2 Chronicles 14:7
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.
2 Chronicles 14:7 · King James Version
Meaning
When King Asa of Judah spoke these words, he was instructing his people to fortify their cities and build walls, towers, gates, and bars as a defensive measure. This was a wise decision considering the constant threat of invasion and attack faced by the kingdom. The verse highlights the importance of seeking the Lord for guidance and protection, as Asa acknowledges that their prosperity and rest on every side are the result of seeking God. By obeying God and taking steps to protect themselves, the people of Judah were able to build and prosper. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and taking practical steps to ensure safety and security. It shows that while seeking God's guidance is essential, it is also important to take action and work towards achieving one's goals.
Theological Overview
In 2 Chronicles 14:7, King Asa of Judah speaks to his people about building up their cities with walls, towers, gates, and bars while the land is still open before them. This verse illustrates a powerful theological concept of taking action in response to seeking God's guidance and protection. By building these fortified cities, the people of Judah are not simply relying on their own abilities but are recognizing the importance of God's provision and guidance in their lives. The act of building and prospering in these cities symbolizes the blessing that comes from seeking the Lord and following His will. This verse serves as a reminder that seeking God's presence and direction in our lives leads to rest and prosperity in all that we do. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's hand in our daily activities and trusting in Him to grant us success in our endeavors. As believers, we are called to seek God first in all things, knowing that He will provide for us and lead us to prosperity when we align our lives with His will.
2 Chronicles 14:7 in other translations
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.
World 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 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.
Douay-Rheims
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore he saide to Iudah, Let vs builde these cities and make walles about, and towers, gates, and barres, whiles the lande is before vs: because we haue sought the Lord our God, we haue sought him, and he hath giuen vs rest on euery side: so they built and prospered.