Lexical Summary biyraniyth: Citadel, Fortress Original Word: בִּירָנִית Strong's Exhaustive Concordance castle From biyrah; a fortress -- castle. see HEBREW biyrah Brown-Driver-Briggs [בִּירָנִית] noun feminine fortress, fortified place (late); only plural absolute בִּירָנִיּוֺת וְעָרֵי מִסְכְּנוֺת2Chronicles 17:12 built by Jehoshaphat; וּמִגְדָּלִים ׳בּ2Chronicles 27:4 built by Jotham. Topical Lexicon Overview בִּירָנִית (biraniyth) designates a fortified structure of considerable strength—more than a simple wall, less than a full royal citadel. It surfaces twice, both times within the Chronicler’s record of godly Judean kings: Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 17:12) and Jotham (2 Chronicles 27:4). In each context the term highlights intentional, large-scale efforts to secure Judah’s territorial integrity, encourage economic prosperity, and model wise stewardship under covenant obedience. Biblical Usage • 2 Chronicles 17:12: “Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah.” In the first instance biraniyth underscores Jehoshaphat’s administrative reforms and military preparedness after his sweeping spiritual renewal (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). In the second, it underscores Jotham’s strategic expansion into the highlands, complementing his construction on the temple’s upper gate (2 Chronicles 27:3). Historical Context During the ninth and eighth centuries BC, Judah faced pressure from Aram, Philistia, and later the rising Assyrian power. Fortified installations—often located on elevated terrain—protected supply routes, stored provisions (hence the pairing with “store cities”), and projected royal authority into the hinterlands. Archaeological parallels include multi-chambered gates, casemate walls, and corner towers at sites such as Lachish and Ramat Rahel, illustrating the kind of architecture likely called biraniyth. Kings who “walked in the ways of David” typically combined these public-works programs with vigorous religious reform, demonstrating that trust in the LORD and prudent defense were not mutually exclusive. Theological Significance 1. Dependence and Responsibility: Scripture consistently presents God as the ultimate fortress (Psalm 18:2; Psalm 46:1), yet does not condemn the construction of physical strongholds when undertaken in humility and obedience. Jehoshaphat’s fortified network follows his nationwide teaching of the Law, illustrating the balance of divine reliance and human diligence. Practical Ministry Applications • Leadership: Like Jehoshaphat and Jotham, modern leaders are to fortify communities—spiritually through sound doctrine and practically through prudent planning. Related Themes and Passages Psalm 27:1; Psalm 91:2; Proverbs 18:10—God as protective stronghold 2 Samuel 5:9; 1 Kings 9:15—Other royal fortification projects Nehemiah 3; Nehemiah 4—Community participation in wall-building Isaiah 26:1—“We have a strong city; God appoints salvation for walls and bulwarks.” Conclusion בִּירָנִית, though rare, illuminates a pattern of faithful kings who combine spiritual renewal with strategic defense. The term calls readers to cultivate both physical responsibility and unwavering trust in the LORD, building enduring strongholds that honor Him and safeguard His people. Forms and Transliterations בִּֽירָנִיּ֖וֹת בִּירָנִיּ֖וֹת בירניות bî·rā·nî·yō·wṯ biraniYot bîrānîyōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 17:12 HEB: וַיִּ֧בֶן בִּֽיהוּדָ֛ה בִּירָנִיּ֖וֹת וְעָרֵ֥י מִסְכְּנֽוֹת׃ NAS: and he built fortresses and store KJV: in Judah castles, and cities INT: built Judah fortresses cities and store 2 Chronicles 27:4 2 Occurrences |
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