2 Chronicles Chapter 14

Asa Succeeds Abijah in Judah

(1 Kings 15:9-15)

1So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.

2And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: 3For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: 4And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. 5Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. 6And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest. 7Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered. 8And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.

9And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah. 10Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 11And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. 12So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. 13And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil. 14And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them. 15They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

Asa Reigns in Judah
(1 Kings 15:9–15)

1 So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David; and Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days the land was quiet ten years.

2 Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of Yahweh his God: 3 for he took away the foreign altars, and the high places, and broke down the pillars, and cut down the Asherim, 4 and commanded Judah to seek Yahweh, the God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. 5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the sun images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. 6 He built fortified cities in Judah; for the land was quiet, and he had no war in those years, because Yahweh had given him rest. 7 For he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities, and make walls around them, with towers, gates, and bars. The land is yet before us, because we have sought Yahweh our God; we have sought him, and he has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered. 8 Asa had an army that bore bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred eighty thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.

9 There came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an army of a million troops, and three hundred chariots; and he came to Mareshah. 10 Then Asa went out to meet him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 11 Asa cried to Yahweh his God, and said, “Yahweh, there is none besides you to help, between the mighty and him who has no strength. Help us, Yahweh our God; for we rely on you, and in your name are we come against this multitude. Yahweh, you are our God. Don’t let man prevail against you.” 12 So Yahweh struck the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. 13 Asa and the people who were with him pursued them to Gerar: and there fell of the Ethiopians so many that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before Yahweh, and before his army; and they carried away very much booty. 14 They struck all the cities around Gerar; for the fear of Yahweh came on them: and they despoiled all the cities; for there was much spoil in them. 15 They struck also the tents of livestock, and carried away sheep in abundance, and camels, and returned to Jerusalem.

Asa Reigns in Judah
(1 Kings 15:9–15)

1 Then Abijah rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Asa reigned in his place, and in his days the land was at peace for ten years.

2 And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. 3 He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles. 4 He commanded the people of Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments. 5 He also removed the high places and incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and under him the kingdom was at peace.

6 Because the land was at peace, Asa built fortified cities in Judah. In those days no one made war with him, because the LORD had given him rest. 7 So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

8 Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow. All these were mighty men of valor.

9 Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of 1,000,000 men a and 300 chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah. 10 So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah. b

11 Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.”

12 So the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled. 13 Then Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. The Cushites fell and could not recover, for they were crushed before the LORD and His army. So the people of Judah carried off a great amount of plunder 14 and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there. 15 They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen and carried off many sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.

Footnotes:

9 a Or an army of thousands and thousands ; Hebrew an army of a thousand thousands
10 b Or the valley north of Mareshah

Asa Succeeds Abijah in Judah

(1 Kings 15:9-15)

1And Abijah lieth with his fathers, and they bury him in the city of David, and reign doth Asa his son in his stead: in his days was the land quiet ten years.

2And Asa doth that which is good, and that which is right, in the eyes of Jehovah his God, 3and turneth aside the altars of the stranger, and the high places, and breaketh the standing-pillars, and cutteth down the shrines, 4and saith to Judah to seek Jehovah, God of their fathers, and to do the law and the command; 5and he turneth aside out of all cities of Judah the high places and the images, and the kingdom is quiet before him. 6And he buildeth cities of bulwarks in Judah, for the land hath quiet, and there is no war with him in these years, because Jehovah hath given rest to him. 7And he saith to Judah, 'Let us build these cities, and compass them with wall, and towers, two-leaved doors, and bars, while the land is before us, because we have sought Jehovah our God, we have sought, and He giveth rest to us round about;' and they build and prosper. 8And there is to Asa a force bearing target and spear, out of Judah three hundred thousand, and out of Benjamin, bearing shield and treading bow, two hundred and eighty thousand: all these are mighty of valour.

