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Chapter 11 records Rehoboams attempt to bring back the 10 rebellious tribes and God's command to him to cease his efforts by the prophet Shemaiah. It also records his attempt to keep the Priests and Levites from worshipping at Jerusalem which led to a rebellion by the Priests and their leading of the people back to Jerusalem by their piety and prayers. Also in this chapter is an account of the wives and children of Rehoboam.
When Rehoboam returned to Jerusalem, he mobilized the armies of Judah and Benjamin, 180,000 strong and declared war against the rest of Israel in an attempt to reunite the Kingdom. Then the Lord sent word to Rehoboam by the Prophet Shemaiah not to fight his brothers, he told them to go home, for the Lord was behind the rebellion. Jeroboam was made King of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
Rehoboam remained in Judah and fortified the cities with walls and gates. He rebuilt the forts in Judah and manned them with companies of soldiers. The Priests and Levites from the northern tribes abandoned their homes and moved to Judah. Jehoboam appointed other Priests and encouraged the people to worship idols.
Rehoboam married his cousin Mahalath. She was the daughter of David's son Jerimoth, and of Abihail, the daughter of David's brother Eliab. Three sons were born from this marriage. Later he married Maacah, the daughter of Absalom. Four sons were born of this marriage. Eventually he had 18 wives and 60 concubines and from these he had 28 sons and 60 daughters. He scattered his sons throughout the cities of Judah, gave them large allowances and allowed them to have several wives apiece.
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