◄ 2 Chronicles 14 ►
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Asa Reigns in Judah (1 Kings 15:9–15) 1Then 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. 2And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. 3He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles. 4He commanded the people of Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments. 5He also removed the high places and incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and under him the kingdom was at peace. 6Because 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. 7So 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. 8Asa 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. 9Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of 1,000,000 mena and 300 chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah. 10So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.b 11Then 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.” 12So the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled. 13Then 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 14and 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. 15They 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 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub 2 Chronicles 14 Summary Asa Reigns in Judah Verses 1 – Asa Succeeds Abijah Judah’s throne passes from Abijah to his son Asa. Abijah is laid to rest, and “in his days the land was at peace for ten years.” Verses 2–5 – A Reformation Begins Asa “did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.” He tears down pagan altars, high places, sacred pillars, and Asherah poles. He commands Judah to seek the LORD and to observe the Law and the commandment. The kingdom enjoys quiet because “the LORD gave him rest.” Verses 6–8 – Fortifying a Restful Kingdom With peace as a gift from God, Asa strengthens Judah’s defenses—building walls, towers, gates, and bars. He fields a well-organized army: 300,000 shield-and-spear men from Judah, 280,000 shield-and-bow men from Benjamin, “all brave warriors.” Verses 9–11 – The Cushite Invasion and Asa’s Prayer Zerah the Cushite marches out with one million men and 300 chariots, camping at Mareshah. Asa meets him in the Valley of Zephathah and cries, “LORD, there is none besides You to help the powerless against the mighty… O LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!” Verses 12–15 – God Wins the Battle “The LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa.” The enemy flees to Gerar; Judah pursues, routs them, plunders surrounding cities, seizes vast livestock, and returns to Jerusalem in triumph. 2 Chronicles 14 introduces us to King Asa's reign, characterized by his resolute faith in God and comprehensive religious reforms. We witness a king who places his trust in God, leading his people to do the same, and we see the transformative power of faith. This chapter also underscores the importance of repentance, revival, and the divine intervention experienced during the battle against the Cushites. Historical Background • Approximate date: c. 911–870 BC. Asa is the third king of Judah after the united kingdom divided (1 Kings 15:9–10). • Judah is small but secure; neighboring Israel struggles with dynastic upheaval under Baasha (1 Kings 15:33–16:7), giving Asa space for reform. A Time of Rest – God’s Gift of Peace Ten quiet years (v. 1) are not accidental; they come “because the LORD gave him rest” (v. 6). Compare the pattern: obedience brings rest (Deuteronomy 12:10; Hebrews 4:9). Peace is stewardship time—to build, teach, and seek God—rather than an excuse for complacency. Purging Idols – Faithful Obedience Asa targets every visible sign of false worship (vv. 3-5). • Foreign altars and high places: outlawed in Deuteronomy 12:2-3. • Asherah poles and sacred pillars: fertility cult items from Canaanite religion. • “Commanded Judah to seek the LORD”: leadership is both personal and corporate (Joshua 24:15). Lesson: decisive action against sin clears space for blessing (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). Fortified Cities – Faith Meets Practical Action Asa builds walls and towers (v. 7). Trust in God never cancels practical preparation (Nehemiah 4:9). • Archaeology: excavations at Mareshah reveal double-wall fortifications and six-chamber gates, matching biblical descriptions of Judean defensive architecture. • Army arrangement: Judah’s large shields and spears for close combat; Benjamin’s small shields and bows for mobility—balanced tactics. The Cushite Threat – An Impossible Battle One million troops (v. 9) dwarf Judah’s force. “Cushite” may refer to an Ethiopian-led coalition or an Egyptian Nubian contingent allied with Libya. Egyptian records place energetic Nubian forces on the move during this era. Asa’s Prayer – Cry of Dependence “LORD, there is none besides You to help the powerless against the