2 Crônicas 14

2 Crônicas 14

Morgan - In the story of the reign of Asa, we find a break in the continuity of naughtiness which so persistently characterized the succession of kings. His was a long reign, and though the reforms he instituted were not as thorough as some which were carried out by subsequent kings, he yet gave the nation some glimpses of a better order. He commenced by breaking down false worship so far as he was able, and by insisting on the observance of the Divine law. As a result, the land had "quiet before him." He took advantage of the peaceful years to build and wall the cities. Then suddenly came the Ethiopian invasion in great strength threatening the prosperity, and indeed the very life, of the nation. The prayer of Ma, as recorded in this chapter, is a model of simple directness. Its strength lay in the loyalty of this man to his God, and in his perfect confidence in Him. The answer was immediate. Through the hosts of Judah, God operated for the discomfiture and defeat of the invaders. How unfailingly the patience of God is manifested in these records! The repetition of this fact in notes of exposition, becomes almost monotonous. Yet it is glorious monotony, like to that of the perfect music of such as with veiled faces ceaselessly chant the story of His holiness and His love. The condition of the people of Judah at this time was a very sad one. Yet immediately man or nation turned to God with repentance, and in need, He responded with pardon and deliverance. 2 Chronicles 14:13 Asa and the people who were with him pursued them as far as Gerar; and so many Ethiopians fell that they could not recover, for they were shattered before the LORD and before His army. And they carried away very much plunder. Gerar: 2Ch 14:14 Ge 10:1,19 20:1 26:1 before the Lord: Job 6:9 9:4 2Th 1:9 His army: Jos 5:14 1Sa 25:28 1Ch 12:22 Ps 108:11 See also nice map in MacMillan Bible Atlas page 89 VICTORY THROUGH DIVINE POWER Asa and the people who were with him pursued them as far as Gerar - Gerar was about 18 miles southwest of Mareshah (See map in MacMillan Bible Atlas page 89) And so many Ethiopians fell that they could not recover, for they were shattered before the LORD and before His army - They were shattered supernaturally. Payne on could not recover writes "Literally, so that they had no revival (KD). Israel experienced no more trouble from Egypt for 170 years, until the Twenty-fifth Dynasty (2 Kgs 17:4)." (See The Wycliffe Bible Commentary - Page 39) And they carried away very much plunder - The LORD won the battle and allowed Asa and his men to enjoy the spoils of victory. Adam