2 Chronicles 14:7
New International Version
“Let us build up these towns,” he said to Judah, “and put walls around them, with towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

New Living Translation
Asa told the people of Judah, “Let us build towns and fortify them with walls, towers, gates, and bars. The land is still ours because we sought the LORD our God, and he has given us peace on every side.” So they went ahead with these projects and brought them to completion.

English Standard Version
And he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought him, and he has given us peace on every side.” So they built and prospered.

Berean Standard Bible
So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

King James Bible
Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.

New King James Version
Therefore he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and make walls around them, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us, because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

New American Standard Bible
For he said to Judah, “Let’s build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

NASB 1995
For he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

NASB 1977
For he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought Yahweh our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and succeeded.

Amplified Bible
So he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls, towers, gates and bars [to secure the doors]. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him [longing for Him with all our heart] and He has given us peace on every side.” So they built and prospered.

Christian Standard Bible
So he said to the people of Judah, “Let’s build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we sought the LORD our God. We sought him and he gave us rest on every side.” So they built and succeeded.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So he said to the people of Judah, “Let’s build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we sought the LORD our God. We sought Him and He gave us rest on every side.” So they built and succeeded.

American Standard Version
For he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars; the land is yet before us, because we have sought Jehovah our God; we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.

Contemporary English Version
He said to the people, "Let's build walls and defense towers for these towns, and put in gates that can be locked with bars. This land still belongs to us, because we have obeyed the LORD our God. He has given us peace from all our enemies." The people did everything Asa had suggested.

English Revised Version
For he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars; the land is yet before us, because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Asa told Judah, "Let's build these cities and make walls around them with towers and doors that can be barred. The country is still ours because we have dedicated our lives to serving the LORD our God. We have dedicated our lives to him, and he has surrounded us with peace." So they built the cities, and everything went well.

Good News Translation
He told the people of Judah, "Let us fortify the cities by building walls and towers, and gates that can be shut and barred. We have control of the land because we have done the will of the LORD our God. He has protected us and given us security on every side." And so they built and prospered.

International Standard Version
He had told Judah, "Let's build up these cities, surrounding them with walls, towers, gates, and bars. The land still belongs to us, because we have kept on seeking the LORD our God. We have sought him out, and he has given us rest all around us." So the people built and prospered.

Majority Standard Bible
So he said to the people of Judah, ?Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.? So they built and prospered.

NET Bible
He said to the people of Judah: "Let's build these cities and fortify them with walls, towers, and barred gates. The land remains ours because we have followed the LORD our God and he has made us secure on all sides." So they built the cities and prospered.

New Heart English Bible
For he said to Judah, "Let us build these cities, and make walls around them, with towers, gates, and bars. The land is still ours. Since we have sought the LORD our God, he has sought us and he has given us rest on every side." So they built and prospered.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore he said to Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built, and prospered.

World English Bible
For he said to Judah, “Let’s build these cities and make walls around them, with towers, gates, and bars. The land is yet before us, because we have sought Yahweh our God. We have sought him, and he has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he says to Judah, “Let us build these cities, and surround [them] with wall, and towers, double gates, and bars, while the land [is] before us, because we have sought our God YHWH, we have sought, and He gives rest to us all around”; and they build and prosper.

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith to Judah, 'Let us build these cities, and compass them with wall, and towers, two-leaved doors, and bars, while the land is before us, because we have sought Jehovah our God, we have sought, and He giveth rest to us round about;' and they build and prosper.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say to Judah, We will build these cities, and surround a wall, and towers, doors and bars, and the land yet before us: for we sought Jehovah our God, and he will give to us rest from round about And they will build and prosper.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he said to Juda: Let us build these cities, and compass them with walls, and fortify them with towers, and gates, and bars, while all is quiet from wars, because we have sought the Lord the God of our fathers, and he hath given us peace round about. So they built, and there was no hinderance in building.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then he said to Judah: “Let us build these cities, and strengthen them with walls, and fortify them with towers and gates and bars, while all things are at rest from wars. For we have sought the Lord, the God of our fathers, and he has granted to us peace on every side.” And so they built, and there was nothing to impede them from building.