mighty” (v. 11). Connections: • Jonathan’s words: “For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). • Jehoshaphat’s later prayer in the same valley: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Prayer moves from who God is (“LORD, You are our God”) to what God alone can do (“do not let man prevail”). Divine Victory and Spoils – God Keeps His Own “The LORD struck down the Cushites” (v. 12). The pattern: pray—God acts—people follow through. Fear of the LORD falls on surrounding towns (v. 14), echoing Exodus 15:16. Judah gains livestock and wealth that will help sustain future reforms. Archaeological Insights • Mareshah (Tell Sandahannah) shows layers destroyed in violent conflict, consistent with a major battle. • Gerar (Tel Haror) yields Philistine remains and pastoral encampments, fitting the “tents of the herdsmen” raided by Asa (v. 15). • Six-chamber gates, casemate walls, and storage jar stamps reading “LMLK” (“belonging to the king”) illustrate organized royal logistics like Asa’s supply buildup. Connections to the Kings Account 1 Kings 15:9-15 condenses Asa’s early reign, mentioning the removal of idols and gifting Temple treasures. Chronicles expands on spiritual themes—obedience, prayer, victory—highlighting God’s responsiveness. Practical Applications • Clear out idols first; revival begins at home. • Use seasons of calm to strengthen faith, relationships, and practical defenses. • When outnumbered, pray with confidence in God’s character, not in odds. • Follow prayer with action; pursue victory and complete the task. • Return spoils to God’s city (v. 15) rather than hoarding—a reminder that triumphs belong to Him. Scripture Echoes and Foreshadowing • Rest in the land: Leviticus 26:6; Isaiah 32:17-18. • God’s help for the weak: Psalm 20:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9. • Victory over impossible odds: Gideon (Judges 7), Hezekiah vs. Assyria (2 Kings 19), the future final triumph of the Lamb (Revelation 19:11-16). In Closing Asa’s account in chapter 14 is a portrait of wholehearted reform, wise preparation, desperate prayer, and God-given victory—still a pattern for believers and communities determined to live faithfully today. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. This verse echoes the importance of seeking God as Asa did. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Asa's reliance on God in battle reflects this principle. Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Asa's victory over the Ethiopians illustrates the power of trusting in God. Teaching Points Asa's Righteous Reign Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God (2 Chronicles 14:2). Asa's commitment to righteousness set the foundation for his reign. Removal of Idolatry Asa took bold steps to remove foreign altars and high places, breaking down sacred pillars and cutting down Asherah poles (2 Chronicles 14:3). This demonstrates the importance of purging sin and idolatry from our lives. Seeking the Lord Asa commanded Judah to seek the LORD and to obey His laws and commandments (2 Chronicles 14:4). Seeking God is essential for personal and communal peace. Building and Fortifying Asa fortified cities and built up the land during a time of peace, showing the importance of preparation and stewardship (2 Chronicles 14:6-7). Reliance on God in Battle When faced with a vast Ethiopian army, Asa cried out to the LORD, saying, LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty (2 Chronicles 14:11). His reliance on God brought victory. Practical Applications Pursue Righteousness Like Asa, strive to do what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord in every aspect of your life. Eliminate Idols Identify and remove anything in your life that takes precedence over your relationship with God. Seek God Daily Make it a priority to seek God through prayer, Bible study, and obedience to His Word. Prepare in Peace Use times of peace and stability to build and strengthen your spiritual life and community. Trust God in Challenges In times of trouble, rely on God’s strength and wisdom rather than your own understanding. People 1. Asa Asa is the king of Judah who did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. He removed the foreign altars and high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. Asa commanded Judah to seek the LORD and to obey His laws and commands (2 Chronicles 14:2-4). The name "Asa" (אָסָא) in Hebrew can mean "physician" or "healer," reflecting his role in spiritually healing Judah by turning the people back to God. 2. Zerah the Cushite Zerah is the leader of the Cushite army that came out against Judah with a vast host and 300 chariots. Asa went out to meet him, and they took up battle positions in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah (2 Chronicles 14:9-10). The name "Zerah" (זֶרַח) in Hebrew means "rising" or "dawning," which could symbolize the formidable threat he posed to Judah. Places 1. Judah This is the southern kingdom of Israel, where Asa reigned as king. The name "Judah" (יְהוּדָה, Yehudah) is derived from the Hebrew root meaning "praise." 