6 And he buildeth cities of bulwarks in Judah, for the land hath quiet, and there is no war with him in these years, because Jehovah hath given rest to him. 7 And he saith to Judah, 'Let us build these cities, and compass 'them' with wall, and towers, two-leaved doors, and bars, while the land 'is' before us, because we have sought Jehovah our God, we have sought, and He giveth rest to us round about;' and they build and prosper. 8 And there is to Asa a force bearing target and spear, out of Judah three hundred thousand, and out of Benjamin, bearing shield and treading bow, two hundred and eighty thousand: all these 'are' mighty of valour.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:6-8
Chapter Contents
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's sight. We find by experience that it is good to seek the Lord; it gives 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 they enjoyed; and concluded with them that they must not be idle, nor secure. A formidable army of Ethiopians invaded Asa's kingdom. This evil came upon them, that their faith in God might be tried. Asa's prayer is short, but it is the real language of faith and expectation from God. When we go forth in God's name, we cannot but prosper, and all things work together for the good of those whom he favours.