2 Chronicles 14:14 kjv
And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.
2 Chronicles 14:14 nkjv
Then they defeated all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the LORD came upon them; and they plundered all the cities, for there was exceedingly much spoil in them.
2 Chronicles 14:14 niv
They destroyed all the villages around Gerar, for the terror of the LORD had fallen on them. They looted all these villages, since there was much plunder there.
2 Chronicles 14:14 esv
And they attacked all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the LORD was upon them. They plundered all the cities, for there was much plunder in them.
2 Chronicles 14:14 nlt
While they were at Gerar, they attacked all the towns in that area, and terror from the LORD came upon the people there. As a result, a vast amount of plunder was taken from these towns, too.
2 Chronicles 14 14 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference ||-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| Num 31:9-12 | "...children of Israel took... all the cattle... all their spoil." | Israel's bounty after victory over Midian. || Deut 20:14 | "...you may eat their spoil and spoil them..." | Law permitting taking spoil from enemies. || Josh 8:27 | "Only the cattle and the spoil of that city Israel took..." | Spoils of Ai taken by Israel. || 1 Sam 30:20 | "...and David took all the flocks and the herds..." | David recovers and takes spoils from Amalekites. || 1 Chr 5:21 | "And they took away their cattle... and of camels fifty thousand." | Eastern tribes take immense spoil. || 2 Chr 13:18 | "...children of Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the LORD..." | Earlier Judah victory, attributing success to God. || 2 Chr 20:25 | "...there was found among them in abundance... they carried away spoil..." | Jehoshaphat's army also took immense spoil after a divine victory. || Prov 21:31 | "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD." | Victory comes from God, not human strength. || Deut 28:7 | "The LORD shall cause thine enemies... to be smitten before thy face..." | God's promise to defeat enemies for obedience. || Gen 14:16 | "...he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot..." | Abraham's recovery of goods and people after battle. || Judg 14:19 | "...and went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men... and took their spoil." | Samson taking spoil after a fight. || 1 Kgs 20:29 | "...Israelites slew... 100,000 footmen... Benhadad fled into the city." | Victory and routing of enemy army. || Isa 33:23 | "...the prey of a great spoil is divided; the lame take the prey." | Prophetic image of great spoil after divine victory. || Ps 68:12 | "Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil." | God grants victory, and women at home share in spoil. || Nah 2:12-13 | "The lion did tear in pieces enough for his whelps... fill his den with prey..." | Metaphor for enemies accumulating spoil, which God will destroy. || Ezr 8:22 | "...the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him..." | God's protective hand on those who seek Him. || Phil 4:19 | "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches..." | New Testament principle of God's abundant provision. || Rom 8:37 | "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him..." | Believers' ultimate victory and more through Christ. || 1 Cor 15:57 | "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." | God grants victory in the spiritual realm. || Deut 6:10-11 | "And when the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land... houses full of all good things..." | God's promise of abundant provision in the promised land. || Ps 20:7 | "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." | Reliance on God brings victory and blessing. || Neh 4:21 | "So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears..." | Return to constructive work after battle/threat, secure return. |
2 Chronicles 14 verses
2 Chronicles 14 14 Meaning
2 Chronicles 14:14 details the practical outcome of the victory God granted to King Asa and Judah over the Cushite army. It describes how Asa's forces plundered the enemy's encampments, specifically taking valuable livestock like sheep and camels in vast quantities. This act signifies the completeness of their victory and God's abundant provision and blessing, allowing them to return safely to Jerusalem enriched by the spoils.
2 Chronicles 14 14 Context
The book of 2 Chronicles recounts the history of the kings of Judah, focusing on their adherence to God and the consequences thereof. Chapter 14 details the reign of King Asa, a descendant of David who ruled Judah with righteousness and a commitment to reforming religious practices. Before the events of this verse, Asa had removed foreign altars, pagan images, and commanded Judah to seek the Lord and obey His law. His reign was characterized by ten years of peace, during which he strengthened Judah's defenses. Verse 14:9 introduces Zerah the Cushite, who led a massive army of a million men and 300 chariots against Judah. In response, Asa did not rely on his own strength but cried out to God in prayer (2 Chr 14:11), acknowledging God's power and asking for divine help. God answered Asa's prayer, striking down the Cushites before Asa and Judah (2 Chr 14:12), leading to a decisive victory where the Cushite army was thoroughly routed and pursued by Judah's forces. This verse (14:14) immediately follows that victory and describes the material gains for Judah from the defeated enemy, highlighting God's bountiful blessing for Asa's faithfulness.