2. Jerusalem The capital city of Judah, where Asa's reign was centered. Jerusalem (יְרוּשָׁלַיִם, Yerushalayim) holds significant religious and political importance throughout the Bible. 3. Ethiopia Referred to in the context of Zerah the Ethiopian coming out against Judah with a large army. The Hebrew term used is כּוּשׁ (Kush), which is often translated as Ethiopia, referring to a region south of Egypt. 4. Gerar A city where Asa pursued the Ethiopians after defeating them. Gerar (גְּרָר, Gerar) is located in the region of the Philistines, southwest of Judah. Events 1. Asa's Reign Begins Asa becomes king of Judah after the death of his father Abijah. "And Abijah rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. And his son Asa reigned in his place. In his days the land was at peace for ten years." (2 Chronicles 14:1) 2. Religious Reforms Asa initiates religious reforms by removing foreign altars and high places, smashing sacred stones, and cutting down Asherah poles. "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God." (2 Chronicles 14:2-3) 3. Command to Seek the Lord Asa commands Judah to seek the LORD and to obey His laws and commandments. "He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment." (2 Chronicles 14:4) 4. Fortification of Cities Asa fortifies the cities of Judah, building up the defenses during a time of peace. "He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest." (2 Chronicles 14:6) 5. Military Strength Asa builds a strong army consisting of 300,000 men from Judah and 280,000 men from Benjamin, all equipped with shields and spears. "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." (2 Chronicles 14:8) 6. Invasion by Zerah the Cushite Zerah the Cushite marches against Judah with a vast army. Asa goes out to meet him in battle. "Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of a million men and 300 chariots, and they came as far as Mareshah." (2 Chronicles 14:9) 7. Asa's Prayer for Deliverance Asa calls upon the LORD for help, acknowledging God's power and seeking His intervention. "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.'" (2 Chronicles 14:11) 8. Victory Over the Cushites The LORD strikes down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, leading to a great victory. "So the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled." (2 Chronicles 14:12) 9. Plunder and Spoils Asa and his army pursue the Cushites, capturing much plunder and striking down the cities around Gerar. "They struck down all the cities around Gerar, for the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, for there was much plunder there." (2 Chronicles 14:14) 10. Return to Jerusalem Asa and his men return to Jerusalem with the spoils of war. "They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen and carried off many sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem." (2 Chronicles 14:15) Lessons from 2 Chronicles 14 1. Seek the Lord for Peace and Prosperity In 2 Chronicles 14, we see King Asa doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord, leading to a time of peace and prosperity for Judah. "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God" (2 Chronicles 14:2). This teaches us that when we seek God and align our actions with His will, He blesses us with peace and stability. It's a reminder that true prosperity comes from living a life that honors God. 2. Remove Idols from Your Life Asa took a bold step by removing foreign altars and high places, smashing sacred stones, and cutting down Asherah poles. "He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles" (2 Chronicles 14:3). This act of purging idols is a powerful lesson for us to eliminate anything in our lives that takes precedence over our relationship with God. By doing so, we make room for His presence and guidance. 3. Strengthen Your Spiritual Foundations Asa fortified the cities of Judah, building up their defenses. "He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace" (2 Chronicles 14:6). This is a metaphor for strengthening our spiritual foundations. In times of peace, we should focus on deepening our faith and understanding of Scripture, so we are prepared for any challenges that may come our way. 4. Trust in God's Power, Not Your Own When faced with a vast army from Ethiopia, Asa cried out to the Lord for help, acknowledging that victory comes from God, not human strength. "LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty" (2 Chronicles 14:11). This teaches us to rely on God's power rather than our own abilities, trusting that He will fight our battles. 