2 Chronicles 14 6

2 Chronicles 14:6 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.

2 Chronicles 14:6 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.

2 Chronicles 14:6 niv

He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest.

2 Chronicles 14:6 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.

2 Chronicles 14:6 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.

2 Chronicles 14 verses

2 Chronicles 14 6 Meaning

This verse states that King Asa built fortified cities throughout Judah. This constructive activity was made possible because the land was experiencing a period of peace, without war during those years. The crucial reason for this peace and lack of conflict is explicitly attributed to the LORD, who had "given him rest," indicating a divine blessing of tranquility upon the kingdom.

2 Chronicles 14 6 Context

This verse occurs early in the reign of King Asa of Judah. Chapter 14 begins by stating that Asa did what was "good and right in the eyes of the LORD" (2 Chr 14:2). His initial acts were religious reforms, specifically removing the foreign altars, high places, and idolatrous symbols that his predecessors had tolerated or promoted (2 Chr 14:3-5). Having cleansed the land of idolatry, Asa's next significant action, as described in this verse, was to strengthen the kingdom's physical defenses. This building program was a direct consequence and a sign of divine favor: God had granted Judah a period of peace—referred to as "rest"—allowing for such strategic development without immediate military threats. This time of tranquility provided a crucial window for strengthening the nation's infrastructure, preparing for future eventualities while trusting in the LORD's continued protection.

2 Chronicles 14 6 Word analysis

• And he built: `wa-yiḇen` (וַיִּבֶן). From the root `bānāh` (בָּנָה), meaning "to build, to establish." This indicates proactive, purposeful construction by King Asa, leveraging the favorable circumstances.
• fenced cities: `‘ārim miḇṣār` (עָרִים מִבְצָר). `‘Ārim` is "cities," and `miḇṣār` (מִבְצָר) means "fortress, stronghold, fortified place." This term signifies heavily fortified urban centers, essential for defense, refuge, and controlling territory in ancient warfare. These were not just settlements but strategically hardened strongholds.
• in Judah: Refers specifically to the southern kingdom, distinguishing it from Israel to the north. Asa's focus was on securing his own divinely-given inheritance.
• for the land was quiet: `kî-šāqṭâ hāʾāreṣ` (כִּי־שָׁקְטָה הָאָרֶץ). `Šāqaṭ` (שָׁקַט) means "to be quiet, be at peace, be undisturbed." It signifies a state of tranquility and cessation of external disturbances or internal turmoil. This points to a national calm, free from active conflict.
• and he had no war: This phrase reinforces "the land was quiet" by explicitly stating the absence of military conflict. It confirms the tangible reality of the peace experienced by Judah.
• in those years: This specific temporal phrase implies a limited duration of peace, indicating it was a particular season of tranquility rather than a permanent state. This wisdom recognizes the fluctuating nature of political and military realities, even under divine blessing.
• because the LORD: `kî YHWH` (כִּי יְהוָה). The "because" (`kî`) provides the theological reason for the peace. Attributing it to `YHWH` (the covenant God of Israel) explicitly declares divine causality and sovereignty over the nation's fortunes.
• had given him rest: `hēnîaḥ lô` (הֵנִיחַ לֹו). `Hēnîaḥ` is the Hiphil of `nuaḥ` (נוּחַ), meaning "to rest, settle, give quietness." In the Hiphil, it means "to cause to rest" or "to grant rest." This phrase is key; it signifies that the peace was not achieved by Asa's military might or diplomatic skill, but was a direct, active gift and blessing from God. This "rest" encompasses not only cessation of war but a holistic sense of security and well-being, foundational to the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants. It often accompanies obedience and seeking God's face.

• "And he built fenced cities in Judah": This action reveals wise and diligent leadership. Asa recognized that a period of peace was an opportunity not for idleness, but for preparedness and strengthening the kingdom. This act demonstrates proactive governance and responsible stewardship of resources and time.
• "for the land was quiet, and he had no war in those years": These phrases highlight the external conditions that permitted such a significant building project. Without the immediate threat of invasion, resources (manpower, materials, funds) could be diverted from defense to development, improving long-term security. It indicates a strategic calm rather than vulnerability.
• "because the LORD had given him rest": This climactic clause reveals the theological foundation of Judah's peace and prosperity. The Chronicler emphasizes that the quietude was not accidental or earned by human merit alone, but was a direct, active divine gift. This "rest" is a recurrent theme in the Bible, often denoting the culmination of God's work, the blessing of obedience, and divine favor that allows for growth and establishment (e.g., God giving Israel rest from enemies). It implicitly links Asa's earlier faithfulness (removing idols) to this subsequent divine blessing of peace, creating the opportune moment for constructive action.

2 Chronicles 14 6 Bonus section

• The concept of "rest" (often from `nuakh`) is a key theological motif throughout the Deuteronomistic history and especially in Chronicles, signifying a period of divine favor and peace granted by God in response to obedience and seeking Him. It is contrasted with the unrest that comes from rebellion.
• Asa's actions here represent a sound strategy: strengthen internal defenses during peace, rather than waiting for war. This practical wisdom complements his spiritual leadership and shows the integration of faith and foresight.
• The Chronicler emphasizes the source of the peace—the LORD—to attribute the nation's well-being directly to divine intervention, thereby reinforcing the central theme of divine retribution and blessing tied to the king's and nation's faithfulness to the covenant.

2 Chronicles 14 6 Commentary

2 Chronicles 14:6 underscores the principle that divine blessing often creates opportunities for human endeavor. Following Asa's initial religious reforms, the Lord granted Judah a significant period of "rest" – a cessation of warfare. This was not a passive time but an active gift of peace that Asa, as a faithful ruler, wisely leveraged. He used this tranquility to fortify his cities, demonstrating strategic foresight and good governance. The building of "fenced cities" reflects not a lack of trust in God, but a prudent stewardship of the peace God provided, preparing for future eventualities while currently experiencing divine favor. This verse thus beautifully illustrates how God's providential "rest" empowers believers to consolidate and build, trusting that ultimate security rests with Him.