The people of Israel asked Rehoboam to lighten the burden put on them by David. Rehoboam listened to the advice of his friends and dealt harshly with the people, and the people rebelled against Rehoboam. He returned to Jerusalem and built the cities of Judah and Benjamin strong. The priests of the Lord returned to Jerusalem. Rehoboam distributed his sons throughout Judah and Benjamin and did evil in the sight of God. The Lord allowed Shishak, king of Egypt to plunder Jerusalem. The Lord did not allow him to destroy Jerusalem because Rehoboam and the princes humbled themselves. The Lord’s wrath turned from him, and he became strong again. He reigned for seventeen years, died, and his son Abijah reined in his place.