2 Chronicles 11:7

Afrikaans Bible (ABA) 2007 (Bybel vir almal)

Bet-Sur, Soko, Adullam,

What Does This Mean?

This verse lists three cities that were fortified by Rehoboam, the king of Judah, to defend his kingdom. There is no direct speaker mentioned here; it is part of the historical narrative describing Rehoboam's actions. The key message is about fortifying cities for defense against potential enemies.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing with your toys and you want to protect them from being taken. So you build a big wall around them to keep them safe. That's what King Rehoboam did with these cities to keep his kingdom safe from bad guys.

Historical Background

The Book of 2 Chronicles was written by chroniclers, possibly Ezra or another scribe, after the Babylonian exile, around the 5th century BCE. It was aimed at the returned Jewish exiles to inspire them to follow God faithfully. The setting describes the early period of the divided kingdom of Israel, focusing on the southern kingdom of Judah under King Rehoboam.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse can be seen as a reminder to prepare and protect what is important to us, whether it's our personal safety, our relationships, or our values. Just like King Rehoboam fortified cities, we can fortify our lives through good planning and faith.

Topics

• defense
• protection
• fortification
• kingdoms
• history
• faith

Related Verses

• Joshua 10:10
• 1 Kings 9:19
• 2 Kings 14:4
• Psalm 144:2
• Matthew 25:4

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Rehoboam fortify these cities?

Rehoboam fortified these cities to protect his kingdom from attacks by his enemies, especially from the northern kingdom of Israel which had separated from Judah under Jeroboam.

What happened to these cities after they were fortified?

The cities were likely able to withstand initial attacks, but the history of these places shows that they were still subject to the larger political and military conflicts of the region.

How does this verse relate to the overall narrative of 2 Chronicles?

This verse is part of the narrative that describes how Rehoboam responded to the division of the kingdom by strengthening his own territory to ensure the survival and prosperity of the kingdom of Judah.

Are these cities mentioned elsewhere in the Bible?

Yes, these cities are mentioned in other places in the Bible. For example, Adullam is also known as the hiding place of David when he was fleeing from Saul.