2 Cronache 14:10 Commento

In this and the two following chapters we have the history of the reign of Asa, a good reign and a long one. In this chapter we have, I. His piety (Ch2 14:1-5). II. His policy (Ch2 14:6-8). III. His prosperity, and particularly a glorious victory he obtained over a great army of Ethiopians that came out against him (Ch2 14:9-15).

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 14 This chapter relates the death of Abijah, and the succession of Asa in his stead, Ch2 14:1, gives a good character of the latter for his reformation in religion, and for the care he took for the safety and protection of his subjects, Ch2 14:2, and an account is given of a large army of Ethiopians that came against him, over whom he crying to the Lord, and trusting in him, by his help obtained a complete victory, Ch2 14:9.

And Asa cried unto the Lord his God,.... Or prayed, as the Targum, with vehemence, being in distress; this he did before the battle began, at the head of his army, and for the encouragement of it: and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help; nothing can hinder from helping, his power being superior to all others, and even infinite, and none besides him could: whether with many, or with them that have no power; numbers make no difference with him, nor the condition they are in; whether numerous and mighty, or few and feeble; he can as easily help the one as the other, see Sa1 14:6, help us, O Lord our God; who are few and weak in comparison of the enemy: for we rest on thee; trust in thee, and rely upon thee for help; the Targum is,"on thy Word we lean:" and in thy name we go against this multitude; expressing faith in him, expecting help from him, encouraging and strengthening themselves in him, going forth not in their own name and strength, but in his; the Targum is,"in the name of the Word of the Lord:" O Lord, thou art our God: and thou only we know, and serve no other, and we are thy people, called by thy name: let not man prevail against thee; for should this enemy prevail against them, it would be interpreted prevailing against their God.

Asa succeeds his father Abijah, reigns piously, and has peace for ten years, Ch2 14:1. He makes a great reformation in Judah, and builds cities of defense, Ch2 14:2-7. His military strength, Ch2 14:8. He is attacked by Zerah the Ethiopian, with an immense army; Asa cries to the Lord, attacks the Ethiopians, and gives them a total overthrow, Ch2 14:9-12. He takes several of their cities, their cattle, etc., and returns to Jerusalem, laden with spoils, Ch2 14:13-15.

ASA DESTROYS IDOLATRY. (Ch2 14:1-5) In his days the land was quiet ten years--This long interval of peace was the continued effect of the great battle of Zemaraim (compare Kg1 15:11-14).

Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array . . . at Mareshah--one of the towns which Rehoboam fortified (Ch2 11:8), near a great southern pass in the low country of Judah (Jos 15:44). The engagement between the armies took place in a plain near the town, called "the valley of Zephathah," supposed to be the broad way coming down Beit Jibrin towards Tell Es-Safren [ROBINSON].