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.
After this, he built a wall outside the city of David, on the west side of Gihon spring in the valley, all the way to the Fish Gate entrance. He also built a wall around Ophel and made it very high, and he placed military commanders in all the fortified cities of Judah.
This verse describes how King Manasseh strengthened Jerusalem's defenses by building high walls and placing military leaders in fortified cities throughout his kingdom.
📚 Historical Context
This passage describes King Manasseh's building projects after his repentance and return from Babylonian captivity around 650 BC. Manasseh had been taken prisoner by the Assyrians, but after turning back to God, he was restored to his throne and began strengthening Jerusalem's defenses. These fortifications were likely built in response to the ongoing Assyrian threat and to protect the city's water supply at Gihon spring.
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