Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Bible Study Notes in 2 Chronicles- Chapter 14


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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