2 Chronicles 14:11

Translation
King James Version
And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And Asa H609 cried H7121 unto the LORD H3068 his God H430, and said H559, LORD H3068, it is nothing with thee to help H5826, whether H996 with many H7227, or with them that have no power H3581: help H5826 us, O LORD H3068 our God H430; for we rest H8172 on thee, and in thy name H8034 we go H935 against this multitude H1995. O LORD H3068, thou art our God H430; let not man H582 prevail H6113 against thee.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Asa cried out to ADONAI his God, "ADONAI, there is no one besides yourself, strong or weak, who can help. Help us, ADONAI our God, because we are relying on you, and we are coming against this vast throng in your name. You are ADONAI our God; don't let human beings stop you!"
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Berean Standard Bible
Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.”
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American Standard Version
And Asa cried unto Jehovah his God, and said, Jehovah, there is none besides thee to help, between the mighty and him that hath no strength: help us, O Jehovah our God; for we rely on thee, and in thy name are we come against this multitude. O Jehovah, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.
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World English Bible Messianic
Asa cried to the LORD his God, and said, “LORD, there is no one besides you to help, between the mighty and him who has no strength. Help us, LORD our God; for we rely on you, and in your name are we come against this multitude. LORD, you are our God. Don’t let man prevail against you.”
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And Asa cryed vnto the Lord his God, and saide, Lord, it is nothing with thee to helpe with many, or with no power: helpe vs, O Lord our God: for we rest on thee, and in thy Name are we come against this multitude: O Lord, thou art our God, let not man preuaile against thee.
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Young's Literal Translation
And Asa calleth unto Jehovah his God, and saith, `Jehovah! it is nothing with Thee to help, between the mighty and those who have no power; help us, O Jehovah, our God, for on Thee we have leant, and in Thy name we have come against this multitude; O Jehovah, our God thou art ; let him not prevail with Thee--mortal man!
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See also
2 Corinthians 12:92 Corinthians 12:10Jeremiah 1:19Psalms 22:5Psalms 20:72 Chronicles 13:14Romans 8:31
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Zerah’s Invasion
Zerah’s Invasion View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 11,487 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

