“And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors , to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.”
That is, the half tribe of Benjamin: for the other half was gone after Jeroboam. Cross references: : 1 Kings 12:20 , 21 Meaning the ten tribes which rebelled.
“And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.”
Or, repaired them and made them strong to be more able to resist Jeroboam.
“And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.”
1 Kings 12:31 Meaning, idols, read Isa. 44:15 .
“And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.”
Which were zealous of true religion, and feared God.
“So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.”
So long as they feared God, and set forth his word, they prospered.
“And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: for he thought to make him king.”
Called also Abijam, who reigned three years, 1 Kings 15:2 .
“And he dealt wisely, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city: and he gave them victual in abundance. And he desired many wives. many wives: Heb. a multitude of wives”
He gave himself to have many wives.