2 Chronicles 14
-Asa, the son of Abijah, now becomes the king of Judah and
does good and right in the sight of the All-seeing LORD his God (2 Chronicles
14:1-2). He removed the foreign altars and high places that the idolaters
burned incense on in all the cities of Judah. He tore down the sacred pagan
pillars and cut down the Asherim (a wooden symbol of a female false deity). He
commanded and upheld the rule of faith in Judah to worship and seek the LORD
God of Israel, Issac, and Abraham to observe and adhere to the Law and the
commandment (2 Chronicles 14:3-5a). Therefore, the LORD gave them peace with no
foreign disturbances of war for ten full years. In that time, the nation was
able to build up the army to well over a half-million valiant warriors in Judah
and Benjamin, and the cities were fortified with walls, towers, gates, and
bars. This all happened because they sought the LORD, and He gave them rest on
every side along with prosperity (2 Chronicles 14:5b-8).
-After ten years of perpetual peace, rest, and prosperity
the Ethiopian army of Zerah came out against them from the south with a million
men and 300 chariots (2 Chronicles 14:9). They drew up battle formation in the
valley of Zephathah at Mareshah (south and west of Jerusalem). This is where
once again Asa, a man of God, prayed to the LORD and called out to Him, “LORD,
there is no one beside You to help in the battle between the powerful and those
who have no strength; so help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in
Your Name have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; let not
man prevail against You (2 Chronicles 14:10-11).” So the LORD routed the
Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled back to Gerar with
so many of them falling that they could not recover as Judah pursued. The Ethiopians
were shattered before the LORD, and His dread fell on all those in that region.
Judah captured much plunder and spoils from the campaign, and then they
returned triumphantly to Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 14:12-15).
-*Application* Our obvious lesson to learn from this narrative
is that the LORD fights for His obedient and faithful people. He gives them peace
and rest with prosperity at times, sometimes even extended times. He also will necessarily
bring conflict with the chance to call upon Him in our distress for deliverance
in amazing-supernatural ways. This is our God and we should call upon Him in all
the seasons of our lives for His protection, blessings, and honor. Let no other
god come before Him, and you will enjoy His continued presence and fellowship in
your life. No matter what the circumstance, learn to trust in Him!
Verses to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 14:2, 11
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