Cities: Often Fortified by Art

Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah. …

Rehoboam also acted wisely by dispersing some of his sons throughout the districts of Judah and Benjamin, and to all the fortified cities. He gave them abundant provisions and sought many wives for them.

March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers,

…consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation.

Announce in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: “Blow the ram’s horn throughout the land. Cry aloud and say, ‘Assemble yourselves and let us flee to the fortified cities.’

Then the king of the North will come, build up a siege ramp, and capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand; even their best troops will not be able to resist.