2 Chronicles 14 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Asa reigns piously. He destroys idolatry. He overcomes Zerah, and smites the Ethiopians.

Before Christ 941.

Altars of the strange gods— Altars of the strangers; i.e. which the strangers had erected to their several gods. Houbigant.

Because we have sought the Lord our God, &c.— For, because we have not forsaken the Lord our God, he hath not forsaken us, but hath given us peace on every side. Houbigant.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, Abijah left the crown at his decease to a worthy successor, whose piety and prosperity are here recorded.

1. His character was excellent. His eye was single to please God, and he met with his approbation and blessing; and so shall we, when, like him, our only great and prevailing concern is to do that which is right in the eyes of the Lord.
2. He gave a striking proof of the uprightness of his heart, in his zeal for God's service. No sooner was he come to the crown, than he abolished every monument of idolatry, which had remained since the days of Solomon, and had received the royal sanction, or at least was connived at, during the last reigns. And this reformation he carried through all his dominions, bringing back the people to the service of the temple, which, though kept up, had been grievously neglected; and to the observance of God's laws, about which they had become too careless. No foreign enemy disturbed him, and none of his own subjects dared oppose him. Note; (1.) However difficult or dangerous it may appear to repress the torrent of iniquity, zeal for God, and dependence upon his support, will work wonders. (2.) Every body can do something for God; but magistrates and ministers are especially called upon to labour for the establishment of pure religion.

3. Asa improved the peace he enjoyed for the strengthening of his kingdom, as well as reforming it. Acknowledging with thankfulness the mercy he enjoyed, which he regarded as the blessing of the fidelity they had shewed, he stirs up his chief men to assist him in fortifying the cities; and, though in profound tranquillity, prepared for what might happen, by keeping his militia in constant exercise, consisting of 300,000 men of Judah, and 280,000 men of Benjamin, differently armed for the various methods of attack, at a distance, or in close fight. Note; (1.) Peace is a most unspeakable blessing, for which we can never be too thankful. (2.) Prosperity, when the reward of fidelity, is doubly sweet. (3.) They who stay themselves on God, shall find abiding rest to their souls. (4.) We may expect trials; however calm the scene at present, it is our wisdom to be armed and watchful.

2nd, Clouds overcast the brightest day. We have here,
1. Asa in trouble. A vast army of Ethiopians and their confederates threaten to swallow him up. The waves of the sea are thus permitted often to rage horribly, that the Lord, who dwelleth on high, may make his power more mightily to appear.
2. His prayer; fervent, humble, believing. He drew near to God as his covenant-God, in whose favour and regard he had a sure interest; persuaded of his almighty power, against which numbers signified nothing; dependent on his support, and pleading his own glory now engaged, which would be dishonoured if mortal man should prevail against his cause and people. Note; (1.) When we can say in prayer, My God, we shall be heard. (2.) There is no might which can prevail against the Lord. (3.) We need not fear the faces of the mighty: man is but a worm: if God be for us, who shall be against us?

3. His prayer was crowned with victory. The enemy in confusion fled, smitten of God with terrible dismay; and Asa and his forces pursued them with great slaughter; stormed the cities of their confederates, whither they had run for shelter, struck with panic fear, and unable to resist; and plundered their camp, the cities, and the country, carrying away immense spoils, and vast droves of cattle.