Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Kings 15:22

22 Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah, (none was exempted ) and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded: and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah .

All sorts of Persons were obliged to come, except those who were disenabled by age, or infirmity, or absence, or by the publick service of the King and Kingdom in other places.

i. e. Repaired and strengthned them, for they were built before. See Ier. 41. 9. Quest. Why did he not rather perfect the Fortifications of Ramah which Baasha had begun? Ans. Because Baasha might have returned and recovered it afterwards; and he thought it most convenient that there should be no City nor Fort in that place.

Marginal references: Heb. free.