installed arms - large shields and spears - in all the forts, making them very strong. So Judah and Benjamin were secure for the time.
12 Also in every city he put shields and spears, and made them very strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.
12 He also put shields and spears in these towns as a further safety measure. So only Judah and Benjamin remained under his control.
13 The priests and Levites from all their districts throughout Israel sided with him.
13 And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted
13 And the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel presented themselves to him from all places where they lived.
13 The priests and Levites from all over Israel came and made themselves available to Rehoboam.
13 And from all their territories the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel took their stand with him.
13 But all the priests and Levites living among the northern tribes of Israel sided with Rehoboam.
(Read 2 Chronicles 11:13-23)
When the priests and Levites came to Jerusalem, the devout, pious Israelites followed them. Such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel, left the inheritance of their fathers, and went to Jerusalem, that they might have free access to the altar of God, and be out of the temptation to worship the calves. That is best for us, which is best for our souls; in all our choices, religious advantages must be sought before all outward conveniences. Where God's faithful priests are, his faithful people should be. And when it has been proved that we are willing to renounce our worldly interests, so far as we are called to do so for the sake of Christ and his gospel, we have good evidence that we are truly his disciples. And it is the interest of a nation to protect religion and religious people.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:12
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 11:1-12
(Read 2 Chronicles 11:1-12)
A few good words might have prevented the rebellion of Rehoboam's subjects; but all the force of his kingdom cannot bring them back. And it is in vain to contend with the purpose of God, when it is made known to us. Even those who are destitute of true faith, will at times pay some regard to the word of God, and be kept by it from wrong actions, to which they are prone by nature.