Matthew Henry on 2 Chronicles 14:9–end
Here is, I. Disturbance given to the peace of Asa's kingdom by a formidable army of Ethiopians that invaded them, Ch2 14:9, Ch2 14:10. Though still they sought God, yet this fear came upon them, that their faith in God might be tried, and that God might have an opportunity of doing great things for them. It was a vast number that the Ethiopians brought against him: 1,000,000 men; and now he found the benefit of having an army ready raised against such a time of need. That provision which we thought needless may soon appear to be of great advantage.
II. The application Asa made to God on occasion of the threatening cloud which now hung over his head, Ch2 14:11. He that sought God in the day o…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 14:10
Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array . . . at Mareshah--one of the towns which Rehoboam fortified (Ch2 11:8), near a great southern pass in the low country of Judah (Jos 15:44). The engagement between the armies took place in a plain near the town, called "the valley of Zephathah," supposed to be the broad way coming down Beit Jibrin towards Tell Es-Safren [ROBINSON].
Adam Clarke on 2 Chronicles 14:9
Zerah the Ethiopian - Probably of that Ethiopia which lay on the south of Egypt, near to Libya, and therefore the Libyans are joined with them, Ch2 16:8.
A thousand thousand - If this people had come from any great distance, they could not have had forage for such an immense army.
John Gill on 2 Chronicles 14:10
Then Asa went out against him,.... Notwithstanding he brought so great an army with him:
and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah; where the Ethiopians were; he did not stay till they got further into his country, but marched against them when on the frontiers of it, and chose the valley to pitch in, as being more to the advantage of his smaller army; see Judges 1:17.
