King James Version

What Does 2 Chronicles 27:4 Mean?

2 Chronicles 27:4 in the King James Version says “Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.” — study this verse from 2 Chronicles chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

2 Chronicles 27:4 · KJV

Context

2

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah did: howbeit he entered not into the temple of the LORD. And the people did yet corruptly.

3

He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much. Ophel: or, the tower

4

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

5

He fought also with the king of the Ammonites, and prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon pay unto him, both the second year, and the third. So: Heb. This

6

So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God. prepared: or, established

Read 2 Chronicles 27 full chapter

Commentary

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

This verse is part of the narrative of Judah's kings, specifically addressing Steady obedience bringing consistent blessing. The Chronicler's theological perspective emphasizes immediate divine retribution—kings who seek God prosper, while those who forsake Him face judgment. This pattern provides instruction for the post-exilic community on the conditions for God's blessing.

The account demonstrates God's covenant faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant and offers restoration through repentance. The repeated cycle of apostasy, judgment, and restoration reveals both human sinfulness and divine mercy. References to the temple, proper worship, and priestly service emphasize the Chronicler's concern for correct religious observance.

Theologically, these accounts point beyond immediate history to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line. Despite repeated failures, God preserves David's dynasty, anticipating the perfect King who will reign in righteousness. The pattern of judgment for sin and restoration through repentance prefigures the gospel message of salvation through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage occurs during the divided monarchy period when Judah existed separately from northern Israel. The Chronicler writes from a post-exilic perspective, addressing the restored community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (539 BCE onward). His emphasis on temple worship, proper religious observance, and God's covenant faithfulness speaks directly to the needs of his audience who had just rebuilt the temple and were reestablishing their identity as God's people.

The historical context demonstrates both God's judgment on persistent sin and His readiness to restore those who genuinely repent. The Chronicler omits most northern kingdom material, focusing on Judah and the Davidic line to emphasize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Lachish, Beersheba, and Jerusalem corroborate the biblical accounts of various kings' reigns and building projects.

Understanding the Chronicler's post-exilic perspective is crucial—he's not merely recording history but applying past lessons to his contemporary audience, showing that the same principles of seeking God, maintaining proper worship, and covenant faithfulness that determined blessing or judgment in the past still apply.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse illustrate the principle of divine retribution (blessing for obedience, judgment for sin)?
  2. What specific applications does this passage have for maintaining spiritual faithfulness in contemporary Christian life?
  3. How does this account point to God's ultimate purposes through the Davidic line and the coming Messiah?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְעָרִ֥ים1 of 8

“cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

בָּנָ֔ה2 of 8

“Moreover he built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בְּהַר3 of 8

“in the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

יְהוּדָ֑ה4 of 8

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

וּבֶֽחֳרָשִׁ֣ים5 of 8

“and in the forests”

H2793

a forest (perhaps as furnishing the material for fabric)

בָּנָ֔ה6 of 8

“Moreover he built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בִּירָֽנִיּ֖וֹת7 of 8

“castles”

H1003

a fortress

וּמִגְדָּלִֽים׃8 of 8

“and towers”

H4026

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Chronicles 27:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Chronicles 27:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 1:392 Chronicles 11:5-10Joshua 14:12-132 Chronicles 14:72 Chronicles 26:9-10

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