2 Chronicles 14 10

2 Chronicles 14:10 kjv

Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

2 Chronicles 14:10 nkjv

So Asa went out against him, and they set the troops in battle array in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

2 Chronicles 14:10 niv

Asa went out to meet him, and they took up battle positions in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.

2 Chronicles 14:10 esv

And Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up their lines of battle in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

2 Chronicles 14:10 nlt

so Asa deployed his armies for battle in the valley north of Mareshah.

2 Chronicles 14 verses

2 Chronicles 14 10 Meaning

2 Chronicles 14:10 describes the moment King Asa of Judah directly confronted Zerah the Ethiopian's massive army. It portrays Asa's determined leadership in leading his forces to meet the enemy and the precise tactical act of both armies meticulously arranging their battle lines. This setting of the battle array took place in the specific and strategically important location of the valley of Zephathah near Mareshah, signifying preparedness and the onset of a significant conflict.

2 Chronicles 14 10 Context

This verse is set during the reign of King Asa, grandson of Rehoboam and Abijah. Following a period of apostasy in Judah under his predecessors, Asa initiated widespread reforms, purging idolatry, high places, and altars. He strengthened the kingdom, fortifying cities and building up the army during a period of peace (2 Chr 14:1-8). However, this peace was interrupted by the invasion of Zerah the Ethiopian with an unprecedented army of a million men and three hundred chariots (2 Chr 14:9). Verse 10 depicts Asa's response to this immense threat: instead of retreating or cowering, he bravely goes out to meet Zerah in open battle. The verse sets the stage for the climactic prayer of Asa in verse 11, where he utterly relies on God for victory, given the overwhelming numerical disadvantage. The location, the valley of Zephathah near Mareshah, signifies a tactical choice made by Asa's forces to engage the enemy, highlighting his active role and strategic planning even as he depended on divine aid.

2 Chronicles 14 10 Word analysis

• And Asa went out: This highlights Asa's initiative and leadership. Unlike some leaders who might retreat, Asa actively confronted the formidable enemy. "Went out" (וַיֵּצֵא֙, wayyēt͡sēʾ) suggests a determined and purposeful movement to meet the enemy directly.
• against him: Refers to Zerah the Ethiopian ( Cushite) (v. 9). The direct personal challenge sets up a high-stakes confrontation. This signifies Judah's clear intention to defend its land against this specific, massive invasion.
• and they set the battle in array: This phrase וַיַּעַרְכוּ֙ מִלְחָמָ֣ה (wayyaʿarkhû milchāmâ), literally "and they arranged war" or "they drew up for battle," emphasizes military discipline, order, and strategic preparation. It indicates that both armies, not just Asa's, positioned their forces methodically for combat. This was a deliberate and formal act of beginning hostilities, not a skirmish.
• in the valley of Zephathah: בְּגֵ֖יא צְפָתָ֑ה (bəḡêy t͡səfātâ). A specific geographical detail, indicating a real historical event. A "valley" (גּיא, gêʾ) often suggests a defile, ravine, or a wadi, which can have strategic implications. Valleys can restrict the maneuverability of larger armies, especially those with chariots, potentially neutralizing a numerical advantage. Zephathah is thought to mean "lookout" or "watchtower," possibly indicating a location with elevated vantage points or strategic importance for observation before battle.
• at Mareshah: מָֽרֵשָֽׁה׃ (mārēshâ). Another precise geographical marker. Mareshah was a fortified city in Judah, southwest of Jerusalem. Its proximity to the battle implies it may have been a base of operations for Judah's army or a key target for Zerah. It was a well-known city, contributing to the historical grounding of the account. This location in the Shephelah (lowlands) suggests a place where open field battles could occur, but also with nearby hills and valleys.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array": This whole clause underscores proactive, organized resistance. It’s not an ambush but a direct, planned confrontation, reflecting Asa's readiness to defend his people, demonstrating strong leadership even against daunting odds. The term "set the battle in array" indicates a formal and disciplined approach to war, emphasizing military training and strategy.
• "in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah": The dual geographical specification adds authenticity and precision to the narrative. It establishes the concrete setting of this pivotal moment, highlighting that the confrontation happened at a specific and perhaps strategically chosen location. The valley location might suggest a tactical effort to mitigate the enemy's numerical superiority, particularly their chariots (2 Chr 14:9).

2 Chronicles 14 10 Bonus section

The scale of Zerah's army (a million men and 300 chariots) is colossal, possibly representing the largest recorded invading force in ancient Near Eastern history. This numerical disparity emphasizes the miraculous nature of the victory. The Valley of Zephathah is theorized to be related to the Wadi Zeita near Beit Guvrin/Mareshah, a known historical strategic passage. The Cushites (Ethiopians) were a powerful southern neighbor, their invasion posing a significant existential threat. This engagement underscores Asa's faithfulness to the Lord early in his reign, a sharp contrast to later instances where he would rely on human alliances (2 Chr 16:1-6). The detailed description of arraying the battle emphasizes military competence, implying Judah was not merely reacting chaotically but was prepared to engage the enemy with tactical skill, trusting God would work through their obedience and diligence.

2 Chronicles 14 10 Commentary

2 Chronicles 14:10 marks the crucial physical positioning of two armies for battle, setting the stage for one of Judah's most significant divine victories under King Asa. Far from panicking in the face of an unprecedented invasion, Asa demonstrates bold and decisive leadership. His action of "going out against him" indicates a resolute determination to face the threat head-on, embodying courageous faith that trusts in God, even when the human outlook seems hopeless. The precise detailing of the location, the "valley of Zephathah at Mareshah," lends historical verisimilitude and suggests strategic forethought. While Asa prepared for battle, meticulously "setting the battle in array" – a testament to Judah's military organization – the very next verse reveals his ultimate dependence on God, acknowledging that human preparation alone is insufficient against such overwhelming power. This verse subtly contrasts human strategy with divine power, laying the groundwork for the extraordinary deliverance to come. It implicitly teaches that while faithful leaders are called to prepare and act, their true strength and ultimate victory reside in relying on God alone.