Rehoboam was between two dangers: on the north he might be attacked by Jeroboam, on the south by Jeroboam’s ally, Egypt. From this side was the greater peril, and therefore out of the 15 cities fortified, all but three were on the southern or western frontier, where Egypt would be most likely to attack.
See Josh. 15 and notes at Jos 15:33-36, notes; Jos 15:48-51, notes; Jos 15:58-59, notes.
For Adullam see 1Sa 22:1 note. It was in the near neighborhood of Socoh Jos 15:35; but its site cannot be actually fixed. It was a place of great antiquity Gen 38:1.
The site of Adoraim is uncertain. For Lachish, see Jos 10:3; Azekah, Jos 10:10; Zorah, Jos 15:33; Aijalon, Jos 10:12; Hebron, Jos 14:15. No one of the cities was really within the limits of the tribe of Benjamin. The writer uses the phrase “Judah and Benjamin” merely as the common designation of the southern kingdom (compare 2Ch 11:12 and 2Ch 11:23).
Jeroboam probably confiscated the Levitical lands for the benefit of this new priesthood. Under these circumstances the priests and Levites emigrated in large numbers to the southern kingdom; an act which was followed by a general emigration of the more pious Israelites 2Ch 11:16.
The high places - i. e., the two sanctuaries at Dan and Bethel.
For the devils - literally, “for the goats:” probably the word is used (as in Lev 17:7) for objects of idolatrous worship generally.
Three years - i. e., during the first three years of Rehoboam’s reign. In the fourth year an apostasy took place, which neutralized all the advantages of the immigration (marginal reference). In the fifth the apostasy was punished by the invasion and success of Shishak 2Ch 12:2.
This is probably an extract from the “genealogies” of Iddo 2Ch 12:15.
As Jerimoth is not mentioned among the legitimate sons of David 1Ch 3:1-8; 1Ch 14:4-7, he must have been the child of a concubine.
Abihail was probably the “grand-daughter,” not “daughter,” of Eliab 1Sa 16:6; 1Sa 17:13; 1Ch 2:13.
Maachah the daughter of Absalom - Rather, “grand-daughter” (see the 1Ki 15:2 note).
Jeush was probably the oldest of Rehoboam’s sons, and should naturally and according to the provisions of the Law Deu 21:15-17 have been his heir. But Rehoboam’s affection for Maachah led him to transgress the Law.
Rehoboam’s 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.