King Asa's fervent prayer in 2 Chronicles 14:11 serves as a profound testament to unwavering faith and absolute dependence on God in the face of overwhelming odds. Confronted by a million-man Cushite army, Asa, rather than relying solely on military strategy, appeals directly to the Lord's omnipotence, acknowledging that divine assistance is unhindered by human strength or weakness. His cry is a bold declaration of trust, a plea for God's intervention based on Judah's complete reliance on Him, and a passionate petition for God to uphold His own glory against the perceived triumph of man.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This powerful prayer is situated within the narrative of King Asa's reign, specifically following a period of significant religious reform in Judah. Chapters 13 and 14 detail Asa's zealous efforts to purge idolatry from the land, command the people to seek the Lord, and rebuild fortified cities, establishing a period of peace and prosperity. The invasion by Zerah the Cushite, leading an army of a million men and three hundred chariots, serves as a critical test of this renewed national commitment to God. Asa's prayer in 2 Chronicles 14:11 immediately precedes the ensuing battle, highlighting that his primary strategy was spiritual reliance before military engagement. The subsequent verses, 2 Chronicles 14:12-15, describe God's decisive intervention and Judah's overwhelming victory, underscoring the direct answer to Asa's faith-filled petition and validating his trust.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Cushites (often identified with Ethiopians) were a formidable power to Judah's south, and their invasion represented a significant existential threat. A million-man army was an unprecedented force in ancient warfare, far outnumbering Judah's military capabilities, even after Asa's reforms (estimated at 580,000 men in 2 Chronicles 14:8). In the ancient Near East, battles were often seen as contests between the gods of the opposing nations. Asa's prayer, therefore, was not merely a personal plea but a profound theological statement, positioning the conflict as one where the honor and power of Yahweh were at stake. His appeal for God's help against such a vast enemy was a radical act of faith, defying conventional military wisdom and placing complete trust in divine intervention rather than human might or strategic alliances.
  • Key Themes: The verse encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in Chronicles and the broader Old Testament. It powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Omnipotence, emphasizing that God's ability to act is not constrained by human limitations or numerical superiority, as seen in Jonathan's declaration in 1 Samuel 14:6. It underscores Absolute Dependence on God, expressed through Asa's declaration, "for we rest on thee," signifying a complete leaning into God's character and power. This dependence is not passive but leads to Faith in Action, as Asa boldly states, "and in thy name we go against this multitude," demonstrating that true faith propels courageous engagement, trusting in God's authority and presence, much like the principle in Proverbs 18:10. Finally, the prayer highlights the critical theme of God's Glory and Honor, as Asa appeals to God to prevent man from prevailing against Him, recognizing that Judah's defeat would be perceived as a defeat for Yahweh Himself, a concern often echoed by biblical figures like Moses in Exodus 32:12.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Cried (Hebrew, qârâʼ, H7121): This verb signifies "to call out to," "to address by name," or "to proclaim." In this context, it denotes an earnest, urgent, and public appeal to God. Asa's "crying" is not a mere whisper but a fervent, vocalized prayer, indicating the depth of his desperation and the intensity of his faith as he summons the Lord's attention and intervention.
  • Rest (Hebrew, shâʻan, H8172): This verb conveys a deep sense of leaning, supporting oneself, or relying upon something or someone. It implies a complete and active trust, not merely passive inaction. In this context, Asa's declaration "we rest on thee" signifies a profound, confident, and active reliance on God's character, power, and faithfulness, akin to leaning one's full weight on a strong support. It is an act of surrendering self-sufficiency for divine sufficiency.
  • Prevail (Hebrew, ʻâtsâr, H6113): This primitive root means "to inclose," and by analogy, "to hold back," "to maintain," or "to be able." Asa's plea, "let not man prevail against thee," is a direct challenge to God's sovereignty and omnipotence. It is a prayer that God would demonstrate His superior power and prevent any human force from appearing to triumph over His divine will or His chosen people, thereby diminishing His glory.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, [it is] nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power:" This opening establishes the desperate context and Asa's immediate recourse to prayer. His address to "the LORD his God" emphasizes a covenantal relationship, highlighting the personal and national bond. The core of his initial statement is a profound theological affirmation: God's ability to help is absolute and independent of human numbers or strength. Whether facing a vast army ("many") or a small, weak force ("them that have no power"), God's capacity to deliver remains unchanged. This acknowledges God's omnipotence and transcends human limitations, setting the stage for a miraculous intervention.
  • "help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee," Asa transitions from theological declaration to fervent petition. The repeated address, "O LORD our God," reinforces the covenant relationship and personalizes the appeal, emphasizing the intimate bond between Judah and their divine protector. The basis for his request for help is explicitly stated: "for we rest on thee." This is not a passive waiting but an active, confident leaning into God's character and promises, making their utter dependence the very ground of their plea.
  • "and in thy name we go against this multitude." This clause demonstrates the active nature of their faith. Resting on God does not equate to inaction; rather, it empowers courageous engagement. To go "in thy name" signifies acting under God's authority, with His divine presence, and for His glory. It implies that the battle is not merely Judah's but God's, and victory will be attributed to Him. Despite the overwhelming "multitude" of the enemy, their advance is rooted in divine commission and confidence.
  • "O LORD, thou [art] our God; let not man prevail against thee." Asa concludes with a final, passionate appeal that links Judah's fate directly to God's honor. The reaffirmation, "O LORD, thou [art] our God," reiterates the covenant relationship and underscores God's unique sovereignty over His people. The plea "let not man prevail against thee" reveals Asa's ultimate concern: that God's reputation and power not be diminished in the eyes of the nations. If Judah, who rested on God, were defeated by a human army, it would appear as though man had overcome God, an outcome Asa fervently prays against, seeking to preserve the Lord's glory.

