11:2 Shemaiah See 1 Kgs 12:22 and note.

11:3 to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin The account in Kings has “all the house of Judah and Benjamin.” By using the phrase “all Israel,” the Chronicler emphasizes the relationship between the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin and their “brothers” (see note on 2 Chron 11:4), the northern tribes.

11:4 do not fight against your brothers The Hebrew word here connotes the phrase “your brothers.”

this matter has come from me See note on 10:15.

11:5 cities as strongholds Rehoboam’s fortified cities are reminiscent of Solomon’s defenses (8:5).

11:11 stores of food, olive oil, and wine Rehoboam stocked the cities with food and supplies as part of his fortification efforts. Extra food and supplies would help the cities survive a siege.

11:13 the priests and the Levites This account of the priests and Levites leaving the northern kingdom strengthens the Chronicler’s emphasis on temple worship and the Davidic monarchy (see note on 6:6). Because of the apostasy of Jeroboam and the northern kingdom (see v. 15 and note), the priests and Levites travel to Jerusalem, the location of the temple and the center of proper worship.

11:15 for the high places While the Chronicler mostly ignores the account of Jeroboam, he alludes to Jeroboam’s idolatry in this passage. See 1 Kgs 12:25–33 and note.

for the goat idols Sacrificing to “goat idols” or “goat demons” is specifically prohibited in the law. See Lev 17:7 and note.

for the bull calves See 1 Kgs 12:28 and note. Reminiscent of the golden calf that Aaron made while Moses was on Mount Sinai (Exod 32).

11:16 seek Yahweh, the God of Israel People from all the tribes who were seeking Yahweh came to Jerusalem to worship.

11:17 in the way of David and Solomon Indicates that Rehoboam was faithful for a time, during which Judah was secure and blessed.

11:18 Yerimot son of David Jerimoth is not mentioned elsewhere in David’s genealogies (see 1 Chr 3:1–9). He may have been the son of one of David’s concubines.

Eliab The oldest brother of David (1 Sam 17:13).

11:20 Maacah the daughter of Absalom Absalom only had one recorded daughter, Tamar (2 Sam 14:27). Maacah may be his granddaughter.

11:22 in order to make him king Abijah reigns after Rehoboam (2 Chron 13:1–2).

11:23 and distributed some of his sons Placing his sons in positions of power throughout the kingdom would help guard against rebellion.