2 Chronicles 14:14

KJV

And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they smote {H5221} all the cities {H5892} round about {H5439} Gerar {H1642}; for the fear {H6343} of the LORD {H3068} came upon them: and they spoiled {H962} all the cities {H5892}; for there was exceeding much {H7227} spoil {H961} in them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then they attacked all the cities in the vicinity of G'rar, for a panic from ADONAI had overcome them. They plundered all the cities, for they were full of spoil.

Berean Standard Bible

and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there.

American Standard Version

And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of Jehovah came upon them: and they despoiled all the cities; for there was much spoil in them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following King Asa's decisive victory over the massive Ethiopian army, 2 Chronicles 14:14 details Judah's subsequent military campaign and the abundant spoils they acquired. This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of God's deliverance, attributing the ease of conquest not merely to Judah's strength but to a divinely instilled terror that paralyzed the inhabitants of the surrounding cities. It underscores the tangible blessings and provisions that accompanied Judah's faith and obedience, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the miraculous victory of King Asa and the Judean army over Zerah the Ethiopian's million-man force, an event initiated by Asa's fervent prayer and trust in the Lord ([2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer")). The preceding verses describe the battle itself, where God struck the Ethiopians, causing them to flee ([2 Chronicles 14:12](/2_chronicles/14-12 "2 Chronicles 14:12 - God Strikes the Ethiopians")). Verse 13 details the extensive pursuit and slaughter of the fleeing enemy, ensuring no one escaped. Therefore, 2 Chronicles 14:14 serves as the climax of this post-battle action, describing the subsequent campaign against the Philistine cities around Gerar, which were likely allied with or vulnerable to the defeated Ethiopians. It completes the narrative arc of God's comprehensive deliverance and blessing upon Judah's faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events unfold during the reign of King Asa, a period marked by his initial commitment to religious reform and trust in Yahweh. Gerar was an ancient city in the Negev region, historically associated with Philistine territory, located southwest of Judah. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, it was common practice for victorious armies to pursue fleeing enemies, plunder their camps, and then conquer and spoil surrounding territories that might have supported the defeated foe or posed a future threat. The mention of "fear of the LORD" coming upon the cities is a recurring motif in biblical narratives (e.g., [Exodus 15:16](/exodus/15-16 "Exodus 15:16 - Terror and Dread Fall Upon Them"), [Joshua 2:9](/joshua/2-9 "Joshua 2:9 - Rahab's Confession of Fear")), indicating divine intervention that demoralized adversaries, making conquest easier. The "exceeding much spoil" was not just a practical resource but also a tangible sign of divine favor and a reward for obedience and victory.
* **Key Themes:** 2 Chronicles 14:14 powerfully articulates several key themes central to the book of Chronicles. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, where God actively works on behalf of His obedient people, instilling fear in their enemies and ensuring victory. This directly flows from the theme of **Reward for Faithfulness**, as Asa's trust in God ([2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer")) is met with overwhelming success and abundant provision. The "exceeding much spoil" highlights **God's Generosity and Provision**, demonstrating that His blessings are not merely defensive but also expansive and materially beneficial. Finally, the conquest of the surrounding cities reinforces the theme of **Comprehensive Deliverance and Dominion**, showing that God's salvation extends beyond the immediate threat to secure broader peace and prosperity for His people, solidifying their borders and influence as seen throughout [the reign of Asa](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - Asa's Early Reign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _pachad'_):** This word denotes terror, dread, or panic. In this context, it signifies a supernatural, paralyzing fear instilled by God, rather than a natural military apprehension. It implies a divine psychological warfare that rendered the inhabitants of the cities incapable of effective resistance, directly contributing to Judah's easy conquest. This "fear of the LORD" is distinct from the reverential awe often associated with the phrase, here serving as an instrument of divine judgment against Judah's adversaries.
* **Spoil (Hebrew, _shalal'_):** Refers to the plunder, booty, or goods taken from a defeated enemy. In ancient warfare, the acquisition of spoil was a significant aspect of victory, often symbolizing divine favor and providing material resources for the victorious nation. The phrase "exceeding much spoil" emphasizes the vast quantity and value of the plunder, highlighting the magnitude of God's blessing and provision to Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they smote all the cities round about Gerar;":** Following their pursuit of the Ethiopians, Asa's army turned their attention to the cities in the vicinity of Gerar, a strategic area in Philistine territory. "Smote" (Hebrew, _nakah_) indicates a decisive military strike, implying conquest and destruction. The phrase "all the cities" suggests a thorough and comprehensive campaign, leaving no pockets of resistance.
* **"for the fear of the LORD came upon them:":** This clause provides the crucial divine explanation for the ease of Judah's conquest. The inhabitants of these cities were not defeated by Judah's superior numbers or military prowess, but by a supernatural terror instilled by God. This divine intervention broke their will to resist, making them vulnerable and ensuring Judah's swift victory. It underscores that the battle's success was ultimately God's doing.
* **"and they spoiled all the cities;":** As a direct consequence of the conquest, Judah plundered these cities. "Spoiled" (Hebrew, _shalal_) refers to taking all valuable possessions, livestock, and goods. This act was a customary part of ancient warfare and served as a tangible benefit of victory, enriching the conquering army and nation.
* **"for there was exceeding much spoil in them.":** This final clause emphasizes the immense quantity and value of the plunder. The "exceeding much spoil" signifies a vast accumulation of wealth, livestock, and resources, serving as a powerful testament to God's abundant provision and reward for Judah's faith and obedience. It highlights the generosity of God's blessing.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Divine Causation** is paramount, explicitly stating that "the fear of the LORD came upon them," directly attributing the ease of conquest to God's supernatural intervention rather than solely to Judah's military might. This highlights God's active role in the historical events. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "exceeding much spoil," emphasizing the extraordinary abundance of the plunder and underscoring the magnitude of God's blessing. While not strictly hyperbole, the repetition of "all the cities" in both "smote all the cities" and "spoiled all the cities" creates a sense of **Completeness and Thoroughness**, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of Judah's victory and God's deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the principle that when God's people walk in faith and obedience, God Himself fights their battles, often in ways that transcend natural capabilities. The "fear of the LORD" coming upon the enemy is a powerful theological statement about divine intervention, demonstrating that God can supernaturally demoralize adversaries and prepare the way for His people's triumph. The abundance of spoil received is a tangible sign of God's generous provision and reward for faithfulness, underscoring His commitment to bless those who trust Him. This narrative reinforces the Chronicler's overarching message: seeking God leads to blessing, while forsaking Him leads to judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "Deuteronomy 28:7 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Joshua 10:10](/joshua/10-10 "Joshua 10:10 - God Throws Them into Confusion")
* [Psalm 18:37-38](/psalm/18-37-38 "Psalm 18:37-38 - David's Victory and Spoil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 14:14 offers a timeless lesson on the nature of divine assistance and the blessings that follow trust in God. It reminds us that our greatest victories are often those where God intervenes supernaturally, removing obstacles and breaking the will of opposition in ways we cannot humanly orchestrate. Just as God instilled fear in Judah's enemies, He can soften hearts, open doors, and clear paths for us today, whether in spiritual warfare, evangelism, or overcoming personal challenges. The "exceeding much spoil" serves as a powerful metaphor for the abundant spiritual and sometimes material blessings that God pours out when we prioritize His will and rely on His strength. It encourages us to pray boldly, trust completely, and expect God to not only deliver us from threats but also to provide generously for our needs and purposes, often beyond our imagination. Our obedience is not a means to earn favor, but a posture that positions us to receive the overflow of God's grace and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently facing overwhelming odds, and how can I invite the "fear of the LORD" to come upon my adversaries or obstacles?**
* **What "spoil" or blessings have I received as a direct result of trusting God in difficult circumstances?**
* **How does the comprehensive nature of Judah's victory encourage me to trust God for complete solutions to my challenges, rather than partial ones?**
* **How might God be calling me to a greater act of faith or obedience, knowing that His provision often follows such steps?**

