Bible Strands
2 Chronicles 17:12
Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The chronicler records this statement during Jehoshaphat’s reign, immediately following the submission of tribute from Philistines and Arab tribes. The narrative moment captures a period of territorial consolidation and military preparation in Judah.
The words — The Hebrew phrase הֹלֵךְ וְגָדֵל (ho.Lekh ve.gadel) literally means "going and becoming great," describing progressive strengthening. The verb וַ/יִּ֧בֶן (va/i.Yi.ven) translates directly as "and he built," marking a concrete shift from status to construction.
The thread — This motif of infrastructural expansion during stability appears in 2 Chronicles 14:6 where Asa fortifies Judah in peacetime, and in 2 Chronicles 8:2 where Solomon rebuilds cities received from Hiram. The chronicler links Jehoshaphat’s actions to earlier monarchs who secured Judah’s physical foundations.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to observe that political stability and external tribute directly enabled domestic fortification. It demands attention to how material resources and military readiness are presented as sequential outcomes of royal authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.
Cross-references
- 2 Chronicles 8:2 Solomon rebuilt the cities Hiram had given him and settled Israelites there.
- 2 Chronicles 14:6 Because the land was at peace, Asa built fortified cities in Judah. In those days no one made war with him, because the LORD had given him rest.
- 2 Chronicles 18:1 Now Jehoshaphat had an abundance of riches and honor, and he allied himself with Ahab by marriage.
- 2 Chronicles 27:4 He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests.
- 2 Chronicles 32:5 Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields.
- 2 Chronicles 32:27 Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles.
- 2 Chronicles 26:6 Uzziah went out to wage war against the Philistines, and he tore down the walls of Gath, Jabneh, and Ashdod. Then he built cities near Ashdod and among the Philistines.
- 1 Chronicles 29:25 The LORD highly exalted Solomon in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him royal majesty such as had not been bestowed on any king in Israel before him.
- 2 Chronicles 11:5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah.