2 Chronicles 27:4
New International Version
He built towns in the hill country of Judah and forts and towers in the wooded areas.

New Living Translation
He built towns in the hill country of Judah and constructed fortresses and towers in the wooded areas.

English Standard Version
Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and forts and towers on the wooded hills.

Berean Standard Bible
He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests.

King James Bible
Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.

New King James Version
Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built fortresses and towers.

New American Standard Bible
Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and he built fortresses and towers on the wooded hills.

NASB 1995
Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and he built fortresses and towers on the wooded hills.

NASB 1977
Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and he built fortresses and towers on the wooded hills.

Legacy Standard Bible
Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and he built fortresses and towers on the wooded hills.

Amplified Bible
Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests he built fortresses and towers.

Christian Standard Bible
He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests.

American Standard Version
Moreover he built cities in the hill-country of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.

Contemporary English Version
He built towns in the mountains of Judah and built fortresses and defense towers in the forests.

English Revised Version
Moreover he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He built cities in the hills of Judah, and he built forts and towers in the wooded areas.

Good News Translation
In the mountains of Judah he built cities, and in the forests he built forts and towers.

International Standard Version
He also built cities in the hill country of Judah, along with fortresses and guard towers in the forests.

Majority Standard Bible
He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests.

NET Bible
He built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests.

New Heart English Bible
Moreover he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests he built fortresses and towers.

Webster's Bible Translation
Moreover, he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.

World English Bible
Moreover he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests he built fortresses and towers.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he has built cities in the hill-country of Judah, and he has built palaces and towers in the forests.

Young's Literal Translation
and cities he hath built in the hill-country of Judah, and in the forests he hath built palaces and towers.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he built cities in the mountain of Judah, and in the thickets he built fortresses and towers.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Juda, and castles and towers in the forests.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Also, he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and fortresses and towers in the forests.

New American Bible
Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the wooded areas he set up fortresses and towers.

New Revised Standard Version
Moreover he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and forts and towers on the wooded hills.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Moreover he built cities in the land of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he built cities in the land of Yehuda, and in Kharshath he built castles and towers.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Moreover he built cities in the hill-country of Judah, and in the forest he built castles and towers.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In the mountain of Juda, and in the woods, he built both dwelling-places and towers.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jotham Reigns in Judah
3Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD, and he worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel. 4He also built cities in the hill country of Judah and fortresses and towers in the forests. 5Jotham waged war against the king of the Ammonites and defeated them, and that year they gave him a hundred talents of silver, ten thousand cors of wheat, and ten thousand cors of barley. They paid him the same in the second and third years.…

Cross References
2 Kings 15:35
Nevertheless, the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense there. Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 26:9-10
Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and the angle in the wall, and he fortified them. / Since he had much livestock in the foothills and in the plain, he built towers in the desert and dug many cisterns. And since he was a lover of the soil, he had farmers and vinedressers in the hill country and in the fertile fields.

Isaiah 1:1
This is the vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

Isaiah 7:1-2
Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. / When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind.

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 11:5-12
Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah. / He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, / Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, ...

2 Chronicles 14:6-7
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. / So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

2 Chronicles 17:12
Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah

2 Chronicles 33:14
After this, Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David from west of Gihon in the valley to the entrance of the Fish Gate, and he brought it around the hill of Ophel and heightened it considerably. He also stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities of Judah.

Nehemiah 3:1-32
At the Sheep Gate, Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests began rebuilding. They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel, they dedicated the wall. / The men of Jericho built next to Eliashib, and Zaccur son of Imri built next to them. / The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. ...

Nehemiah 4:6
So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

Nehemiah 6:15-16
So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul. / When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and disheartened, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God.

Psalm 48:12-13
March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers, / consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation.

Psalm 122:7
May there be peace within your walls, and prosperity inside your fortresses.”

Matthew 24:2
“Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”


Treasury of Scripture

Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.

he built cities

2 Chronicles 11:5-10
And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah…

2 Chronicles 14:7
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 26:9,10
Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them…

the mountains

Joshua 14:12,13
Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said…

Luke 1:39
And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

castles and towers.

