2 Chronicles 14:15

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

2 Chronicles 14:15 concludes the account of King Asa's remarkable victory over the vast Ethiopian army, detailing the final actions of the Judahite forces before their triumphant return to Jerusalem.

Context

This verse follows the miraculous defeat of Zerah the Ethiopian's army, which numbered a million men, by King Asa and the army of Judah. Asa had cried out to God for help, acknowledging that victory belonged to the Lord. God answered his prayer, granting Judah a decisive victory (see 2 Chronicles 14:12). The preceding verse (2 Chronicles 14:14) describes the pursuit of the fleeing Ethiopians and the subsequent attack on the cities around Gerar, which belonged to the Gerarites, likely allies or dependents of the Ethiopians. Verse 15 specifies the nature of the spoils taken from these nomadic peoples.

Key Themes

  • Spoils of War: The verse vividly describes the material gains from the successful military campaign. The "tents of cattle" refer to the portable dwellings of nomadic pastoralists, indicating that the wealth of these people was primarily in their livestock. The "abundance" of sheep and camels underscores the immense scale of the victory and the resulting plunder.
  • Divine Provision and Reward: This abundance of spoils can be seen as a direct blessing from God, rewarding Asa's faith and obedience. The victory not only secured Judah's safety but also enriched the kingdom, demonstrating God's comprehensive care for those who trust Him.
  • Triumphant Return: The phrase "returned to Jerusalem" signifies the successful completion of the mission. The army, laden with plunder, came back to the capital as victors, reinforcing the narrative of God's powerful intervention on behalf of His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "smote" (Χ ΦΈΧ›ΦΈΧ”, nakah) is a common term used for striking or defeating in battle, emphasizing the decisive nature of the attack on the Gerarite settlements. The phrase "in abundance" (ΧœΦΈΧ¨Χ•ΦΉΧ‘, larov) literally means "in multitude" or "in great quantity," highlighting the sheer volume of livestock and goods seized.

Practical Application

While we do not engage in physical warfare for material gain today, this passage still offers spiritual insights. It reminds us that when we seek God's help and act in faith, He can grant us victory over the spiritual battles we face (see Ephesians 6:12). The "abundance" we receive might not be physical sheep and camels, but spiritual blessings, peace, joy, and the strength to overcome challenges. The triumphant return to Jerusalem can symbolize our ultimate rest and reward in God's presence after a life lived in faith.

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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.
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