Once upon a time in the land of Israel, there was a great king named Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. He ruled over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and desired to bring the kingdom back together under his reign.

Gathering a mighty army of one hundred and fourscore thousand chosen warriors, Rehoboam prepared to march against the northern tribes led by Jeroboam. But the word of Jehovah came to a man of God named Shemaiah, instructing him to deliver a message to Rehoboam and all of Israel in Judah and Benjamin.

“Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren,” declared the Lord through Shemaiah, “for this thing is of Me. Return every man to his house.” Hearing the voice of God, Rehoboam and his warriors hearkened unto the words and turned back from their plans of war.

Instead, Rehoboam focused on fortifying the cities of Judah, building strongholds and creating defenses against potential enemies. He built numerous cities, including Beth-lehem, Etam, Tekoa, and many others, with a focus on security and protection for his people.

The priests and Levites, who had been cast off by Jeroboam, gathered to Rehoboam in Jerusalem. These faithful servants of Jehovah came from all Israel to offer sacrifices and seek the God of their fathers.

Rehoboam, a man of many wives and children, appointed his son Abijah, born of Maacah, the daughter of Absalom, to be chief among his brethren, with the intention of making him king after him. Wisely, Rehoboam dispersed his sons throughout the lands of Judah and Benjamin, providing for them and seeking many wives to ensure the future strength of his line.

For three years, Rehoboam and his people walked in the ways of David and Solomon, strengthening the kingdom of Judah. Under his reign, the land prospered, and the people of Israel sought after Jehovah with all their heart. Thus, the legacy of Rehoboam, a king of great wisdom and foresight, was established in the annals of history.