Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 14:7 together. It’s a pretty important passage about protecting Israel! Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that God was actively encouraging and helping the Israelites to build strong defenses around their land, especially Judah. He was giving them permission and support to do so. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore he said unto Judah…” : This means God is speaking directly to the people of Judah – which was a significant group of Israelites living in that area. “…let us build these cities, and make about [them] walls, and towers, gates, and bars…” : This part says they were encouraged to build fortifications. It’s not just saying "build," it's telling them to actively create defenses – walls, towers, gates, and even bars (like protective barriers). “[while] the land [is] yet before us” : This is a crucial part. It means they were still in the process of building. They weren’t finished, but they had permission to start. The “land before us” refers to the land itself – the territory God had given them. “because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought [him], and he hath given us rest on every side.” : This is where it gets really powerful. It’s saying that because they were actively building and seeking God, He was granting them a blessing – “rest on every side.” This means He was protecting them from harm and ensuring their safety. So, the whole verse is essentially saying: "God is encouraging us to protect our land and build strong defenses because we are actively seeking Him and trusting in His protection." What does it mean practically? It’s a reminder that God cares deeply about his people and wants to ensure their safety. It's a call to be vigilant and protective of the land God has given us. --- In short, this verse is a blessing – a promise of protection and security for the Israelites. Do you want me to explain any part in more detail, or perhaps explore why this passage is significant? For example, we could talk about: The context of this time in history. What kind of defenses were being built?