²³ He acted wisely, dispersing some of his sons throughout the districts of Judah and Benjamin, and to all the fortified cities. He gave them abundant provisions^(A) and took many wives for them.

⁵ He rebuilt Upper Beth Horon^(A) and Lower Beth Horon as fortified cities, with walls and with gates and bars,

⁴ he captured the fortified cities^(A) of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.

⁶ He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the Lord gave him rest.^(A)

² He stationed troops in all the fortified cities^(A) of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and in the towns of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured.^(B)