John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 7. Therefore he said unto Judah , etc.] To the nobles and principal men of the kingdom: let us build these cities ; which he, no doubt, particularly mentioned by name, and pointed at; that is, repair and fortify them, and put them into a better condition of defence: and make about them walls and towers, gates and bars ; which are always made to fortified places, to protect the inhabitants, and keep out an enemy: while the land is yet before us ; in our power, no enemy in it, nor any to hinder or molest: because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side ; had set up his pure worship, reformed abuses in it, and removed idolatry from it, and closely attended to the service of the sanctuary, which was well pleasing to God; the happy effect of which they experienced, rest from all their enemies round about them: so that they built, and prospered ; they began, and went on, and finished, there being nothing to hinder them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- Asa's piety, He strengthens his kingdom.
--Asa aimed at pleasing God, and studied to approve himself to him Happy those that walk by this rule, not to do that which is right in their own eyes, or in the eye of the world, but which is so in God' sight. We find by experience that it is good to seek the Lord; it give us rest; while we pursue the world, we meet with nothing but vexation Asa consulted with his people how to make a good use of the peace the enjoyed; and concluded with them that they must not be idle, no secure. A formidable army of Ethiopians invaded Asa's kingdom. Thi evil came upon them, that their faith in God might be tried. Asa' prayer is short, but it is the real language of faith and expectatio from God. When we go forth in God's name, we cannot but prosper, an all things work together for the good of those whom he favours _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 ליהודה3063 נבנה1129 את853 הערים5892 האלה428 ונסב5437 חומה2346 ומגדלים4026 דלתים1817 ובריחים1280 עודנו5750 הארץ776 לפנינו6440 כי3588 דרשׁנו1875 את853 יהוה3068 אלהינו430 דרשׁנו1875 וינח5117 לנו מסביב5439 ויבנו1129 ויצליחו׃6743
