v1-4: Rehoboam returned to Jerusalem in anger, and mustered his army, from Judah and Benjamin, with Levites (v14), priests (v15), and others (v16).

Although Jeroboam was wrong to depart from the Lord, Rehoboam was forbidden from attacking the brethren. Although the fault may be largely on one side, there is no basis in Scripture for attacking and criticising "your brethren".

v5-12: Rehoboam built defences in Judah to protect from attacks by the Philistines as well as from Israel. The very existence of fortified, northern facing cities demonstrates the enmity between the two kingdoms.

However, Judah and Benjamin belonged to Rehoboam; he had established his kingdom, although it was much smaller than he had inherited from Solomon.

v13-18: The southern kingdom was strengthened by many people identifying with Rehoboam. The Levites left their lands and possessions, since Jeroboam had rejected them, and had made priests from every class of people (1 Kings 12.31).

Others from other tribes, who had set their hearts to seek the Lord, also joined with Rehoboam.

The result was that, for three years, Rehoboam was strong. But we learn that he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord (12.14).

v18-21: Rehoboam's wives; as his father and grandfather, Rehoboam had many wives, although he did not copy the excesses of Solomon. He apparently had no foreign wives. Yet, Maachah the daughter of Absalom, seems to have been a poor influence on Rehoboam. Later (2 Chron 15.16) we read that she had encouraged idolatry. She was 'queen mother,' a position of influence; see 1 Kings 15.13).

We notice also that Rehoboam's mother was Naamah the Ammonite (1 Kings 14.21); Solomon had been influenced to worship Ammonite idols (1 Kings 11.5-6). Such is the influence of close relationships.

In 13.21, Abijah, his son, had 14 wives.

v22-23: Wisely, Rehoboam chose his successor. He also provided for his sons, and gave them protection.