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.