9And come out unto them doth Zerah the Cushite with a force of a thousand thousand, and chariots three hundred, and he cometh in unto Mareshah, 10and Asa goeth out before him, and they set battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 11And Asa calleth unto Jehovah his God, and saith, 'Jehovah! it is nothing with Thee to help, between the mighty and those who have no power; help us, O Jehovah, our God, for on Thee we have leant, and in Thy name we have come against this multitude; O Jehovah, our God thou art; let him not prevail with Thee -- mortal man! 12And Jehovah smiteth the Cushim before Asa, and before Judah, and the Cushim flee, 13and Asa and the people who are with him pursue them even to Gerar, and there fall of the Cushim, for they have no preserving, because they have been broken before Jehovah, and before His camp; and they bear away very much spoil, 14and smite all the cities round about Gerar, for a fear of Jehovah hath been upon them, and they spoil all the cities, for abundant spoil hath been in them; 15and also tents of cattle they have smitten, and they capture sheep in abundance, and camels, and turn back to Jerusalem.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 14?

2Introduction to 2 Chronicles 14

3Context of 2 Chronicles 14

4Ancient Key Word Study

5Compare & Contrast

62 Chronicles 14 Unique Insights

72 Chronicles 14 Connections to Yeshua

82 Chronicles 14 Scriptural Echoes

92 Chronicles 14 Devotional

10Did You Know

What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 14?

Introduction to 2 Chronicles 14

The fourteenth chapter of 2 Chronicles presents a remarkable period in Judah’s history under King Asa’s leadership, marking a time of profound spiritual reformation and military triumph. This chapter serves as a powerful testament to how seeking יהוה (Yahweh) wholeheartedly leads to divine protection and prosperity, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative masterfully weaves together themes of religious reform, military preparation, and divine intervention, providing timeless principles for spiritual leadership and trust in God.

Context of 2 Chronicles 14

This chapter opens in the aftermath of the division of Solomon’s kingdom and the subsequent spiritual decline under Rehoboam and Abijah. Asa’s reign represents a decisive break from the religious compromises of his immediate predecessors, initiating a period of significant religious reform in Judah. The chapter’s position within 2 Chronicles is strategic, as it demonstrates how adherence to יהוה’s covenant brings blessing and victory, a central theme throughout the book.

The broader biblical context places this chapter within the larger pattern of God’s faithfulness to His covenant people when they return to Him wholeheartedly. It parallels similar revivals under later kings like Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 29:3-11) and Josiah (2 Chronicles 34:3-7), highlighting how genuine spiritual reform leads to national blessing. This pattern points forward to the ultimate spiritual reformation brought by the Messiah.

Ancient Key Word Study

Peace (שָׁקַט shaqat): This term in verse 1 signifies more than mere absence of war; it conveys a state of complete well-being and tranquility that comes from proper relationship with God. The root implies settling down and being quiet, suggesting a divine gift of rest rather than human achievement.
Sought (דָּרַשׁ darash): Used in verse 4, this intensive verb denotes deliberately seeking with careful investigation and pursuit. It appears frequently in Chronicles to describe genuine spiritual pursuit of יהוה, implying both intellectual and heart engagement.
Command (צָוָה tzavah): The word used in verse 4 carries the weight of divine authority. Unlike human commands, this term implies both the right to command and the power to enforce, highlighting God’s sovereign authority over His people.
Foreign altars (בָּמוֹת bamot): These “high places” mentioned in verse 3 were centers of idolatrous worship. The term carried cultural significance as these were seen as points of connection between heaven and earth, making their removal a decisive break with pagan worship.
Built (בָּנָה banah): This verb in verse 7 has both literal and metaphorical significance. While referring to physical construction of cities, it also carries the connotation of establishing and securing, pointing to both physical and spiritual foundations.
Rest (נוּחַ nuach): Appearing in verse 7, this term connects to the Sabbath rest and suggests divine provision rather than mere cessation of activity. It implies God’s active blessing and protection.
Million (אֶלֶף eleph): The Hebrew term in verse 9 can mean either “thousand” or “military unit,” adding depth to understanding the scale of the Ethiopian army. This flexibility in meaning helps reconcile apparent numerical discrepancies in biblical accounts.
Help (עָזַר azar): Used in verse 11, this verb implies divine intervention and support. Its usage here emphasizes complete dependence on God rather than self-reliance, a key theme in Chronicles.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 2’s description of Asa doing “good and right” uses specific Hebrew terms (טוֹב tov and יָשָׁר yashar) that could have been replaced with other positive adjectives. These particular words were chosen to echo the language of Deuteronomy’s covenant blessings, creating a deliberate connection to Moses’ teachings.
The phrase “foreign altars” in verse 3 uses במות (bamot) rather than מזבחות (mizbeachot), emphasizing the pagan nature of these worship sites and their connection to Canaanite religion, making the reform more significant.
Verse 7’s construction narrative uses military terminology alongside building terms, suggesting that the physical fortification was part of a larger spiritual strategy. The author could have focused solely on the construction but chose to blend these themes.
The description of the Ethiopian army in verse 9 uses specific numbers and terms that emphasize both its impressive size and its ultimate insignificance before God, creating a deliberate contrast with Asa’s smaller but faithful force.
Verse 11’s prayer uses the term “rely” (שָׁעַן sha’an) rather than simpler terms for trust, emphasizing complete dependence on God rather than mere acknowledgment of His power.

