דברי הימים ב, פרק ל״ג, פסוק י״ד

Late in his reign, Manasseh initiated a massive building and fortification project. This historical detail, unique to the Book of Chronicles [ביאור שטיינזלץ], highlights a period of significant urban expansion. Central to this project was the construction of an outer wall. This structure served as an additional line of defense for the City of David and was likely intended to enclose newly developed parts of the city [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The route of this new defense system began near the Gihon spring, passing just west of its waters [מצודת דוד] and running alongside the stream [רש"י] that flowed through the valley [מצודת ציון]. While some interpret this to mean the wall protected the entire western side of Jerusalem [מלבי"ם], others clarify that it was specifically the western section of the wall itself that passed through the Gihon valley [רד"ק]. From the valley, the wall extended onward until it reached the Fish Gate [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ], a location that some place on the eastern side of the city [מלבי"ם].

Continuing its path, the wall then encircled the Ophel. The primary approach among commentators is that the Ophel was an elevated, heavily fortified area. Opinions vary on its exact nature. It is identified as the highest point surrounding Jerusalem [רלב"ג] or a raised section built directly into the wall [רד"ק]. Alternatively, it is described as a distinct fortress [ביאור שטיינזלץ], a specific defensive tower [מצודת דוד], or a general term referring to the sheer strength of towers built with specialized masonry [רש"י].

Manasseh was not satisfied with merely laying the foundation and route of this wall; he built it to a towering height. Alongside these urban fortifications, he executed a broader military strategy by stationing army commanders in all the fortified cities throughout Judah. This comprehensive approach was designed to strengthen the kingdom's cities and ensure they were heavily protected against enemy threats [רלב"ג].