New American Bible
He said to Judah: “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls, towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, for we have sought the LORD, our God; we sought him, and he has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

New Revised Standard Version
He said to Judah, “Let us build these cities, and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars; the land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought him, and he has given us peace on every side.” So they built and prospered.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore he said to Judah, Come, let us build these cities, and surround them with walls and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is still quiet of wars; because we have sought the LORD our God, and he also has sought us and he has given us rest from all those who are round about us, and has comforted us and delivered us.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said to those of the house of Yehuda: “Come, we will build up these cities, and walls and towers and gates and bars will encircle them while the land is quiet from battles; because we seek LORD JEHOVAH our God, he also is seeking us, and he has given us rest from all who are around us, and he has comforted us and he has saved us.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For he said unto Judah: 'Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars; the land is yet before us, because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him, and He hath given us rest on every side.' So they built and prospered.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he said to Juda, Let us fortify these cities, and make walls, and towers, and gates, and bars: we shall prevail over the land, for as we have sought out the Lord our God, he has sought out us, and has given us rest round about, and prospered us.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Asa Reigns in Judah
6Because 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. 7So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered. 8Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow. All these were mighty men of valor.…

Cross References
1 Kings 5:4
But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or crisis.

1 Kings 5:18
So Solomon’s and Hiram’s builders, along with the Gebalites, quarried the stone and prepared the timber and stone for the construction of the temple.

1 Kings 4:25
Throughout the days of Solomon, Judah and Israel dwelt securely from Dan to Beersheba, each man under his own vine and his own fig tree.

2 Chronicles 15:15
And 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.

2 Chronicles 20:30
Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

1 Kings 9:15
This is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon imposed to build the house of the LORD, his own palace, the supporting terraces, and the wall of Jerusalem, as well as Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.

Isaiah 26:1
In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; salvation is established as its walls and ramparts.

Isaiah 32:18
Then my people will dwell in a peaceful place, in safe and secure places of rest.

Jeremiah 29:5-7
“Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat their produce. / Take wives and have sons and daughters. Take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease. / Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Psalm 127:1
A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

Nehemiah 4:6
So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

Proverbs 24:3-4
By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established; / through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.

Matthew 7:24-25
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.

Luke 14:28-30
Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? / Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, / saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’

Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore he said to Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he has given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.

Therefore

2 Chronicles 32:5
Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.

Acts 9:31
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

while the land

John 9:4
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 12:35,36
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth…

Hebrews 3:13-15
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin…

we have sought

2 Chronicles 14:4
And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.

1 Chronicles 28:9
And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Psalm 105:3,4
Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD…

and he hath given

2 Chronicles 14:6
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.

Joshua 23:1
And 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.

Matthew 11:28,29
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest…

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2 Chronicles 14
1. Asa following, destroys idolatry
6. having peace, he strengthens his kingdom with forts and armies
9. Calling of God, he overthrows Zerah, and spoils the Ethiopians














So he said to the people of Judah
This phrase introduces King Asa's address to the people of Judah. Asa, a descendant of David, is portrayed as a reformer king who sought to bring the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. The historical context here is significant, as Judah was often under threat from surrounding nations. Asa's leadership is crucial in this period of relative peace and prosperity. The Hebrew root for "Judah" (יְהוּדָה, Yehudah) means "praise," reflecting the tribe's role in leading the nation in worship and obedience to God.

Let us build these cities
The call to build cities indicates a period of stability and growth. In ancient times, city-building was a sign of strength and security. The Hebrew word for "build" (בָּנָה, banah) implies not just physical construction but also establishing a legacy and a future. Asa's initiative to build reflects a proactive approach to securing the nation’s future, emphasizing the importance of preparation and foresight in leadership.

and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars
This phrase highlights the defensive measures taken to protect the cities. Walls and towers were essential for defense against invaders, while gates and bars controlled access. The Hebrew word for "walls" (חוֹמָה, chomah) signifies protection and separation from external threats. This imagery can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance, encouraging believers to guard their hearts and communities against spiritual adversaries.

