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 14:7KJV
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2 Chronicles 14:7 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 14:7 mean?

2 Chronicles 14:7 describes how King Asa encouraged the people of Judah to build and fortify their cities while they were experiencing peace, crediting this time of rest to their seeking of the LORD their God. Because they had turned to God and found favor, they were able to build and see their efforts succeed.

King Asa is speaking to the people of Judah during a period when their land was free from war and threats. He urges them to take advantage of this peaceful time to strengthen their defenses—building walls, towers, gates, and bars—because they have earnestly sought God (the LORD, or יְהוָה / Yahweh), and God has given them rest (peace) on every side. The verse highlights the connection between seeking God and enjoying stability, and it notes that their building projects prospered as a result.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 14:7

  • "sought" (דָּרַשׁ / darash): This word means to seek, inquire, or pursue with intention. In this verse, it emphasizes that Asa and the people actively turned to God, not just passively hoping for help.
  • "rest" (נוּחַ / nuach): This word means rest, quiet, or relief from enemies. The verse links this rest directly to their relationship with God, showing that peace was not just luck or politics, but seen as a blessing.
  • "prospered" (צָלַח / tsalach): This word means to succeed or advance. It underlines that their building efforts were not just completed, but flourished, suggesting God’s favor was evident in their work.

Why 2 Chronicles 14:7 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the peace and success Judah experienced were not accidental but were understood as a direct result of seeking God, highlighting a cause-and-effect relationship in the narrative.
  • It shows King Asa’s practical leadership—using a time of peace wisely to prepare for the future, rather than becoming complacent.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme in Chronicles that faithfulness to God brings blessing and stability, which is a recurring message throughout the book.

Where else these words appear

“bars” Hebrew H1280 · used in 37 verses

  • Exodus 26:26 And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
  • Numbers 4:31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
  • Psalms 107:16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

“towers” Hebrew H4026 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Chronicles 26:9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
  • Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

“rest” Hebrew H5117 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 8:4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.
  • 2 Samuel 7:11 And as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the LORD telleth thee that he will make thee an house.
  • Isaiah 7:19 And they shall come, and shall rest all of them in the desolate valleys, and in the holes of the rocks, and upon all thorns, and upon all bushes.

“prospered” Hebrew H6743 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 24:21 And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.
  • 1 Kings 22:15 So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
  • Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.