Literary Devices

The prayer of Asa is rich in Rhetorical Devices that amplify its theological impact and emotional intensity. The opening declaration, "it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power," functions as a powerful Apostrophe and Affirmation of Divine Omnipotence, directly addressing God with an absolute statement of His unconstrained power. There is a clear Contrast established between human limitations (many or few, powerful or powerless) and God's limitless ability, highlighting the divine capacity for intervention. The repeated invocation of "O LORD our God" serves as Repetition and Anaphora, emphasizing the covenant relationship and the earnestness of Asa's plea. The entire prayer is a profound example of Supplication, a humble and earnest appeal to a higher power in a moment of dire need. Furthermore, the final plea, "let not man prevail against thee," employs Pathos by appealing to God's honor and reputation, framing the battle as a test of divine sovereignty rather than mere military might, and thus elevating the stakes beyond mere survival.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Asa's prayer is a foundational text for understanding the biblical concept of sovereign dependence. It teaches that true strength is found not in human resources or numerical superiority, but in absolute reliance on the infinite power and faithfulness of God. This passage underscores that God's capacity to deliver is entirely independent of human circumstances, challenging believers to look beyond visible obstacles to the invisible, omnipotent hand of the Almighty. When we "rest" on God and act "in His name," we invite His intervention and align ourselves with His purposes, ensuring that any victory redounds to His glory, not ours. This theological truth liberates believers from the anxiety of inadequacy and empowers them to face overwhelming challenges with courageous faith, knowing that the battle is ultimately the Lord's.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

King Asa's prayer provides a timeless blueprint for believers navigating overwhelming challenges in their own lives. Whether facing personal crises, professional setbacks, health struggles, or spiritual warfare, the principle remains: our human limitations are irrelevant to God's boundless power. This verse calls us to shift our gaze from the size of our problems to the greatness of our God, reminding us that He is neither intimidated nor constrained by what we perceive as impossible. True faith, like Asa's, is not passive resignation but an active, confident leaning into God, which then propels us to courageous action "in His name." It encourages us to make prayer our first and most powerful response, entrusting our battles to the One who can save by many or by few, and whose honor is at stake when His children rely on Him. Our ultimate concern should be that God's glory is upheld, not merely our own deliverance, knowing that when God is glorified, His people are often blessed beyond measure.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "multitude" or overwhelming challenge are you currently facing that feels insurmountable in your own strength?
  • How does Asa's declaration, "it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power," challenge your perspective on your current situation?
  • In what practical ways can you "rest on God" and "go in His name" in your daily life and struggles?
  • How can you pray for God's glory and honor to be upheld in your circumstances, rather than just for your own desired outcome?

FAQ

What was the size of the Cushite army, and why is it significant?

Answer: The Cushite army, led by Zerah, is explicitly stated in 2 Chronicles 14:9 to have numbered "a million men and three hundred chariots." This is an extraordinarily large force for ancient warfare, far exceeding the typical armies of the era and significantly outnumbering Judah's own military strength (which was about 580,000 men according to 2 Chronicles 14:8). Its significance lies in highlighting the human impossibility of Judah's victory, thereby magnifying the miraculous nature of God's intervention and underscoring the theme that God's power is not limited by human numbers or strength, as Asa eloquently states in his prayer.

What does it mean to "rest on thee" and "go in thy name"?

