1 Kings 15:22

“Then King Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah, etc.] Summoned men of all sorts, ranks, and degrees: (none was exempted;) the Jews f348 say, not so much as a newly married man, whom the law excused from war the first year, nor the disciples of the wise men: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; or fortified the place; these; the men of Judah, whom Asa summoned, carried off: and King Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah; which were both in the tribe of Benjamin, and which he fortified, (<061824>Joshua 18:24,26) (<244110>Jeremiah 41:10).”

“Then king Asa made a proclamation--The fortifications which Baasha had erected at Ramah were demolished, and with the materials were built other defenses, where Asa thought they were needed--at Geba (now Jeba) and Mizpeh (now Neby Samuil), about two hours' travelling north of Jerusalem.”

“Geba, situated opposite to Michmash 1 Samuel 14:5, is almost certainly “Jeba,” which stands picturesquely on the top of its steep terraced hill on the very edge of the “Wady Suweinit.” Its position was thus exceedingly strong; and, as it lay further north than Ramah, Asa may have considered that to fortify and garrison it would be a better protection to his northern frontier than fortifying Ramah. For Mizpah see the marginal reference From Jeremiah 41:9 we learn that Asa, besides fortifying the place, sank a deep well there to secure his garrison from want of water if the town should be besieged. return to 'Top of Page'”

“None, &c. - All sorts of persons were obliged to come, except those who were disabled by age, or infirmity, or absence, or by the public service of the king and kingdom in other places. Built - Repaired and strengthened them, for they were built before. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 15:23”

“made a proclamation: Ch2 16:6 exempted: Heb. free Geba: Jos 18:24, Gaba, Jos 21:17 Mizpah: Jos 18:26; Sa1 7:5, Mizpeh, Jer 40:6, Jer 40:10 3 Kings (1 Kings) 15:23”