2 Chronicles 14 8

2 Chronicles 14:8 kjv

And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.

2 Chronicles 14:8 nkjv

And Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah who carried shields and spears, and from Benjamin two hundred and eighty thousand men who carried shields and drew bows; all these were mighty men of valor.

2 Chronicles 14:8 niv

Asa had an army of three hundred thousand men from Judah, equipped with large shields and with spears, and two hundred and eighty thousand from Benjamin, armed with small shields and with bows. All these were brave fighting men.

2 Chronicles 14:8 esv

And Asa had an army of 300,000 from Judah, armed with large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin that carried shields and drew bows. All these were mighty men of valor.

2 Chronicles 14:8 nlt

King Asa had an army of 300,000 warriors from the tribe of Judah, armed with large shields and spears. He also had an army of 280,000 warriors from the tribe of Benjamin, armed with small shields and bows. Both armies were composed of well-trained fighting men.

2 Chronicles 14 verses

2 Chronicles 14 8 Meaning

2 Chronicles 14:8 describes the formidable military strength King Asa possessed in the early years of his reign, detailing the large, well-equipped army he had assembled from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It highlights the significant manpower and armaments at his disposal, indicating a prepared and capable defense force. This military readiness laid a foundation for the period of peace and spiritual reform that characterized his initial rule, demonstrating his diligence in securing the kingdom.

2 Chronicles 14 8 Context

This verse is found early in King Asa's reign over Judah, after he has purged idolatry and initiated reforms for Judah to seek the Lord (2 Chron 14:2-7). His military preparation follows a period of spiritual cleansing and relative peace. This verse, therefore, highlights his diligence in establishing a secure kingdom during this divinely-granted rest. It sets the stage for the massive invasion by Zerah the Cushite that immediately follows in the chapter (2 Chron 14:9-15), against whom Asa later demonstrates his reliance not merely on his large army but primarily on the Lord. The chapter as a whole showcases Asa's initial piety and the blessing of God, which included peace and military strength. In the wider context of Chronicles, there is an emphasis on the connection between a king's righteousness (or lack thereof) and the nation's well-being, including military success or failure.

2 Chronicles 14 8 Word analysis

• Asa (אָסָא, 'Āsā): The third king of Judah in the Davidic line, succeeding his father Abijah. He reigned for 41 years. The Chronicler portrays Asa's early reign positively due to his devotion to the Lord and reforms against idolatry.
• had an army (וַיְהִי לוֹ חַיִל, Vay'hi lo chayil): The phrase indicates possession and signifies military might or strength. 'Chayil' (חַיִל) can mean military strength, valor, or even wealth/substance, but in this context clearly refers to military force. This underscores Asa's establishment of national security.
• of three hundred thousand (שְׁלֹשׁ מֵאוֹת אֶלֶף, Shlosh M'ot Elef): A very large number for ancient armies, emphasizing the significant resources and manpower Judah commanded under Asa. This suggests a period of internal stability and a flourishing kingdom capable of supporting such a force.
• from Judah (מִיהוּדָה, Miy'huda): Indicates the primary tribe and its considerable contribution to the army. Judah was the larger, more populated, and often stronger of the two southern tribes.
• who carried spears (נוֹשְׂאֵי רֹמַח, Nose'i Romach): 'Romach' (רֹמַח) refers to a long-thrusting weapon, typical for frontline infantry. This specifies a key component of the army's offensive capability, trained in close combat.
• and shields (וּמָגֵן, U'Magen): 'Magen' (מָגֵן) denotes a large defensive shield. This highlights the army's defensive posture and training, crucial for protecting against missile weapons and in close combat.
• and from Benjamin (וּמִבִּנְיָמִן, U'Minyamin): The second tribe contributing significantly to the army. Benjamin was historically known for its warriors, especially archers (e.g., Judg 20:16; 1 Chron 8:40, 12:2).
• two hundred and eighty thousand (מָאתַיִם וּשְׁמוֹנִים אֶלֶף, Matayim U'Shmonim Elef): Another substantial number, showcasing Benjamin's military contribution and overall national unity in defense. The combined force of 580,000 indicates immense power.
• who carried shields (נוֹשְׂאֵי מָגִנִּים, Nose'i Maginim): Reiteration of shield-bearers for the Benjaminite contingent, emphasizing defensive equipment common across the army.
• and drew bows (וְדֹרְכֵי קֶשֶׁת, VeDorkhei Keshet): 'Keshet' (קֶשֶׁת) means bow. This specifies archers, who would provide ranged support, demonstrating a diverse and strategically balanced fighting force with both melee and ranged units. This unit was a specialty of the Benjaminites, affirming their historical military prowess in archery.

2 Chronicles 14 8 Bonus section

The large numbers cited in Chronicles for armies (like the 580,000 in this verse, or Abijah's 400,000 against Jeroboam's 800,000 in 2 Chron 13:3) are often seen by scholars as hyperbole or based on different ancient counting methods, reflecting a "total available fighting force" rather than actual men on the battlefield for a single engagement. Regardless of the literal interpretation of the numbers, their purpose in the Chronicler's narrative is clear: to emphasize the substantial human strength and resources a righteous king like Asa could marshal, thereby magnifying God's power even more when a larger force is defeated by divine intervention, as happens later in the chapter (2 Chron 14:9-15). It also contrasts Asa's early faith and preparedness with his later reliance on a foreign king instead of God (2 Chron 16:7).

2 Chronicles 14 8 Commentary

2 Chronicles 14:8 vividly portrays the military might and strategic preparedness of King Asa's kingdom during his initial period of peace and spiritual revival. This verse underscores the diligence of Asa in safeguarding the nation by assembling a large, well-equipped army of 580,000 men. The specific mention of spears and large shields for the Judahites and shields and bows for the Benjaminites illustrates a sophisticated military organization with distinct units and weaponry tailored for different roles in battle. While human strength and numbers are evident, this formidable army, under a king seeking the Lord, symbolizes the temporal blessings that accompany national piety. This military readiness, combined with a heart toward God, serves as a foundation for Asa's later triumph over a much larger invading force (2 Chron 14:9-12), reminding us that divine favor often empowers diligent human effort, preparing us for challenges that may arise.