Answer: To "rest on thee" (Hebrew: shâʻan) signifies a deep, active, and confident reliance or leaning upon God. It implies a complete trust in His character, power, and promises, surrendering self-sufficiency for divine sufficiency. It's not passive inaction, but a settled assurance that God is the ultimate support. To "go in thy name" means to act under God's authority, with His divine presence, and for the sake of His reputation and glory. It transforms a human endeavor into a divinely sanctioned mission, implying that the battle or task is ultimately God's, and any success will be attributed to Him. This phrase connects to the power and authority inherent in God's revealed character, as seen in Proverbs 18:10.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Asa's prayer for divine intervention against an overwhelming foe finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound echo in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Asa, a righteous king, models dependence on God's power against a physical enemy, foreshadowing the spiritual battles that believers face. In Christ, we encounter the ultimate demonstration of God's ability to save "whether with many, or with them that have no power." Jesus, through His crucifixion and resurrection, single-handedly conquered the "multitude" of sin, death, and the powers of darkness, forces far more formidable than any earthly army (Colossians 2:15). Just as Asa rested on God's name, believers are called to "rest" entirely on Christ's completed work, finding their strength and identity "in His name" (Acts 4:12). Our spiritual battles are fought not by our might or power, but by the Spirit of God working through us, empowered by the victory already secured by the Lamb of God (Revelation 12:11). Asa's plea, "let not man prevail against thee," is ultimately answered in Christ, who, as the Son of God, cannot be prevailed against by any earthly or spiritual foe, ensuring that God's glory is eternally upheld through His triumphant reign (Matthew 16:18).

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14 verses 9–15

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 of his peace and prosperity could with holy boldness cry to God in the day of his trouble, and call him his God. His prayer is short, but has much in it. 1. He gives to God the glory of his infinite power and sovereignty: It is nothing with thee to help and save by many or few, by those that are mighty or by those that have no power. See Sa1 14:6. God works in his own strength, not in the strength of instruments (Psa 21:13), nay, it is his glory to help the weakest and to perfect strength out of the mouth of babes and sucklings. "We do not say, Lord, take our part, for we have a good army for thee to work by; but, take our part, for without thee we have no power." 2. He takes hold of their covenant-relation to God as theirs. O Lord, our God! and again, "Thou art our God, whom we have chosen and cleave to as ours, and who hast promised to be ours." 3. He pleads their dependence upon God, and the eye they had to him in this expedition. he was well prepared for it, yet trusted not to his preparations; but, "Lord, we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude, by warrant from thee, aiming at thy glory, and trusting to thy strength." 4. He interests God in their cause: "Let not man" (mortal man, so the word is) "prevail against thee. If he prevail against us, it will be said that he prevails against thee, because thou art our God, and we rest on thee and go forth in thy name, which thou hast encouraged us to do. The enemy is a mortal man; make it to appear what an unequal match he is for an immortal God. Lord, maintain thy own honour; hallowed by thy name."

III. The glorious victory God gave him over his enemies. 1. God defeated the enemy, and put their forces into disorder (Ch2 14:12): The Lord smote the Ethiopians, smote them with terror, and an unaccountable consternation, so that they fled, and knew neither why nor whither. 2. Asa and his soldiers took the advantage God gave them against the enemy. (1.) They destroyed them. They fell before the Lord (for who can stand before him?) and before his host, either an invisible host of angels that were employed to destroy them or the host of Israel, called God's host because owned by him. (2.) They took the plunder of their camp, carried away very much spoil from the slain and from the baggage. (3.) They smote the cities that were in league with them, to which they fled for shelter, and carried off the spoil of them (Ch2 14:14); and they were not able to make any resistance, for the fear of the Lord came upon them, that is, a fear which God struck them with to such a degree that they had no heart to withstand the conquerors. (4.) They fetched away the cattle out of the enemy's country, in vast numbers, Ch2 14:15. Thus the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 9–15. Public domain.
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Aphrahat the Persian SageAD 345
DEMONSTRATION 4.8
Asa prayed, and his prayer manifested great power: when Zerah the Indian [Ethiopian] went out against him with an army of one million with him, Asa then prayed, saying, “By this shall your power be known, O our God, when you finish off a vast people by means of a small people.” God heard his prayer and sent his angel to rout them. Thus the vast army was defeated by the power of Asa’s prayer.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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