⁷ And he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with ^(A)walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the Lord our God. We have sought him, ^(B)and he has given us peace on every side.” So they built and prospered.

⁵ All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars, besides very many unwalled villages.