Bible Commentaries

Reign of Asa

This chapter adds to what is related of Asa in 1 Kings 15:9-24 an account of the invasion of the Ethiopian Zerah.

3. Took away.. the high places] In 2 Chronicles 15:17 (= 1 Kings 15:14) the opposite of this is stated; if the two passages are to be reconciled, it must be supposed that Asa sought to effect a reform which was only imperfectly executed: cp. also 2 Chronicles 17:6 with 2 Chronicles 20:33.

7. The land is yet before us] i.e. free from the presence of an enemy.

9. Zerah] Zerah, if an Ethiopian (Heb. Cushite) or Egyptian, is probably to be identified with Osorkon II, an Egyptian king of the 22nd dynasty, who, on a monument recently found, declares that 'the upper and lower Rutennu' (i.e. the peoples of Palestine) had been thrown under his feet. But in 2 Chronicles 14:14 the cities spoiled by Asa after the defeat of the invaders are said to be near Gerar; so that Zerah may have been the chief of an Arabian tribe, a view with which the description of the spoil taken by Asa (2 Chronicles 14:15) agrees. Mareshah] in the lowland of Judah (Joshua 15:44), where there are some ruins still called 'Mar'ash.' To the N. there is a Wâdy called 'Wâdy es Sufieh,' which may be Zephathah.

11. It is nothing, etc.] RV 'there is none beside thee to help, between the mighty and him that hath no strength': i.e. to help the weak under unequal conditions. Asa's prayer 'breathes the true spirit of faith and trust in God.'

13. Gerar] 6 m. S. of Gaza and 25 m. from Beersheba.

14. The fear of the Lord, etc.] They were so panic-stricken that they could offer no resistance: cp. 2 Chronicles 17:10; 2 Chronicles 20:29.

15. The tents of cattle] i.e. the tents of nomadic tribes with large possessions of flocks and cattle.