Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Chronicles 11:23
And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.
23. his children throughout all the countries ] R.V. his sons throughout all the lands, i.e. the territory of Judah; cp. 1Ch 13:2 (R.V. mg.).
And he desired many wives ] Render (with R.V. mg.), And he sought a multitude of wives. It is difficult to say whether or no the Chronicler has Deu 17:17 in his mind and is implicitly blaming the king. In any case he goes on in the next verse to say that Rehoboam forsook the law of the Lord. It is however probable that a word has fallen out of the Hebrew text and that the text ran originally thus, And he sought for them (i.e. for his sons) a multitude of wives. Rehoboam’s own conjugal matters have been already described in 2Ch 11:21.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Rehoboams wisdom was shown:
(1) In dispersing his other sons instead of allowing them to remain together in Jerusalem, where they might have joined in a plot against Abijah, as Adonijah and his brothers had done against Solomon 1Ki 1:5-10;
(2) In giving his sons positions which might well content them and prevent them from being jealous of Abijah.
He desired many wives – (Compare 2Ch 11:21). Some prefer to connect the words with the preceding words. If so, they denote another point in which Rehoboam was careful to please his sons.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 23. He dealt wisely] It was true policy to disperse his own sons through the different provinces who were not likely to form any league with Jeroboam against their father.
He desired many wives.] He was much addicted to women; yet we do not find that he formed any heathenish alliances of this nature. And as no particulars are given, we do not know how far he indulged himself in this propensity. He probably strengthened his political connections by these means.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Dispersed of all his children: lest his other sons should after his death unite their counsels and forces together against Abijah, he wisely dispersed them into several and distant places, and under pretence of honouring them with the government of them, he made them prisoners in a sort, appointing several persons to observe their motions, and prevent their combinations.
Unto every fenced city, agreeable to their quality, that their restraint might be more easy to them.
Desired many wives; either,
1. For his children; or rather,
2. For himself, by comparing this with 2Ch 11:21.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
23. he dealt wiselythat is,with deep and calculating policy (Ex1:10).
and dispersed of all hischildren . . . unto every fenced cityThe circumstance oftwenty-eight sons of the king being made governors of fortresseswould, in our quarter of the world, produce jealousy anddissatisfaction. But Eastern monarchs ensure peace and tranquillityto their kingdom by bestowing government offices on their sons andgrandsons. They obtain an independent provision, and being keptapart, are not likely to cabal in their father’s lifetime. Rehoboamacted thus, and his sagacity will appear still greater if the wiveshe desired for them belonged to the cities where each son waslocated. These connections would bind them more closely to theirrespective places. In the modern countries of the East, particularlyPersia and Turkey, younger princes were, till very lately, shut up inthe harem during their father’s lifetime; and, to preventcompetition, they were blinded or killed when their brother ascendedthe throne. In the former country the old practice of dispersing themthrough the country as Rehoboam did, has been again revived.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And he dealt wisely,…. Acted a prudent part, in order to execute his scheme, and particularly by disposing of his other sons in different parts of his kingdom, as follows: or “he made him his son Abijah to understand” e; he taught and instructed him in the art of government, took a particular care of his education, that he might be fitted for it; and he might instruct him how to behave towards his brethren, for the present and hereafter, as well as towards all the people in general: or “he (Abijah) understood” f; had more understanding and wisdom than all the children of Rehoboam; though it seems best to interpret it of Rehoboam himself, since it follows:
and disposed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city; to be governors thereof, in whose hands he could better trust them than in any other; or else, by thus separating them, they would not be able to enter into combination against Abijah; but then he must at the same time appoint some persons to watch and observe them; or otherwise, having such, strong places in their possession, they might rebel against him; the Targum is,
“he built and repaired the cities, and appointed of all his children throughout all the countries of the house of Judah, to all the fortified cities;”
that is, to have the command of them:
and he gave them victual in abundance; that they might have no reason to complain, and might be able to hold out a siege against an enemy, should they be attacked:
and he desired many wives; either for himself, or rather for his son, since he himself had many; or “Abijah desired, or asked g many wives” of their parents, or of those who had the dispose of them, in imitation of his father.
e “erudire faciebat”, Pagninus, Grotius; “docuit”, Vatablus. f “lntellexit”, Piscator. g “petivit”, Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus; “postulavit”, Piscator.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
And he did wisely, and dispersed of all his sons in all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, i.e., dispersed all his sons so, that they were placed in all parts of Judah and Benjamin in the fenced cities, and he gave them victual in abundance, and he sought (for them) a multitude of wives. , to ask for, for the father brought about the marriage of his sons. He therefore took care that his sons, by being thus scattered in the fenced cities of the country as their governors, were separated from each other, but also that they received the necessary means for living in a way befitting their princely rank, in the shape of an abundant maintenance and a considerable number of wives. They were thus kept in a state of contentment, so that they might not make any attempt to gain the crown, which he had reserved for Abijah; and in this lay the wisdom of his conduct.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
(23) And he dealt wisely.Rehoboam showed his sagacity by providing each of his sons with an independent position and royal establishment in accordance with the notions of the time. In this way he secured their contentment and obviated quarrels for precedence, and intrigues against his destined successor. (Comp. Gen. 25:6; and 2Ch. 21:2-3.) As resident prefects of the fortresses of the kingdom the princes were usefully employed. Ewald compares Ps. 14:16.
The countries.Districts, or territories.
He gave them victual in abundance.No doubt by assigning to each a district which was bound to supply his wants, as was the manner of the later kings of Persia.
