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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 15:15All Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found by them. Then Yahweh gave them rest all around.
- Job 34:29When he gives quietness, who then can condemn? When he hides his face, who then can see him? Alike whether to a nation, or to a man,
- 2 Chr 11:5–12Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah.
- 1 Chr 22:9Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of peace. I will give him rest from all his enemies all around; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness to Israel in his days.
- 2 Chr 8:2–6Solomon built the cities which Huram had given to Solomon, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.
- Judg 3:11The land had rest forty years, then Othniel the son of Kenaz died.
- Judg 5:31“So let all your enemies perish, Yahweh, but let those who love him be as the sun when it rises in its strength.” Then the land had rest forty years.
- Judg 3:30So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. Then the land had rest eighty years.
- Josh 23:1After many days, when Yahweh had given rest to Israel from their enemies all around, and Joshua was old and well advanced in years,
- Ps 46:9He makes wars cease to the end of the earth. He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear. He burns the chariots in the fire.
- 1 Kgs 5:4But now Yahweh my God has given me rest on every side. There is no enemy and no evil occurrence.
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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
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.