¹¹ He made the fortresses strong and put commanders in them and stores of food, oil, and wine.

¹⁰ You counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall. ¹¹ You made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to him who did it or have regard for him who planned it long ago.^(A)

¹⁹ These were in the service of the king, besides those whom the king had placed in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

²³ He dealt wisely and distributed some of his sons through all the districts of Judah and Benjamin, in all the fortified cities; he gave them abundant provisions and found many wives for them.