And he placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim which Asa his father had taken.

So Jehoshaphat went on to become highly magnified, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah.

Also in every city he put shields and spears, and made them very strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.

He dealt with discernment, and dispersed some of his sons throughout all the territories of Judah and Benjamin, to every fortified city; and he gave them provisions in abundance. He also sought many wives for them.