2 Chronicles 14

CHAPTER 14

Asa King of Judah (14:1–15)

1–7 Asa was one of Judah’s godliest kings; in verse 1, the writer tells us that he did what was good and right in God’s eyes, especially in the earlier part of his reign (see 1 Kings 15:9–15 and comment). As a result, Judah enjoyed peace and rest for the first ten years of Asa’s rule (verse 6). During that time Asa took the opportunity to fortify many of the towns of Judah (verse 7).

There is a correlation between seeking the Lord and being given peace and prosperity; this applies to individuals as well as nations. Asa said, “. . . because we have sought the LORD . . . he has given us rest” (verse 7). Here the word “rest” means peace, security, and freedom from fear; the promised land was meant to be a land of rest (Exodus 33:14; Hebrews 4:1–11). On a deeper level, “rest” means peace with God and ETERNAL LIFE in heaven.

8–11 Then Zerah the Cushite, leading a huge Egyptian army,⁵ invaded Judah; his forces greatly outnumbered those of Asa. So Asa called upon the Lord for help in overcoming the vast army of the enemy. Asa’s words in verse 11 can serve as a model prayer for all believers who, in the Lord’s name, struggle to overcome adversity. If our struggle is truly in His name—for His sake and in His will—then He will come to our aid and no man will prevail against Him.

12–15 In answer to Asa’s prayer, the Lord struck down the Cushites and they fled (verse 12). They were crushed before the Lord and his forces; the Lord’s “forces” were the men of Judah (verse 13)—as well as angelic forces, who struck terror into the hearts of the enemy (verse 14).