The land is still ours
This statement reflects a sense of divine inheritance and stewardship. The land of Judah was part of the Promised Land given to the Israelites by God. The phrase underscores the belief that the land remains under their control because of their faithfulness to God. The Hebrew word for "land" (אֶרֶץ, eretz) often signifies not just physical territory but also a place of divine promise and blessing.

because we have sought the LORD our God
Seeking the LORD is a central theme in the Old Testament, emphasizing a relationship with God characterized by worship, obedience, and reliance on His guidance. The Hebrew word for "sought" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent and intentional pursuit. Asa's reign is marked by religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh, illustrating the principle that seeking God leads to divine favor and blessing.

we sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side
This phrase highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between seeking God and receiving His peace. The Hebrew word for "rest" (נ֫וּחַ, nuach) conveys a sense of tranquility and security. In a historical context, this rest is a reprieve from warfare and conflict, symbolizing God's protection and provision. Spiritually, it represents the peace that comes from living in alignment with God's will.

So they built and prospered
The conclusion of the verse ties together the themes of obedience, divine favor, and prosperity. The Hebrew word for "prospered" (צָלַח, tsalach) suggests success and flourishing. This prosperity is not merely material but also spiritual, as it results from faithfulness to God. The verse serves as an inspirational reminder that when a community seeks God and follows His commands, it can experience growth and success in all areas of life.

(7) Therefore.--And.

These cities.--The "fenced cities" of last verse. Their names are unknown. Geba and Mizpah were fortified by Asa; but that was after the war with Baasha, which began in the twenty-sixth year of Asa (1Kings 15:33); see 2Chronicles 16:6. A general system of defence, like that of Rehoboam, who fortified as many as fifteen cities, seems to be indicated.

Walls.--A wall.

Gates (doors) and bars.--1Samuel 23:7, and 2Chronicles 8:5, supra, where "bars" is, as usual, singular, bariach. Here it is plural. . . .

Verse 7. - We have sought him, and he hath given us rest. In three successive verses the blessings of peace and quiet, and no war and rest, are recorded (Isaiah 26:1; Zechariah 2:5).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So he said
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to the people of Judah,
לִֽיהוּדָ֜ה (lî·hū·ḏāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

“Let us build
נִבְנֶ֣ה ׀ (niḇ·neh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 1129: To build

these
הָאֵ֗לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

cities
הֶעָרִ֣ים (he·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

and surround
וְנָסֵ֨ב (wə·nā·sêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

them with walls
חוֹמָ֣ה (ḥō·w·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection

and towers,
וּמִגְדָּלִים֮ (ū·miḡ·dā·lîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers

with doors
דְּלָתַ֣יִם (də·lā·ṯa·yim)
Noun - fd
Strong's 1817: Something swinging, the valve of a, door

and bars.
וּבְרִיחִים֒ (ū·ḇə·rî·ḥîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1280: A bolt

The land
הָאָ֜רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

is still
עוֹדֶ֨נּוּ (‘ō·w·ḏen·nū)
Adverb | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

ours
לְפָנֵ֗ינוּ (lə·p̄ā·nê·nū)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 6440: The face

because
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

we have sought
דָרַ֙שְׁנוּ֙ (ḏā·raš·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

our God.
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

We have sought [Him]
דָּרַ֕שְׁנוּ (dā·raš·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1875: To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worship

and He has given us rest
וַיָּ֥נַֽח (way·yā·naḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5117: To rest, settle down

on
לָ֖נוּ (lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 0: 0

every side.?
מִסָּבִ֑יב (mis·sā·ḇîḇ)
Preposition-m | Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around

So they built
וַיִּבְנ֖וּ (way·yiḇ·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1129: To build

and prospered.
וַיַּצְלִֽיחוּ׃ (way·yaṣ·lî·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6743: To push forward


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 14:7 For he said to Judah Let us (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 14:6
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