2 Chronicles 14 Unique Insights

The chapter contains several profound theological and historical insights that illuminate its deeper meaning. The timing of Asa’s reforms, coming after ten years of peace, demonstrates spiritual wisdom in using times of prosperity for strengthening rather than relaxation. This pattern is noted in early rabbinical commentary as exemplary leadership, showing how stability should be used for spiritual advancement rather than complacency.

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I’m ready

The archaeological evidence from this period confirms the text’s description of fortified cities, with remnants of sixth-century BCE fortifications discovered in several Judean sites. This physical evidence aligns with the biblical narrative and provides context for understanding the scale of Asa’s building projects. The mention of “doors and bars” in verse 7 reflects advanced architectural techniques of the period, showing God’s blessing through technological advancement.

The battle against the Ethiopian army presents a fascinating study in ancient warfare and divine intervention. Early Jewish commentators note that the size of the Ethiopian force, while enormous, was not unprecedented for the period. However, they emphasize that the victory came through prayer rather than military might, establishing a pattern later referenced by the prophets regarding trust in God versus human strength.

2 Chronicles 14 Connections to Yeshua

The reforms of Asa prefigure the Messiah’s cleansing of the Temple (John 2:13-22), showing how true worship must be purified before blessing can flow. Asa’s removal of idolatrous high places parallels Yeshua’s emphasis on worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).

The theme of divine protection and victory over overwhelming odds points forward to the Messiah’s ultimate triumph over sin and death. Just as Asa’s victory came through reliance on God rather than human strength, so too did Yeshua’s victory come through submission to the Father’s will rather than worldly power (Philippians 2:5-11).

2 Chronicles 14 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous biblical passages, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected themes. The pattern of reform followed by blessing echoes throughout Scripture, from Joshua’s leadership (Joshua 24:14-15) to Nehemiah’s reforms (Nehemiah 13:4-31).

The battle scene recalls David’s victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17), emphasizing trust in God over military might. The theme of divine protection during reformation appears again in Hezekiah’s reign (2 Chronicles 32) and Josiah’s reforms (2 Chronicles 34-35).

2 Chronicles 14 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own spiritual foundations and commitment to reform. Like Asa, we’re called to remove “high places” from our lives – those areas where we’ve allowed compromise or divided loyalty. The chapter reminds us that spiritual reform often requires courage and decisive action.

Asa’s preparation during peacetime teaches us to strengthen our spiritual foundations during times of blessing, not waiting for crisis to build our faith. His prayer in battle demonstrates the power of humble dependence on God, especially when facing overwhelming circumstances.

Did You Know

The Ethiopian army mentioned was likely from Egypt’s 22nd Dynasty, showing the historical accuracy of the biblical account.
Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the existence of fortified cities from Asa’s time period in the locations mentioned in the text.
The removal of the Asherim (sacred poles) mentioned in verse 3 was particularly significant as these were seen as channels of fertility blessing in ancient Canaanite religion.
The military formations described reflect accurate ancient Near Eastern battle tactics of the period.
The term “rest” used in verse 7 is the same word used in Genesis to describe God’s rest after creation, suggesting divine approval of Asa’s reforms.
The mention of “shield and spear” in verse 8 represents the standard military equipment of the period, confirmed by archaeological findings.
The size of the Ethiopian army, while large, aligns with other historical records of massive armies from this period.
The fortification techniques mentioned in the chapter match architectural practices known from archaeological excavations of the period.
The reforms described would have had significant economic impact, as many of the removed cultic sites were centers of commerce.

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