9 Zerah the Ethiopian went to war against Asa with an army of a million plus 300 chariots and got as far as Mareshah. 10 Asa met him there and prepared to fight from the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah. 11 Then Asa prayed to God, "O God, you aren't impressed by numbers or intimidated by a show of force once you decide to help: Help us, O God; we have come out to meet this huge army because we trust in you and who you are. Don't let mere mortals stand against you!" 12 God defeated the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah; the Ethiopians ran for their lives. 13 Asa and his men chased them as far as Gerar; so many of the Ethiopians were killed that there was no fight left in them - a massacre before God and his troops; Judah carted off loads of plunder. 14 They devastated all the towns around Gerar whose people were helpless, paralyzed by the fear of God, and looted the country. 15 They also attacked herdsmen and brought back a lot of sheep and camels to Jerusalem.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:9-15
Chapter Contents
Asa's piety, He strengthens his kingdom.
Asa aimed at pleasing God, and studied to approve himself to him. Happy those that walk by this rule, not to do that which is right in their own eyes, or in the eye of the world, but which is so in God's sight. We find by experience that it is good to seek the Lord; it gives us rest; while we pursue the world, we meet with nothing but vexation. Asa consulted with his people how to make a good use of the peace they enjoyed; and concluded with them that they must not be idle, nor secure. A formidable army of Ethiopians invaded Asa's kingdom. This evil came upon them, that their faith in God might be tried. Asa's prayer is short, but it is the real language of faith and expectation from God. When we go forth in God's name, we cannot but prosper, and all things work together for the good of those whom he favours.