2 Chronicles 14 14 Word analysis
- And they smote also: This phrase, w-ya·'u (וַיַּכּוּ) "and they struck down" or "conquered", followed by gam (גַּם) "also", indicates a comprehensive and thorough defeat of the enemy. The smiting was not just of the soldiers but extended to their valuable resources, ensuring nothing was left.
- the tents of cattle: The Hebrew 'o·ho·lê miq·neh (אֹהֲלֵי מִקְנֶה) literally means "tents of livestock." This refers to the encampments or temporary shelters used by nomadic pastoralists, or simply the enclosures for their vast herds. It indicates the confiscation of the wealth associated with the Cushites' lifestyle, not just military equipment.
- and carried away: The verb way·yiś·'ū (וַיִּשְׂאוּ) means "they lifted," "they carried off," or "they plundered." It describes the act of physically taking possession of the captured goods, confirming the transfer of ownership.
- sheep and camels: These were highly valuable commodities in the ancient Near East. Tzon (צֹאן) "sheep" and g'mallim (גְּמַלִּים) "camels" represented not just food and clothing but also wealth, transport, and a means of livelihood. The specific mention emphasizes the quality and strategic importance of the captured assets. Camels, in particular, were crucial for long-distance trade and military logistics, and their abundance signaled extraordinary wealth.
- in abundance: The Hebrew word lā·rōv (לָרֹב) signifies "great quantity," "much," or "exceedingly." This adverb emphasizes the massive scale of the spoils. It points to God's exceedingly generous blessing and validates the total and overwhelming nature of the victory.
- and returned to Jerusalem: The phrase way·yā·šū·ḇū li·ru·šā·la·yim (וַיָּשֻׁבוּ לִירוּשָׁלַיִם) marks the conclusion of the military campaign. Their safe return signifies complete success, security, and the peaceful restoration of the king and his army to the capital city, bringing the captured wealth with them. This completes the narrative arc of the conflict.
2 Chronicles 14 14 Bonus section
The abundance of the spoil in this verse serves multiple theological and practical purposes. Firstly, it reaffirms the Old Testament principle that material blessing can be a tangible sign of divine favor, particularly when it follows obedience and faith, as seen in Asa's fervent prayer and reform efforts. This spoil was not simply plunder but a gift from God. Secondly, it provided Judah with resources crucial for a growing nation. Such wealth could contribute to strengthening their infrastructure, sustaining the army, and supporting the Levitical priesthood and temple activities, aligning with Asa's broader goal of fortifying the nation in obedience to God. Thirdly, this massive acquisition of livestock might have offset the costs of war and even led to a period of economic prosperity, further consolidating Asa's righteous reign and underscoring the benefits of reliance on the Lord over reliance on human might or wealth itself.
2 Chronicles 14 14 Commentary
2 Chronicles 14:14 serves as a powerful testimony to the practical outcomes of seeking the Lord. After God granted an overwhelming victory to Asa against an incredibly superior army, the verse details the material spoils of that triumph. It is a direct fulfillment of God's blessing for obedience and faith. The wealth acquired — vast numbers of sheep and camels, taken from "tents of cattle" (enemy encampments)— would have been substantial, benefiting Judah's economy, perhaps bolstering its military resources, or contributing to the welfare of the people and the Temple. This acquisition of spoil was a common ancient practice after decisive victories, often interpreted as divine provision and a sign of God's favor and covenant blessings (as seen in Deut 28). The secure return to Jerusalem symbolizes the establishment of peace and prosperity, contrasting sharply with the threat posed by the massive Cushite invasion. The abundance of the plunder underlines the lavishness of God's grace to Asa and Judah, demonstrating that trusting God leads not just to deliverance but to flourishing.