In looking at the political situation at the time King Rehoboam became king we can understand why he might have wanted the people to work so hard. He needed to strengthen his kingdom against Egypt which had recently become powerful.

From the Bible	From Archaeology Page numbers from "Pharaohs and Kings" by David Rohl
. . . The whole assembly of Israel went to Rehoboam and said to him: "Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you." (1 Kings 12:4,5) In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem. (1 Kings 14:25)	Why would Rehoboam need to oppress his people as Solomon did? He needed to fortify many towns to the west and south to protect them from Egypt which had become militarily strong. (pg 123)
Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem and built up towns for defense in Judah. (2 Chr 11:5)	The 15 fortress cities listed in 2 Chr 11:6-10 are located in an arc which sweeps around Judah's western and southern flanks. (pg 123)

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Revised: Nov 11, 2000