2 Chronicles 14

1 dormivit autem Abia cum patribus suis et sepelierunt eum in civitate David regnavitque Asa filius eius pro eo in cuius diebus quievit terra annis decem

2 fecit autem Asa quod bonum et placitum erat in conspectu Dei sui et subvertit altaria peregrini cultus et excelsa

3 et confregit statuas lucosque succidit

4 ac praecepit Iudae ut quaereret Dominum Deum patrum suorum et faceret legem et universa mandata

5 et abstulit e cunctis urbibus Iuda aras et fana et regnavit in pace

6 aedificavit quoque urbes munitas in Iuda quia quietus erat et nulla temporibus eius bella surrexerant pacem Domino largiente

7 dixit autem Iudae aedificemus civitates istas et vallemus muris et roboremus turribus et portis et seris donec a bellis quieta sunt omnia eo quod quaesierimus Dominum Deum patrum nostrorum et dederit nobis pacem per gyrum aedificaverunt igitur et nullum in extruendo inpedimentum fuit

8 habuit autem Asa in exercitu suo portantium scuta et hastas de Iuda trecenta milia de Beniamin vero scutariorum et sagittariorum ducenta octoginta milia omnes isti viri fortissimi

9 egressus est autem contra eos Zara Aethiops cum exercitu decies centena milia et curribus trecentis et venit usque Maresa

10 porro Asa perrexit obviam et instruxit aciem ad bellum in valle Sephata quae est iuxta Maresa

11 et invocavit Dominum Deum et ait Domine non est apud te ulla distantia utrum in paucis auxilieris an in pluribus adiuva nos Domine Deus noster in te enim et in tuo nomine habentes fiduciam venimus contra hanc multitudinem Domine Deus noster tu es non praevaleat contra te homo

12 exterruit itaque Dominus Aethiopas coram Asa et Iuda fugeruntque Aethiopes

13 et persecutus est eos Asa et populus qui cum eo erat usque Gerar et ruerunt Aethiopes usque ad internicionem quia Domino caedente contriti sunt et exercitu illius proeliante tulerunt ergo spolia multa

14 et percusserunt omnes civitates per circuitum Gerare grandis quippe cunctos terror invaserat et diripuerunt urbes et multam praedam asportaverunt

15 sed et caulas ovium destruentes tulerunt pecorum infinitam multitudinem et camelorum reversique sunt Hierusalem

2 Chronicles 14 Commentary

Chapter 14

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.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES 14

This chapter relates the death of Abijah, and the succession of Asa in his stead, 2Ch 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, 2Ch 14:2-8, 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, 2Ch 14:9-15.