Definition: Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 33:14. It’s a pretty significant passage about rebuilding Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Babylonian Exile: The verse describes King David building a wall in Jerusalem before the time of the Babylonian conquest. This was a huge deal because it meant the people of Judah were being exiled from their land. A Massive Wall: King David built this wall, but it wasn’t just any wall. It was enormous – almost like a massive fortification. Strategic Location: It was built on the west side of Gihon (a river valley), in the valley, and even near the fish gate . This meant it was positioned to be easily defended and controlled. A Long, Confining Wall: David spent a long time constructing this wall – he “compassed about Ophel” meaning he meticulously planned and built it. It’s like a giant, strong perimeter around Jerusalem. Military Presence: He put "captains of war" (essentially soldiers) in all the fenced cities of Judah (the areas controlled by Israel). This shows a powerful, fortified presence. In simpler terms: David made a very large, heavily guarded wall to protect Jerusalem, and it was built with a lot of planning and effort – making it a strong defensive barrier for the entire region. Overall Significance: This verse is often seen as a symbol of David’s leadership and the rebuilding efforts that ultimately led to Israel’s restoration after being exiled. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: Why it's considered important in biblical history? What does "Ophel" mean? How did this wall impact the future of Judah?