⁶ He built ^(A)fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest. He had no war in those years, ^(B)for the Lord gave him peace. ⁷ And he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with ^(C)walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the Lord our God. We have sought him, ^(D)and he has given us peace on every side.” So they built and prospered.

¹⁵ And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, ^(A)and the Lord gave them rest all round.