5. Pray with Confidence Asa's prayer was one of confidence and faith. He knew that God was able to deliver them from their enemies. "Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You" (2 Chronicles 14:11). This encourages us to approach God with boldness, knowing that He hears our prayers and is willing to act on our behalf. 6. Experience God's Deliverance The Lord struck down the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, demonstrating His mighty power. "So the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled" (2 Chronicles 14:12). This is a reminder that God is our deliverer, capable of overcoming any obstacle we face. When we trust in Him, we can experience His miraculous interventions. 7. Reap the Rewards of Faithfulness After the victory, Asa and his army carried off a great amount of plunder. "They carried off a great amount of plunder" (2 Chronicles 14:13). This illustrates that faithfulness to God often results in blessings and rewards. When we walk in obedience, we position ourselves to receive the abundance that God has in store for us. 8. Be a Leader Who Inspires Others Asa's leadership inspired the people of Judah to seek the Lord and follow His commands. His example shows us the impact a godly leader can have on others. By living a life of integrity and faith, we can inspire those around us to pursue a deeper relationship with God. 9. Maintain a Heart of Humility Despite his successes, Asa remained humble, recognizing that it was the Lord who granted them victory. This humility is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with God. "For we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude" (2 Chronicles 14:11). Acknowledging our dependence on God keeps us grounded and grateful. 10. Celebrate God's Faithfulness The chapter concludes with a celebration of God's faithfulness and the peace He provided. This reminds us to regularly celebrate and give thanks for God's goodness in our lives. By doing so, we cultivate a heart of gratitude and keep our focus on His unwavering faithfulness. Topics 1. Asa's Reign and Religious Reforms Asa, the son of Abijah, becomes king of Judah and reigns for forty-one years. He is noted for doing "what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God" (2 Chronicles 14:2). Asa's reign is marked by religious reforms, including the removal of foreign altars and high places, breaking down sacred pillars, and cutting down Asherah poles. The Hebrew root for "good" (טוֹב, tov) emphasizes moral goodness and righteousness, reflecting Asa's commitment to following God's commandments. 2. Peace and Prosperity in Judah Under Asa's leadership, the land experiences peace for ten years. This period of tranquility allows Asa to build fortified cities in Judah, as "the land was at peace" (2 Chronicles 14:6). The Hebrew word for peace, "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), signifies not only the absence of conflict but also completeness and welfare, indicating God's blessing on Asa's reign. 3. Asa's Military Preparations Despite the peace, Asa prepares for potential conflict by building up a strong army. He equips his forces with shields and spears, numbering 300,000 from Judah and 280,000 from Benjamin, all described as "mighty men of valor" (2 Chronicles 14:8). The Hebrew term for "valor" (חַיִל, chayil) conveys strength, efficiency, and capability, underscoring the readiness and competence of Asa's military. 4. Victory over the Cushites Asa faces a significant threat from Zerah the Cushite, who marches against Judah with a vast army. Asa calls upon the LORD, expressing his reliance on divine intervention: "LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty" (2 Chronicles 14:11). The Hebrew root for "help" (עָזַר, azar) highlights God's role as a supporter and deliverer. God grants Judah victory, and the Cushites are defeated, demonstrating God's power and faithfulness. 5. Spoils of War and Further Reforms Following the victory, Asa and his army carry off a great amount of plunder from the defeated Cushites. They also destroy the cities around Gerar, as "the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them" (2 Chronicles 14:14). The Hebrew word for "terror" (פַּחַד, pachad) indicates a fear or dread that God instills in Asa's enemies, ensuring their defeat. This victory further solidifies Asa's reforms and the spiritual renewal in Judah. Themes 1. Righteous Leadership and Peace Asa's reign is marked by doing "what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God" (2 Chronicles 14:2). The Hebrew word for "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) implies a straight or upright path, emphasizing Asa's commitment to God's ways, which leads to peace in the land. 2. Religious Reforms Asa removes foreign altars and high places, breaks down sacred pillars, and cuts down Asherah poles (2 Chronicles 14:3). This theme highlights the importance of purging idolatry and returning to pure worship of Yahweh, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "kadosh" (קָדוֹשׁ), meaning holy or set apart. 