### FAQ
**What does "the fear of the LORD came upon them" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this specific context, "the fear of the LORD came upon them" refers to a supernatural, paralyzing terror or dread that God instilled in the inhabitants of the cities around Gerar. It was not a reverential awe, but a divine intervention that broke their will to resist, making them vulnerable and ensuring Judah's easy conquest. This demonstrates God's direct involvement in the battle, fighting on behalf of His people by demoralizing their enemies, similar to how He caused panic among the Philistines in [1 Samuel 14:15](/1_samuel/14-15 "1 Samuel 14:15 - A Panic from God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Chronicles 14:14 describes a physical victory and material spoil for ancient Judah, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, comprehensive victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as the "fear of the LORD" paralyzed Judah's enemies, Christ's death and resurrection unleashed a divine power that conquered sin, death, and the devil, stripping principalities and powers of their authority ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). The "exceeding much spoil" taken by Judah points to the immeasurable spiritual riches and blessings that believers receive through Christ's triumph. We are not merely delivered from our enemies, but we receive the "spoils" of salvation: forgiveness, righteousness, eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Christ's victory on the cross, like Asa's, was not achieved through human might but through divine power and perfect obedience, leading to a far greater and eternal "spoil" for all who trust in Him, securing not just a temporal kingdom but an everlasting one ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 17:10

¶ And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that [were] round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

Genesis 35:5

And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that [were] round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

2 Chronicles 20:29

And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of [those] countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.

Joshua 2:24

And they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.

2 Kings 7:6

For the Lord had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, [even] the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

2 Kings 7:8

And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid [it]; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence [also], and went and hid [it].

2 Kings 7:16

And the people went out, and spoiled the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was [sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the LORD.