Because the land was at peace, Asa built fortified cities in Judah. In those days no one made war with him, because the LORD had given him rest.
Parallel translations
- WEB He built fortified cities in Judah; for the land was quiet, and he had no war in those years, because Yahweh had given him rest.
- KJV And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
- NKJV And he built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest; he had no war in those years, because the Lord had given him rest.
- NASB He built fortified cities in Judah, since the land was undisturbed, and there was no one at war with him during those years, because the Lord had given him rest.
- NLT During those peaceful years, he was able to build up the fortified towns throughout Judah. No one tried to make war against him at this time, for the Lord was giving him rest from his enemies.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Asa builds fortified cities during the years of peace, recognizing the rest as God's gift. He uses peacetime wisely to strengthen the land.
Overview
Asa interprets the absence of war theologically: 'Yahweh had given him rest.' Rather than growing complacent, he fortifies Judah, combining trust in God with diligent preparation. This balance of faith and responsible action models how God's people steward the seasons of peace He grants.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 11
- 2 Chr 15:15And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn it with all their heart. They had sought Him earnestly, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side.
- Job 34:29But when He remains silent, who can condemn Him? When He hides His face, who can see Him? Yet He watches over both man and nation,
- 2 Chr 11:5–12Rehoboam continued to live in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah.
- 1 Chr 22:9But a son will be born to you who will be a man of rest. I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side; for his name will be Solomon, and I will grant to Israel peace and quiet during his reign.
- 2 Chr 8:2–6Solomon rebuilt the cities Hiram had given him and settled Israelites there.
- Judg 3:11So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.
- Judg 5:31So may all Your enemies perish, O LORD! But may those who love You shine like the sun at its brightest.” And the land had rest for forty years.
- Judg 3:30So Moab was subdued under the hand of Israel that day, and the land had rest for eighty years.
- Josh 23:1A long time after the LORD had given Israel rest from all the enemies around them, when Joshua was old and well along in years,
- Ps 46:9He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire.
- 1 Kgs 5:4But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or crisis.
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Christ at the center
Temple, priesthood, and the repeated need for a faithful king who seeks the LORD all point past every imperfect reign to the King and Temple who finally and fully dwell with God's people.
How 2 Chronicles 14:6 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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