He stationed troops in the fortified cities of Judah, in the Judean countryside, and in the cities which Asa had captured in the territory of Ephraim.

So Jehoshaphat continued to grow more and more powerful. Throughout Judah he built fortifications and cities,

and also shields and spears. In this way he kept Judah and Benjamin under his control.

Rehoboam wisely assigned responsibilities to his sons and stationed them throughout Judah and Benjamin in the fortified cities. He provided generously for them and also secured many wives for them.