(12) Shields.--The "targets" of 2Chronicles 9:15.

Made them exceeding strong.--Strengthened them (the same word as "fortified" in 2Chronicles 11:11) very abundantly (l'harb?h meod). A form of words only used by the chronicler. (See 2Chronicles 16:8; and comp. Nehemiah 6:18.)

Having Judah and Benjamin on his side.--Literally, and he had (or, there fell to him) Judah and Benjamin. A definition of Rehoboam's territory. (Comp. 2Chronicles 10:17.)

Verse 12. - Having Judah and Benjamin on his side. The mention of both tribes just serves to point for us the fact that Benjamin's existence and value were not absolutely ignored, but were for a short while quoted before the kingdom of Rehoboam became called by the name of Judah simply.

11:1-12 A few good words might have prevented the rebellion of Rehoboam's subjects; but all the force of his kingdom cannot bring them back. And it is in vain to contend with the purpose of God, when it is made known to us. Even those who are destitute of true faith, will at times pay some regard to the word of God, and be kept by it from wrong actions, to which they are prone by nature.And in every several city he put shields and spears,.... Furnished them with these and perhaps other pieces of armour, these being put for all, to defend themselves with against an enemy, and to annoy them:

and made them exceeding strong; so that they could not be easily taken:

having Judah and Benjamin on his side: which tribes cleaved to one another, and to Rehoboam, and to the kings of the house of David, in later times, as well as to the true religion.