2 Chronicles 26:6 - Exposition

The Philistines . It has been seen how the Philistines, humbled to tribute under Jehoshaphat ( 2 Chronicles 17:10-13 ), had lifted up their heads repeatedly since, as on one occasion in alliance with Arabians ( 2 Chronicles 21:16 , 2 Chronicles 21:17 ) against Jehoram. Brake down the wall (see 2 Chronicles 25:23 , the first occasion of this exact expression). Gath (see the parallel to our 2 Chronicles 24:23 , 2 Chronicles 24:24 in 2 Kings 12:17 ). Jabneh . A city on the coast, northwest of Judah, now Jebna (see Joshua 15:10-12 ). Ashdod. Also on the coast, about eight miles south of Jabneh ( Joshua 15:47 ). It is now a large village in Philistia, called Esdud, answering to the Azotus of Acts 8:40 (see Topographical Index to Conder's 'Handbook to the Bible;' and Dr. Smith's 'Bible Dictionary,' sub voc ; 1.119). Built cities about Ashdod ; Revised Version supplies in italic type" in the country of Ashdod." However, the force of the preposition בְּ before "Ashdod" in this case speaks for itself; on account of the great importance of the place, in respect of its situation, on the road to Egypt, the strength of its position and perhaps the memory of the fact that, allotted to Judah, it had never really been appropriated by her, and incorporated with her, Uzziah saw it expedient to surround it with other fortified cities, or strong forts, which should be a watch upon it.