역대하 14:7 주석

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 had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand,.... These were armed with a large sort of shield, to protect them, and with spears, to push at an enemy when they came near them, and to close quarters with them: and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand; these had also a lesser sort of shields, to defend their bodies, and bows and arrows, to annoy an enemy at a distance: all these were mighty men of valour; able bodied men, valiant and courageous; perhaps Asa gathered these together, on hearing that the Ethiopians were preparing to attack him, as follows.

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).

while the land is yet before us--that is, while we have free and undisputed progress everywhere; no foe is near; but, as this happy time of peace may not last always and the kingdom is but small and weak, let us prepare suitable defenses in case of need. He had also an army of five hundred eighty thousand men. Judah furnished the heavily armed soldiers, and Benjamin the archers. This large number does not mean a body of professional soldiers, but all capable of bearing arms and liable to be called into service.