Old Testament
2 Chronicles 11:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
Rehoboam, the king, made a smart decision by placing his sons in various cities across Judah and Benjamin.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Post-exilic Jews
Rehoboam acted wisely by spreading his sons throughout the territories of Judah and Benjamin, stationing them in every fortified city. He provided them with generous supplies. And he desired many wives.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
Rehoboam, the king, made a smart decision by placing his sons in various cities across Judah and Benjamin. This strategy helped him strengthen his rule and ensure loyalty among the people. By stationing them in fortified cities, he created a network of support. He also provided them with plenty of resources, ensuring they were well-equipped to lead. Additionally, Rehoboam had a desire for many wives, which was common among kings of that time. This desire could reflect his ambition to form alliances and strengthen his kingdom further. Overall, his actions show a blend of wisdom in governance and personal ambition, highlighting the complexities of leadership. Rehoboam's choices remind us that leadership involves both strategic planning and personal desires, which can sometimes conflict with one another. His story encourages us to think about how we balance our responsibilities with our personal aspirations in our own lives, making wise choices that benefit those around us. Explore related fear.
Related topics
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How to apply 2 Chronicles 11:23 to your life
Consider how you can support those around you, whether family or friends, by providing them with resources and opportunities. Reflect on your own ambitions and how they align with your responsibilities. Strive to make wise decisions that benefit both yourself and your community, fostering loyalty and support in your relationships. Remember, balance is key in leadership and personal life. Stay mindful of your choices and their impact.
Curated for this public verse page. 2 Chronicles Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 2 Chronicles 11:23 mean?
2 Chronicles 11:23 describes King Rehoboam's strategic decision to place his sons in fortified cities across Judah and Benjamin. This move was intended to strengthen his rule and ensure loyalty among the people by creating a network of support.
Why did Rehoboam desire many wives according to 2 Chronicles 11:23?
Rehoboam's desire for many wives reflects a common practice among kings of that era to form alliances and strengthen their kingdoms. This ambition could also indicate a personal desire for power and influence.
How does 2 Chronicles 11:23 relate to leadership?
This verse illustrates the complexities of leadership, showing that effective governance involves strategic planning and personal ambitions. Rehoboam's choices remind us that leaders must balance their responsibilities with their desires.
What lessons can we learn from 2 Chronicles 11:23?
From this verse, we learn the importance of supporting those around us and making wise decisions that benefit both ourselves and our communities. It emphasizes the need for balance in leadership and personal life.

The Book of 2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles 1: Solomon's Wisdom and Wealth
Solomon, the son of David, is now firmly established in his kingdom, and the Lord his God is with him, magnifying him exceedingly. Solomon speaks to all Israel—the commanders, judges, and leaders—and the entire assembly goes with him to the high place at Gibeon, where the Tabernacle of the Lord that Moses had made in the wilderness is located. The Ark of God, however, is in Jerusalem, in the tent that David had pitched for it. At Gibeon, Solomon goes up to the bronze altar before the Lord and offers a thousand burnt offerings upon it.
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