(4) Moreover.--Literally, and cities built he in the hill region of Judah. (Comp. 2Chronicles 26:10.)

Castles.--Biraniyoth; a term explained at 2Chronicles 17:12. The contemporary prophets denounced the popular confidence in "fenced cities" as a kind of treason against Jehovah, who was Himself the shield and fortress of His people (Psalm 18:1; Isaiah 12:2). "Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth palaces; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof" (Hosea 8:14. Comp. Isaiah 2:15; Isaiah 17:3-4).

Verse 4. - The mountains of Judah; Hebrew, בְּהַר; Revised Version, hill country of Judah, the Hebrew text being in the singular number (compare particularly Joshua 9:1, where the Har is evidently placed in contrast with the Shefelah). Castles; Hebrew, בִּירָנִיּות (so 2 Chronicles 17:12). The meaning is that he built forts (Isaiah 2:15; Hosea 8:14).

27:1-9 Jotham's reign in Judah. - The people did corruptly. Perhaps Jotham was wanting towards the reformation of the land. Men may be very good, and yet not have courage and zeal to do what they might. It certainly casts blame upon the people. Jotham prospered, and became mighty. The more stedfast we are in religion, the more mighty we are, both to resist evil, and to do good. The Lord often removes wise and pious rulers, and sends others, whose follies and vices punish a people that valued not their mercies.Moreover, he built cities in the mountains of Judah,.... In the mountainous part of it, the hill country of Judea, Luke 1:65,

and in the forests he built castles and towers; for the safety of travellers, and of shepherds and their flocks, see 2 Chronicles 26:10.