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2 Chronicles 14:7

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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.

Therefore he said {H559} unto Judah {H3063}, Let us build {H1129} these cities {H5892}, and make about {H5437} them walls {H2346}, and towers {H4026}, gates {H1817}, and bars {H1280}, while the land {H776} is yet before {H6440} us; because we have sought {H1875} the LORD {H3068} our God {H430}, we have sought {H1875} him, and he hath given us rest {H5117} on every side {H5439}. So they built {H1129} and prospered {H6743}.

"Let's build these cities," he said to Y'hudah; "we'll surround them with walls, towers, gates and bars. The land is there for us to use, because we have sought ADONAI our God; we have sought him, and he has given us peace on every side." So they built and prospered.

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.

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.

Commentary

2 Chronicles 14:7 presents a powerful principle of faith, diligence, and divine blessing in the reign of King Asa of Judah. This verse captures a moment of strategic action taken during a period of peace, directly attributed to their faithfulness to God.

Context

This verse is set during the early reign of King Asa, a righteous king of Judah, who had undertaken significant religious reforms. He had removed foreign altars, high places, and idols, and commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers and to obey the law (2 Chronicles 14:2-5). This period of national spiritual renewal resulted in a decade of peace and stability in the land, a direct consequence of their obedience and seeking after God.

Key Themes

  • Seeking God Leads to Rest: The core message is that Judah's peace and prosperity were a direct result of their commitment to the Lord. "Because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side." This highlights a fundamental biblical truth: diligently seeking God brings divine favor and security.
  • Wisdom in Preparation: Asa's decision to build cities, walls, towers, gates, and bars during a time of peace demonstrates prudent leadership. He recognized that the "rest on every side" was an opportune moment to strengthen the nation's infrastructure and defenses, rather than becoming complacent. This illustrates the principle of preparing in times of tranquility for future challenges.
  • Divine Enablement for Human Effort: The verse shows a partnership between God's blessing and human action. God gave them rest, and in response, they built and prospered. Their efforts were fruitful because they were aligned with God's will and enabled by His peace.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "rest" used here is nuakh (נוּחַ), which implies not just a cessation of war or trouble, but a state of quietness, security, and tranquility. It signifies a comprehensive peace, a divine blessing that allows for productive activity and flourishing. The repetition "we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him" emphasizes the earnestness and consistency of their pursuit of God.

Practical Application

2 Chronicles 14:7 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. Prioritize Seeking God: True peace, security, and prosperity in life stem from a genuine and consistent relationship with God. When we make Him our priority, His blessings often follow, creating a foundation of stability. As Jesus taught, seek first the kingdom of God.
  2. Utilize Seasons of Peace Wisely: Just as Asa used a time of peace for building, we should use periods of spiritual or personal tranquility to strengthen our foundations—whether in faith, knowledge, skills, or relationships. This prepares us for inevitable future challenges.
  3. God Blesses Diligent Effort: The verse encourages us that when our efforts are rooted in faith and obedience to God, He blesses and prospers our work. Our diligence combined with His favor leads to flourishing.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that national and personal well-being are deeply intertwined with a commitment to God and wise stewardship of the blessings He provides.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 3:12 (5 votes)

    For the eyes of the Lord [are] over the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord [is] against them that do evil.

  • 2 Chronicles 14:6 (4 votes)

    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.

  • Jeremiah 29:12 (3 votes)

    Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

  • Jeremiah 29:14 (3 votes)

    And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:9 (3 votes)

    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.

  • John 12:35 (3 votes)

    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.

  • John 12:36 (3 votes)

    While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.