And he desired many wives.And asked (for them) a multitude of wives. This is mentioned, along with the abundant maintenance, as proof of the princely state which he conferred on his sons, a numerous harem being one of the marks of royalty.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
23. He dealt wisely That is, with his other sons, so as to avert the dangers that might have otherwise accrued. Had he not been shrewd and careful so to scatter his children, and give them princely livings in separate cities, they might have had abundant opportunity to become jealous of Abijah, and to plot rebellion.
Gave them victuals in abundance So that they might live in princely state, and have no desire to attempt to gain the crown.
He desired many wives Rather, he asked for a multitude of wives; that is, wives for his sons, that he might thus further promote their pleasure and contentment. In all these measures Rehoboam showed himself a shrewd and skillful ruler.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2Ch 11:23. And he desired many wives And he took wives for them; i.e. for his sons. Houbigant.
REFLECTIONS.1st, Though Rehoboam had been unsuccessful in his attempt to reduce the people by fair words, he resolved to try the sword before Jeroboam was strengthened in his kingdom: and, he soon raised out of Judah and Benjamin a formidable force. But,
1. On the prophet’s warning he disbanded them. Note; Opposition to the divine will, will only end in our greater confusion.
2. He fortified his country, weakened by such a defection; and as many of the loyal Israelites, as well as the Levites, chose to live under his government, they might be fixed in some of the cities that he built. Note; When our loss is irrecoverable, it is our wisdom to make the best of what remains.
2nd, We have here,
1. The noble conduct of the priests and Levites. Since their country was become idolatrous, and they were no more permitted to exercise their sacred functions at home, or to go up in course to Jerusalem, they quitted their cities, and the lands assigned them; rather choosing to suffer any hardships, than be debarred from God’s service, which they valued above all possessions. Their brethren of Judah gladly received and entertained them. Note; (1.) The enjoyment of the free exercise of our religion cannot be too dearly purchased. (2.) Better is it to beg our bread from door to door with a good conscience, than by base compliances secure ease and affluence. (3.) They who for the sake of God forsake all, shall one day find themselves no losers. (4.) They should be received with open arms, and treated with every kindness, who, suffering for conscience sake, seek among us a refuge from persecution.
2. Many pious Israelites followed their example, and rather chose to forsake all, than be destitute of the pastors thus driven from them. Note; (1.) They who know the value of their souls, will prefer the care of them to every other consideration. (2.) When God’s ministers are persecuted and cast out, we must still adhere to them, and share with them in weal and woe. (3.) Trying seasons of persecution serve to separate the precious from the vile.
3. Israel lost, and Judah gained exceedingly by them. They added not only strength by their numbers, but more by the blessing which attended them. Three years they walked in the way of David; but afterwards Rehoboam, and they led by his example, grievously turned aside, and lost thereby the divine protection. Note; (1.) All persecution is as impolitic as it is wicked. (2.) We can only expect support, while we continue faithful to God. (3.) Many a refugee, in the place of his asylum, has found greater danger from ease and peace, than from the sword of the persecutor.
4. Rehoboam, following the unjustifiable example of his fathers, greatly multiplied his wives and increased his family. However, he chose to match among his brethren, and those chiefly of the seed royal, and took not strange wives, as Solomon did. Abijah, his son by Maachah the daughter of Absalom, (not the son of David, see 1Ki 15:2; 1Ki 13:2.) was appointed his successor, and his other sons were dispersed in the several cities of Judah and Benjamin, as persons in whom he could confide.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
REFLECTIONS
WHAT a poor trifling character is this Rehoboam? Is this the son of Solomon? Alas! what a poor resemblance of wisdom to the Father. Reader! do remark that grace is not hereditary. As the father cannot bear the sins of the son, neither the son the sins of the father; so grace hath no connection in natural alliances.
Is not this Rehoboam a true picture of all carnal, slothful men! as he preferred the sluggish situation of the fleshly pursuits to those of promoting the glory of God, so we find all men under the reigning power of indwelling sin, desire only to make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof. Oh! what multitudes are there of Rehoboams in the land, who know nothing, think of nothing, enjoy nothing but fleshly lusts; whose god is their belly, who mind earthly things. Precious Jesus! keep thy people from such things. Oh! give to them to have their conversation more and more in heaven, and from thence to be always looking for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our vile bodies that they may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to his mighty power whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself.
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
2Ch 11:23 And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives.
Ver. 23. And he dealt wisely, ] i.e., Politicly, as did after him Jehoshaphat, 2Ch 21:3 for he dispersed his other sons, that they might not conspire against his successor: and he gave them both victuals in abundance, and a multitude of wives, as some understand those words – he asked for a multitude of wives – ut ventri et veneri vacantes, that drowned in sensual delights, they might not aspire to the kingdom.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
them: i.e. the sons.
wives = wives [for them].
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
he dealt: 2Ch 10:8-15, Luk 16:8
dispersed: 2Ch 21:3, Gen 25:6, 1Ki 1:5, 1Ki 1:6
every fenced city: 2Ch 11:11
many wives: Heb. a multitude of wives, 2Ch 11:21
Reciprocal: 2Ch 17:19 – put in
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Ch 11:23. He dealt wisely, and dispersed his children, &c. Either, 1st, Lest his other sons should, after his death, unite together against Abijah; or rather, 2d, Because he could repose confidence in them, for the preservation of the public peace and safety, and could trust them with the fenced cities, which he took care to have well victualled, that they might be a defence to the country in case of an invasion. Thus he that dealt foolishly at first, dealt wisely afterward in his affairs.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
11:23 And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he {h} desired many wives.
(h) He gave himself to have many wives.