5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built cities for defense in Judah. 6 He built Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, 7 Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, 8 Gath, Mareshah, Ziph, 9 Adoraim, Lachish, Azekah, 10 Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, ⁱfortified cities that are in Judah and in Benjamin. 11 He made the fortresses strong, and put commanders in them, and stores of food, oil, and wine. 12 And he put shields and spears in all the cities and made them very strong. So he held Judah and Benjamin.

4 And he took the ^xfortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.

3 Their father gave them great gifts of silver, gold, and valuable possessions, together with ^afortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn.