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.
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.
- BSB 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.
- ESV He built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest. He had no war in those years, for the LORD gave him peace.
- 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 quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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 at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.
- Job 34:29When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
- 2 Chr 11:5–12And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.
- 1 Chr 22:9Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
- 2 Chr 8:2–6That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.
- Judg 3:11And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
- Judg 5:31So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.
- Judg 3:30So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest fourscore years.
- Josh 23:1And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age.
- Ps 46:9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
- 1 Kgs 5:4But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.
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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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