Movatterモバイル変換

2 Chronicles 8:2-6
That the cities which Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there…

2 Chronicles 11:5-12
And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah…

for the land

Judges 3:11,30
And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died…

Judges 5:31
So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: butlet them that love himbe as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

1 Kings 5:4
But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side,so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

the Lord

2 Chronicles 15:15
And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about.

Joshua 23:1
And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed oldand stricken in age.

Job 34:29
When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hidethhis face, who then can behold him? whetherit be done against a nation, or against a man only:

Asa built fortified cities in Judah
The construction of fortified cities was a strategic move to protect the kingdom from potential future threats. Fortifications were common in the ancient Near East, serving as a defense against invasions and raids. Archaeological evidence from the region shows that cities like Lachish and Jerusalem had significant fortifications during this period. Asa's efforts to build and strengthen these cities demonstrate his wisdom and foresight as a leader, ensuring the security and prosperity of his people. This action also reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, as Asa used the time of peace to prepare for any eventualities.

In those days no one made war with him
This phrase underscores the divine protection and favor that Asa experienced. The absence of war allowed for economic growth, social stability, and religious reform. It also highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to His people when they obey His commandments. The peace Asa enjoyed can be seen as a direct result of his faithfulness to God, as he sought to lead Judah in accordance with divine laws. This period of peace is reminiscent of the rest promised to Israel in the covenant, contingent upon their obedience.

because the LORD had given him rest
The ultimate source of the peace and rest Asa experienced is attributed to the LORD. This divine rest is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with God's covenant blessings. It reflects God's sovereignty and His ability to control the affairs of nations. The rest given to Asa can be seen as a type of the spiritual rest offered through Jesus Christ, who invites believers to find rest for their souls in Him. This rest is not merely the absence of conflict but a deeper, spiritual peace that comes from a right relationship with God.

“Because the land was at peace” (2 Chronicles 14:6) is no throw-away phrase; it is the settled outcome of Asa’s early reforms (14:2–5). Scripture repeatedly shows that when a king turns from idolatry and obeys God, peace follows. See the pattern inLeviticus 26:6 andIsaiah 32:17—obedience and righteousness bring quietness. Asa’s peace is therefore both literal and covenantal: God kept His promise to “grant peace in the land” (Leviticus 26:6).

• Peace is a gift, not a coincidence. CompareJudges 3:11, where the land had rest because God raised up Othniel.

• Peace provides margin for spiritual and civic projects that constant warfare makes impossible.

God-given peace pushed Asa to action, not complacency: “Asa built fortified cities in Judah” (14:6). The king used the lull to strengthen what God had entrusted to him, echoingProverbs 24:27’s counsel to prepare your work in the field before building your house.

Reasons Asa fortified:

• Stewardship—responsibly protecting the people God placed under his care (cf.Nehemiah 4:14).

• Preparation—“The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD” (Proverbs 21:31). Trust never cancels prudence.

• Continuity—building now meant Judah could withstand future threats, as seen when Zerah the Cushite eventually attacked (14:9–12).

The historian repeats the point: “In those days no one made war with him” (14:6). This underscores that external aggression was absent, not merely suppressed. Think of1 Kings 5:4, where Solomon had “rest on every side” so he could build the temple. God sometimes restrains enemies directly (2 Kings 19:35) and sometimes by deterring them through a leader’s wise defenses. Either way, the end result is the same—sustained calm.

The final clause grounds everything: “because the LORD had given him rest” (14:6). The chronicler drives the nail: rest is God’s doing.Joshua 21:44 says, “The LORD gave them rest on every side,” andHebrews 4:9–10 applies the same concept spiritually to all who trust Christ. Physical rest in Asa’s day previews the deeper rest believers now experience by faith. Notice:

• Rest is granted, not earned; Asa’s reforms positioned Judah to receive what only God could supply (Psalm 127:2).

• Rest is purposeful; it frees God’s people to worship and build (2 Samuel 7:1–2).

• Rest is fragile; it is forfeited when God is forgotten (2 Chronicles 16:7–9, Asa’s later lapse).

2 Chronicles 14:6 paints a simple yet profound picture: because God granted peace, Asa used the respite to fortify Judah. No enemy attacked, for the LORD Himself provided rest. The verse teaches that obedience invites divine peace, divine peace affords opportunity for diligent preparation, and every season of rest should be stewarded gratefully, recognizing its source in the Lord alone.