Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
Asa banishes idolatry from the land, fortifies the cities of Judea, and defeats the Cushite army in battle.
II. Photo
Asa’s men enjoy the spoils of war: “They also ravaged the encampment of herdsmen, capturing much sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.” (v. 14)
III. Important Verses
vv. 1-4: Asa did what was good and pleasing to the LORD his God. He abolished the alien altars and shrines; he smashed the pillars and cut down the sacred posts. He ordered Judah to turn to the LORD God of their fathers and to observe the Teaching and the Commandment. He abolished the shrines and the incense stands throughout the cities of Judah, and the kingdom was untroubled under him.
vv. 7-11: Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing shields and spears, and 280,000 from Benjamin bearing bucklers and drawing the bow; all these were valiant men. Zerah the Cushite marched out against them with an army of a thousand thousand and 300 chariots. When he reached Mareshah Asa confronted him, and the battle lines were drawn in the valley of Zephat by Mareshah. Asa called to the LORD his God, and said, “O LORD, it is all the same to You to help the numerous and the powerless. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this great multitude. You are the LORD our God. Let no mortal hinder You.” So the LORD routed the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled.
IV. Outline
1-4. Asa turns the people to God
5-6. Asa fortifies the Judean cities
7-14. Asa trusts in God and routs the Cushites
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Photo taken from http://www.wonkette.com/politics/camel.jpg