Jump to Previous
Addition Areas Buildings Built Castles Cities Country Forest Forests Fortresses Forts Hill Hill-Country Hills Judah Judean Moreover Mountains Palaces Strong Towers Towns Wooded Woodlands
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Addition Areas Buildings Built Castles Cities Country Forest Forests Fortresses Forts Hill Hill-Country Hills Judah Judean Moreover Mountains Palaces Strong Towers Towns Wooded Woodlands
2 Chronicles 27
1. Jotham Reigns in Judah














He also built cities in the hill country of Judah
This phrase highlights King Jotham's efforts to strengthen and expand the infrastructure of Judah. The hill country of Judah is a region characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic importance. Building cities here would have provided military and economic advantages, as the elevated positions offered natural defense and oversight of trade routes. This action reflects Jotham's wisdom and foresight in fortifying his kingdom, similar to his father Uzziah's efforts (2 Chronicles 26:9-10). The hill country is also significant in biblical history, being the area where many key events and figures, such as David, operated (1 Samuel 17:1-3).

and fortresses and towers in the forests
The construction of fortresses and towers in the forests indicates a strategic military initiative. Forests in ancient Judah, such as the Forest of Hereth (1 Samuel 22:5), provided resources and cover for military operations. Fortresses served as defensive strongholds, while towers were used for surveillance and communication. This reflects a proactive approach to national security, ensuring protection against potential invasions. The emphasis on building in forests suggests an understanding of utilizing natural landscapes for defense, a practice seen throughout biblical narratives, such as in the battles led by King David (2 Samuel 5:22-25). This also prefigures the protective and watchful nature of Christ, who is often seen as a spiritual fortress and tower for believers (Psalm 18:2).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jotham
The king of Judah during this time, known for his righteous reign and efforts to strengthen the kingdom both spiritually and militarily.

2. Hill Country of Judah
A region characterized by its elevated terrain, significant for its strategic military advantage and agricultural potential.

3. Fortresses and Towers
Defensive structures built by Jotham, symbolizing his commitment to protecting and fortifying the nation.

4. Forests
Areas where Jotham constructed towers, indicating his strategic use of natural resources for defense and surveillance.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which Jotham ruled, known for its capital, Jerusalem, and its lineage of Davidic kings.
Teaching Points
Strategic Leadership
Jotham's construction of cities and fortifications demonstrates the importance of strategic planning and leadership in both spiritual and practical matters.

Utilizing Resources Wisely
The building of towers in the forests shows the value of using available resources effectively for the benefit of the community and kingdom.

Spiritual and Physical Defense
Just as Jotham fortified Judah physically, believers are called to fortify their lives spiritually through prayer, scripture, and community.

Legacy of Righteousness
Jotham's reign is marked by righteousness, serving as a reminder of the lasting impact of godly leadership and integrity.

Trust in God’s Sovereignty
While Jotham took practical steps to secure his kingdom, ultimate trust and reliance were placed in God’s sovereignty and protection.(4) Moreover.--Literally, and cities built he in the hill region of Judah. (Comp. 2Chronicles 26:10.)

Castles.--Biraniyoth; a term explained at 2Chronicles 17:12. The contemporary prophets denounced the popular confidence in "fenced cities" as a kind of treason against Jehovah, who was Himself the shield and fortress of His people (Psalm 18:1; Isaiah 12:2). "Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth palaces; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof" (Hosea 8:14. Comp. Isaiah 2:15; Isaiah 17:3-4). . . .

Verse 4. - The mountains of Judah; Hebrew, בְּהַר; Revised Version, hill country of Judah, the Hebrew text being in the singular number (compare particularly Joshua 9:1, where the Har is evidently placed in contrast with the Shefelah). Castles; Hebrew, בִּירָנִיּות (so 2 Chronicles 17:12). The meaning is that he built forts (Isaiah 2:15; Hosea 8:14).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He also built
בָּנָ֖ה (bā·nāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

cities
וְעָרִ֥ים (wə·‘ā·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

in the hill country
בְּהַר־ (bə·har-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

of Judah
יְהוּדָ֑ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

and fortresses
בִּֽירָנִיּ֖וֹת (bî·rā·nî·yō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1003: A fortress, fortified place

and towers
וּמִגְדָּלִֽים׃ (ū·miḡ·dā·lîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers

in the forests.
וּבֶחֳרָשִׁ֣ים (ū·ḇe·ḥo·rā·šîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2793: Horesh -- a forest


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 27:4 Moreover he built cities in the hill (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 27:3
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