3. Reliance on God Asa commands Judah to seek the LORD and obey His laws and commandments (2 Chronicles 14:4). The Hebrew root "darash" (דָּרַשׁ) for "seek" implies a diligent pursuit, underscoring the theme of reliance on God for guidance and provision. 4. Divine Blessing and Prosperity The land experiences peace and prosperity as a result of Asa's faithfulness (2 Chronicles 14:6-7). The theme of divine blessing is tied to obedience, as seen in the Hebrew word "shalom" (שָׁלוֹם), meaning peace, completeness, or welfare. 5. Preparation and Defense Asa builds fortified cities and strengthens his army (2 Chronicles 14:6-8). This theme emphasizes the balance between trusting God and taking practical steps to prepare and defend against potential threats. 6. Faith in Battle When faced with a vast Ethiopian army, Asa cries out to the LORD, acknowledging that "there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty" (2 Chronicles 14:11). This theme highlights faith and dependence on God's power in times of overwhelming odds. 7. Victory through Divine Intervention The LORD strikes down the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, leading to a decisive victory (2 Chronicles 14:12). This theme underscores the belief in God's active role in delivering His people, as seen in the Hebrew root "natsach" (נָצַח), meaning to overcome or prevail. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that seeks to do what is good and right in the eyes of the Lord. Ask God to reveal and help you remove any idols or distractions in your life. Seek God’s guidance and strength in times of peace and in times of challenge. Pray for leaders to seek God and lead with righteousness and integrity. Thank God for His faithfulness and for the victories He provides when we rely on Him. Answering Tough Questions 1. In 2 Chronicles 14:9, is it historically plausible for Zerah the Ethiopian to muster an army of one million men? 2. How does the peaceful ten years of Asa’s reign (2 Chronicles 14:1) align with other accounts of constant warfare in the region? 3. Is there archaeological evidence supporting Asa’s fortification projects described in 2 Chronicles 14:6–7? 4. If Zerah was truly Ethiopian, why is there no clear external historical record of this massive conflict (2 Chronicles 14)? 5. How do the numbers of Asa’s forces in 2 Chronicles 14:8 compare with those in Kings, and why might they seemingly contradict each other? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does King Asa's leadership style contrast or compare to that of other leaders you have encountered in your life? 2. In what ways does Asa's early focus on religious reform shape his later response to the Cushite invasion? 3. What role does prayer play in the battle against the Cushites? 4. How can you apply Asa's practice of seeking God in times of peace and war to your life today? 5. How do you interpret Asa's prayer in the face of the Cushite army? 6. How does the victory over the Cushites reflect God's response to Asa's faith and leadership? 7. What lessons can modern leaders draw from Asa's approach to reform and his reliance on God during the invasion? 8. Asa destroyed the idols and pagan altars in his kingdom. What might be some "idols" in today's society that need addressing, and how can this be done? 9. In what ways does Asa's prayer during the battle demonstrate his dependence on God? How can we apply this level of dependence in our daily lives? 10. Asa reaped the benefits of peace after a period of war. How can you find peace in your life after periods of conflict or hardship? 11. What did Asa do in times of peace to prepare for potential battles? How can you apply this in your spiritual life? 12. How does Asa's faith influence his military strategy? 13. Asa led his people to a spiritual revival. How can this example inspire personal or communal revival today? 14. Asa didn't rely on his army's strength but on God's power. How can this shape your understanding of "strength"? 15. Asa was rewarded with wealth and peace after the battle. How does this relate to the principle of divine reward in the Bible? 16. How does King Asa's faith in God, even in the face of a powerful enemy, inspire you in your own challenges? 17. What can Asa's reign teach us about the importance of removing sin from our lives? 18. Asa spent his peaceful years building fortified cities. How can we "fortify" our spiritual lives during peaceful times? 19. How does the battle against the Cushites illustrate the power of collective faith and prayer? 20. Asa's reforms brought spiritual revival to Judah. What kind of reforms do you think are necessary for spiritual revival in today's society? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions