2 Chronicles 14:15

KJV

They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

They smote {H5221} also the tents {H168} of cattle {H4735}, and carried away {H7617} sheep {H6629} and camels {H1581} in abundance {H7230}, and returned {H7725} to Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They also attacked the tents of those tending the livestock and carried off sheep and camels in abundance. Then they returned to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen and carried off many sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep in abundance, and camels, and returned to Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following King Asa's miraculous victory over the vast Ethiopian army, 2 Chronicles 14:15 details the final actions of the Judahite forces: the systematic plundering of the nomadic "tents of cattle" in the vicinity of Gerar, resulting in the seizure of immense quantities of sheep and camels, before their triumphant return to Jerusalem. This verse underscores the complete nature of God's deliverance and the tangible rewards bestowed upon Judah for their faith and obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding action in the narrative of King Asa's decisive victory over Zerah the Ethiopian. It immediately follows the account of Asa's fervent prayer and God's miraculous intervention, which routed the million-man Ethiopian army ([2 Chronicles 14:11-12](/2_chronicles/14-11-12 "2 Chronicles 14:11-12 - Asa's Prayer and God's Victory")). The preceding verse, [2 Chronicles 14:14](/2_chronicles/14-14 "2 Chronicles 14:14 - The Spoiling of Gerar"), describes the pursuit of the fleeing enemy and the initial attack on the cities around Gerar, which were associated with the Ethiopians. Verse 15 specifies the nature of the spoils taken from the nomadic populations, highlighting the thoroughness of Judah's campaign and setting the stage for the subsequent spiritual reforms and prosperity under Asa, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 15](/2_chronicles/15 "2 Chronicles 15 - Asa's Reforms and Covenant Renewal").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the spoils of war were a legitimate and expected outcome of military victory, often serving to enrich the victorious kingdom and compensate the soldiers. The "tents of cattle" refer to the portable dwellings of nomadic pastoralists, indicating that the Judahite forces targeted not just fortified cities but also the mobile wealth of these peoples, whose primary assets were their livestock. The Gerarites, mentioned in [2 Chronicles 14:14](/2_chronicles/14-14 "2 Chronicles 14:14 - The Spoiling of Gerar"), were likely either allies or dependents of the Ethiopians, or perhaps opportunistic raiders who had joined Zerah's campaign. The abundance of sheep and camels reflects the pastoral economy of the region and the immense scale of the plunder, signifying a comprehensive and overwhelming victory for Judah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in [2 Chronicles 14](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - Asa's Reign and Victory"): **Divine Provision and Reward** is paramount, as the immense spoils are a direct result of God's intervention, rewarding Asa's faith and obedience. The "abundance" underscores God's comprehensive care and generosity towards those who trust Him, transforming a defensive war into a source of national enrichment. The theme of **Complete Victory and Deliverance** is also evident; the smiting of the "tents of cattle" and the subsequent plunder signify that the enemy, and any associated threats, were thoroughly neutralized, ensuring Judah's security. Finally, the "triumphant return to Jerusalem" symbolizes **God's Faithfulness** in bringing His people safely back to their capital, laden with the evidence of His power and blessing, reinforcing the narrative of a kingdom sustained by divine favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, נָכָה _nakah_):** This verb is a common term in biblical Hebrew for striking, defeating, or killing. Its use here signifies a decisive and forceful action, indicating that the Judahite forces did not merely take possession but actively engaged and overcame the inhabitants of these nomadic encampments. It implies a complete subjugation of the enemy's resources and personnel.
* **Tents of cattle (Hebrew, אֹהָלֵי מִקְנֶה _'ohalei miqneh_):** This specific phrase refers to the temporary dwellings of nomadic pastoralists, whose wealth was primarily in their livestock. Unlike fixed cities, these "tents" represented mobile wealth. The targeting of these encampments demonstrates the thoroughness of the Judahite campaign, extending beyond urban centers to dismantle the economic and social fabric of the enemy's support network, ensuring no residual threat remained.
* **Abundance (Hebrew, לָרוֹב _larov_):** Literally meaning "in multitude" or "in great quantity," this adverb emphasizes the sheer volume and overwhelming scale of the sheep and camels seized. It is not merely a statement of fact but a hyperbolic expression that underscores the immense blessing and reward bestowed by God upon Judah, transforming a defensive war into a source of extraordinary national enrichment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They smote also the tents of cattle":** This clause describes the specific target and nature of the Judahite army's actions after routing Zerah's main force. "They" refers to Asa's army. The "tents of cattle" indicates that the pursuit and plundering extended beyond the cities of Gerar (mentioned in [2 Chronicles 14:14](/2_chronicles/14-14 "2 Chronicles 14:14 - The Spoiling of Gerar")) to the nomadic populations in the surrounding areas. The verb "smote" implies a decisive, often violent, act of conquest and subjugation, ensuring no resistance and complete control over the enemy's resources.
* **"and carried away sheep and camels in abundance":** This part details the specific nature and quantity of the spoils. Sheep and camels were primary forms of wealth and sustenance for nomadic peoples, representing their capital and means of livelihood. The phrase "in abundance" is crucial, signifying an extraordinary amount of plunder, far exceeding normal expectations. This abundance is presented as a direct, tangible blessing from God, rewarding Asa's faith and enriching the kingdom of Judah significantly.
* **"and returned to Jerusalem":** This final clause marks the successful completion of the military campaign and the journey home. The return to the capital, laden with immense spoils, signifies a triumphant homecoming. It underscores the security and prosperity that God's intervention brought to Judah, reinforcing the narrative of a nation protected and provided for by its faithful God. It also sets the stage for the subsequent acts of worship and reform under Asa, as seen in the following chapter.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "tents of cattle," where "tents" stands for the nomadic people and their entire way of life, including their mobile wealth. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the Judahite attack, targeting not just fixed settlements but the very economic and social structure of the enemy's support. The use of "abundance" (לָרוֹב, _larov_) functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extraordinary scale of the plunder and, by extension, the magnitude of God's blessing and the completeness of the victory. While literally true, its emphatic nature serves to magnify the divine provision. Furthermore, the verse concludes a significant **Narrative Arc** within 2 Chronicles 14, moving from threat and prayer to divine intervention, decisive victory, plunder, and a triumphant return, providing a satisfying resolution to the conflict and reinforcing the chronicler's theological message of God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the principle of divine recompense and the tangible blessings that follow obedience and faith. The immense spoils taken from the "tents of cattle" are not merely the fruits of human military prowess but a direct manifestation of God's provision and reward for Asa's unwavering trust and reliance on the Lord. It underscores that God's victory is comprehensive, extending beyond mere defense to include the enrichment and strengthening of His people. This narrative serves as a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that when His people turn to Him wholeheartedly, He not only delivers them from their enemies but also provides for their material needs in abundance, solidifying their security and prosperity.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1-8](/deuteronomy/28-1-8 "Deuteronomy 28:1-8 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Psalm 68:12](/psalm/68-12 "Psalm 68:12 - Kings of armies flee, they flee, and she who tarries at home divides the spoil.")
* [Proverbs 22:4](/proverbs/22-4 "Proverbs 22:4 - The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we no longer engage in physical warfare for material gain, the spiritual principles embedded in 2 Chronicles 14:15 remain profoundly relevant. This passage encourages us to trust in God for comprehensive victory over the spiritual battles we face—be it against sin, temptation, fear, or despair. Just as God provided abundantly for Judah, He promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). The "spoils" we receive are not sheep and camels, but spiritual blessings like peace, joy, wisdom, strength, and the freedom that comes from overcoming spiritual adversaries. Our "return to Jerusalem" can be seen as our journey towards spiritual maturity and ultimately, our triumphant entry into God's eternal presence, having lived a life of faith and obedience, bearing the fruit of His Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently facing a "battle" where you need God's intervention and victory?**
* **How does the "abundance" of spoils in this verse encourage you about God's generosity and provision in your own life?**
* **What "spiritual spoils" (e.g., peace, joy, freedom from sin, deeper faith) have you experienced as a result of trusting God in your challenges?**
* **How does the "triumphant return to Jerusalem" metaphorically apply to your journey of faith and your ultimate hope?**

### FAQ

**Who were the "tents of cattle" and why were they targeted?**

Answer: The "tents of cattle" refer to the nomadic pastoralist communities living in the region around Gerar, likely in the Negev desert. These groups, whose primary wealth was their livestock (sheep and camels), were either allies of Zerah the Ethiopian or opportunistic raiders who had joined his campaign against Judah. King Asa's army targeted them to ensure a complete and decisive victory, eliminating any lingering threats or support for the Ethiopians, and to seize their abundant wealth as spoils of war. This action demonstrated the thoroughness of Judah's campaign, extending beyond fortified cities to dismantle the economic and social fabric of the enemy's support network.

**What is the theological significance of the "abundance" of spoils taken by Asa's army?**

Answer: The "abundance" of sheep and camels signifies God's overflowing blessing and reward for King Asa's faith and obedience. After Asa cried out to God ([2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer for Divine Help")), God granted Judah a miraculous victory. The immense spoils were not merely a result of military might but a tangible sign of divine provision, enriching the kingdom and demonstrating God's comprehensive care for those who trust in Him. It underscores the biblical principle that God not only delivers His people from danger but also blesses them abundantly, turning their trials into opportunities for prosperity and security, as seen throughout the Old Testament in accounts like the exodus ([Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35-36 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Spoils from Egypt")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical victory and abundant spoils granted to King Asa's army in 2 Chronicles 14:15 serve as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the far greater spiritual victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as Asa's army "smote" the enemy and took their possessions, Christ, through His death and resurrection, decisively defeated the spiritual enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He "spoiled" the principalities and powers, triumphing over them publicly. The "abundance" of sheep and camels taken by Judah points to the spiritual riches and inheritance that believers receive in Christ—not material possessions, but an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - The Imperishable Inheritance")). The triumphant "return to Jerusalem" for Asa's army anticipates the ultimate return of Christ's redeemed people to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, where they will dwell eternally in the presence of God, enjoying the full "spoils" of His victory: eternal life, perfect peace, and unending joy ([Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2-4 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem")).

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

Numbers 31:30

And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.

Numbers 31:47

Even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one portion of fifty, [both] of man and of beast, and gave them unto the Levites, which kept the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses.

1 Chronicles 4:41

And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their tents, and the habitations that were found there, and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms: because [there was] pasture there for their flocks.

1 Chronicles 5:21

And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand.

Numbers 31:9

And the children of Israel took [all] the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.

1 Samuel 30:20

And David took all the flocks and the herds, [which] they drave before those [other] cattle, and said, This [is] David's spoil.