2Ch 11:5-6 | KingComments | STEP | The fact that Rehoboam cannot and does not go to war is an opportunity for other activities. He focuses on strengthening his own cities in order to be able to defend himself better against possible attacks. Most of the fortifications are more on the southwest border. This seems to have been motivated by fear of the king of Egypt. It is not inconceivable that Jeroboam will receive help from that side, for he found refuge there when he had fled from Solomon ( ; ). For him, the threat of Egypt is greater than that of the northern ten tribes realm. He appoints officials in the fortified cities to monitor the situation. He also builds up stocks in these cities by storing “food, oil and wine”. He also provides these cities with “shields and spears”. In this way he ensures the continuation of life in the city in the event of a siege, at least for a longer period of time. In a spiritual sense, “stores of food” represent what food can be found in the Word of God, in the Lord Jesus. It is important that we build up these food supplies, because also in our lives there can be times that the enemy is attacking us so much that we have to rely on what we have stored. “Oil” represents the Holy Spirit Who gives us the power to resist the enemy ( ; ). “Wine” indicates that there is joy, no matter how the enemy attacks us and does his best to harm us. This joy is found in our fellowship with the Father and the Son ( ). The “shields” remind us of “the shield of faith” ( ). In the “spears” we can see a picture of the Word of God with which we can defeat the enemy.

‏ 2 Chronicles 11:5-6

Rehoboam Strengthens Cities

The fact that Rehoboam cannot and does not go to war is an opportunity for other activities. He focuses on strengthening his own cities in order to be able to defend himself better against possible attacks. Most of the fortifications are more on the southwest border. This seems to have been motivated by fear of the king of Egypt. It is not inconceivable that Jeroboam will receive help from that side, for he found refuge there when he had fled from Solomon (2Chr 10:2; 1Kgs 11:40). For him, the threat of Egypt is greater than that of the northern ten tribes realm.

He appoints officials in the fortified cities to monitor the situation. He also builds up stocks in these cities by storing “food, oil and wine”. He also provides these cities with “shields and spears”. In this way he ensures the continuation of life in the city in the event of a siege, at least for a longer period of time.

In a spiritual sense, “stores of food” represent what food can be found in the Word of God, in the Lord Jesus. It is important that we build up these food supplies, because also in our lives there can be times that the enemy is attacking us so much that we have to rely on what we have stored.

“Oil” represents the Holy Spirit Who gives us the power to resist the enemy (Gal 5:16-17; 1Jn 2:20 ; 27).

“Wine” indicates that there is joy, no matter how the enemy attacks us and does his best to harm us. This joy is found in our fellowship with the Father and the Son (1Jn 1:3-4).

The “shields” remind us of “the shield of faith” (Eph 6:16).

In the “spears” we can see a picture of the Word of God with which we can defeat the enemy.