2 Chronicles 14 is the story of King Asa, one of the kings of Judah. He was one of the good kings of Judah; he removed idol worship from the land and commanded the people to “Seek the Lord and observe the law and the commandment.” (v.2-4) The word “Seek” in Hebrew means “to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, and require.” In this account, we see that Asa recognized that God prospered him and the land because of his obedience in seeking the Lord.
“For he (Asa) said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the Lord our God; we have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.” (v.7)
Asa was obedient and God had blessed him. This is what happens next, “Now Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and 300 chariots, and he came to Mareshah.” (v.7). A MILLION men! Wow! That’s a pretty big army! Not only that but 300 chariots on top of that!
In verse 8, we are given details about Asa’s army. “Now Asa had an army of 300,000 from Judah, bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 from Benjamin, bearing shields and wielding bows; all of them were valiant warriors.” (v.8) Added up, Asa had 580,000 soldiers under his command. Almost HALF the amount of men as that of the enemies! A million vs. 580,000! The odds were NOT in Asa’s favour in this battle. The victory was very unlikely but, read Asa’s response to this seemingly impossible situation. “So Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up in battle formation in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.” (v.10-11)
What a response!!! Our prayer can be like Asa’s. “Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You”!
As we read the Bible, we see over and over again God’s people facing impossible situations like Asa’s. We can seek the Lord Jesus today as Asa did! Jesus Himself is our LIFE! May we draw near to Him, seeking Him that we might enjoy “FULLNESS OF JOY” in His presence!
By: Johnny Cullen Keidann
