John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 6. He built even Bethlehem , etc.] The place of our Lord’s birth, about six miles from Jerusalem: and Etam ; another city in the tribe of Judah; (see 1 Chronicles 4:32), there was a rock of this name, ( Judges 15:8) and a fountain from whence waters were conveyed into the pool at Jerusalem, spoken of in Jewish writings f27 : and Tekoah ; of which place Amos the prophet was, and which was about twelve miles from Jerusalem. Rauwolff speaks of it as a fortified place now; he says it has a strong and mighty castle, built on a great and high hill.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-12 - A few good words might have prevented the rebellion of Rehoboam' subjects; but all the force of his kingdom cannot bring them back. An it is in vain to contend with the purpose of God, when it is made know to us. Even those who are destitute of true faith, will at times pa some regard to the word of God, and be kept by it from wrong actions to which they are prone by nature.
Original Hebrew ויבן1129 את853 בית לחם1035 ואת853 עיטם5862 ואת853 תקוע׃8620
