⁵ He also ^[a]removed the high places and the ^(A)incense altars from all the cities of Judah. And the kingdom was quiet before him. ^6 (B)And he built fortified cities in Judah, since the land was quiet, and ^[b]there was no one at war with him during those years, ^(C)because Yahweh had given him rest. ⁷ And he said to Judah, “^(D)Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ^[c]ours because we have sought Yahweh our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and succeeded.