2 Chronicles 14

This chapter recounts the reign of King Asa of Judah. After inheriting the throne from his father, Abijah, Asa initiated significant reforms, including the removal of pagan altars and the reestablishment of true worship in Judah. Asa's reign was marked by peace for many years, but later, when the kingdom faced a major threat from Ethiopia, Asa turned to God for deliverance, which resulted in a great victory. This chapter emphasizes Asa’s commitment to God and the blessings of peace and victory that followed.

2 Chronicles 14:1-5 (NKJV)
1 So Abijah rested with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David. Then Asa his son reigned in his place. In his days the land was quiet for ten years.
2 Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God,
3 for he removed the altars of the foreign gods and the high places, and broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images.
4 He commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment.
5 He also removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and the kingdom was quiet under him.

King Asa’s reign begins with a decade of peace, signaling a fresh start for Judah. Asa distinguishes himself from previous kings by prioritizing what was right before God. His removal of pagan altars and idols from the land demonstrates his dedication to ridding Judah of foreign influences and restoring pure worship. By commanding the people to seek the Lord and obey the law, Asa sets a spiritual standard for the nation. The result is a peaceful, stable kingdom, underscoring the connection between faithfulness to God and societal peace.

2 Chronicles 14:6 (NKJV)
6 And he built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest; he had no war in those years, because the Lord had given him rest.

Asa capitalized on the peace God had granted by strengthening Judah's defenses. He fortified the cities, not out of fear of immediate threats but in preparation for potential future conflicts. The peace was a divine blessing, and Asa used it wisely to improve the kingdom’s security. This verse shows Asa’s foresight and the importance of preparing during times of calm.

2 Chronicles 14:7 (NKJV)
7 Therefore he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and make walls around them, 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 has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.

Asa encourages the people to take advantage of the peace by strengthening their infrastructure. He attributes their rest to their collective effort in seeking God. Asa recognizes that their prosperity is a direct result of their faithfulness. This demonstrates the biblical principle that obedience to God brings blessings, including peace and prosperity.

2 Chronicles 14:8 (NKJV)
8 And Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah who carried shields and spears, and from Benjamin two hundred and eighty thousand men who carried shields and drew bows; all these were mighty men of valor.

Asa’s army was formidable, consisting of a total of 580,000 well-armed and trained soldiers from Judah and Benjamin. These warriors were described as mighty men of valor, indicating not just their physical strength but also their courage. This verse highlights Asa’s military preparedness, even during times of peace, reinforcing his wisdom in being vigilant.

2 Chronicles 14:9 (NKJV)
9 Then Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots, and he came to Mareshah.

Judah’s peace is disrupted by the threat of Zerah, an Ethiopian general with an enormous army of a million soldiers and 300 chariots. This overwhelming force represents a serious danger to Asa’s much smaller army, setting the stage for a test of Asa’s faith and leadership.

2 Chronicles 14:10 (NKJV)
10 So Asa went out against him, and they set the troops in battle array in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

Despite the intimidating size of Zerah’s army, Asa does not retreat. Instead, he courageously leads Judah’s forces into battle. The battle takes place in the Valley of Zephathah, a location near Mareshah. Asa’s willingness to engage despite the odds shows his trust in God’s protection.

2 Chronicles 14:11 (NKJV)
11 And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”

In the face of overwhelming odds, Asa turns to God in prayer, acknowledging that victory is not dependent on numbers but on God’s power. He appeals to God’s sovereignty and reminds Him that Judah is fighting in His name. Asa’s prayer shows his reliance on God and his belief that God alone determines the outcome of battles.

2 Chronicles 14:12 (NKJV)
12 So the Lord struck the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.

God answers Asa’s prayer decisively. The immense Ethiopian army is struck down by the Lord, leading to their retreat. This victory is a clear demonstration of divine intervention, showing that God fights for those who trust in Him.

2 Chronicles 14:13 (NKJV)
13 And Asa and the people who were with him pursued them to Gerar. So the Ethiopians were overthrown, and they could not recover, for they were broken before the Lord and His army. And they carried away very much spoil.

Asa and his army pursue the fleeing Ethiopians, completely destroying them. The enemy is so thoroughly defeated that they are unable to recover. Judah’s forces not only win the battle but also gain great wealth from the spoil left behind. This victory further emphasizes the power of God in delivering His people.

2 Chronicles 14:14 (NKJV)
14 Then they defeated all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the Lord came upon them; and they plundered all the cities, for there was exceedingly much spoil in them.

The victory against the Ethiopians extends beyond the battlefield. The fear of the Lord spreads to the surrounding cities, leading to further victories and the accumulation of more spoils. This indicates the widespread impact of God’s intervention, as even those not directly involved in the battle are affected by Judah’s success.

2 Chronicles 14:15 (NKJV)
15 They also attacked the livestock enclosures, and carried off sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.

Asa’s army continues to seize wealth, including large numbers of livestock, which they take back to Jerusalem. The chapter ends with Judah enriched both materially and spiritually, having experienced God’s favor and protection through their obedience and trust in Him. This reinforces the lesson that faithfulness leads to blessing.