And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem,.... After he had been at Shechem, and had given his answer to the request of the men of Israel, upon which they revolted from him: this and the three following verses are the same with Kg1 12:21. See Gill on Kg1 12:21. . 2 Chronicles 11:5 ch2 11:5 ch2 11:5 ch2 11:5And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem,.... The metropolis of Judah, and the capital city of his kingdom: and built cities for defence in Judah; that is, rebuilt, enlarged, and fortified them; for otherwise they were built before, though neglected before the revolt of the ten tribes; but now it became necessary to make them more capacious and strong, to protect his people, and defend himself against Israel; for though he was forbid to act offensively, and therefore contented himself to abide in Jerusalem, and not go forth to war; yet he might lawfully put himself into a condition of defence.