2 Chronicles 14:15

Translation
King James Version
They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.
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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.
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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.
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Berean Standard Bible
They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen and carried off many sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.
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American Standard Version
They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep in abundance, and camels, and returned to Jerusalem.
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World English Bible Messianic
They struck also the tents of livestock, and carried away sheep in abundance, and camels, and returned to Jerusalem.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Yea, and they smote the tents of cattel, and carried away plentie of sheepe and camels, and returned to Ierusalem.
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Young's Literal Translation
and also tents of cattle they have smitten, and they capture sheep in abundance, and camels, and turn back to Jerusalem.
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See also
Numbers 31:30Numbers 31:471 Chronicles 4:411 Chronicles 5:21Numbers 31:91 Samuel 30:20
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Zerah’s Invasion
Zerah’s Invasion View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 11,491 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Following King Asa's miraculous victory over the vast Ethiopian army, 2 Chronicles 14:15 details the final, decisive 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 comprehensive 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 climactic conclusion to the narrative of King Asa's decisive military campaign against 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, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 14:11-12. The preceding verse, 2 Chronicles 14:14, 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 national prosperity under Asa, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 15. The verse thus acts as a bridge, concluding the military triumph and ushering in a period of peace and spiritual renewal.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, the spoils of war were a legitimate and expected outcome of military victory, often serving to enrich the victorious kingdom and compensate its 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, were likely either allies or dependents of the Ethiopians, or perhaps opportunistic raiders who had joined Zerah's campaign, making them legitimate targets in the eyes of ancient warfare. 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, far beyond mere defense.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes prevalent in 2 Chronicles 14. Foremost is Divine Provision and Reward, 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 and demonstrating His power to bless beyond expectation. The theme of Complete Victory and Deliverance is also profoundly 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 and establishing a period of peace. 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 chronicler's overarching narrative of a kingdom sustained by divine favor and covenant loyalty, as seen throughout 2 Chronicles.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Smote (Hebrew, nâkâh, H5221): This verb signifies a decisive and often violent action, meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." Its use here indicates 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, ensuring no lingering threat.
  • Tents of cattle (Hebrew, ʼôhel H168, miqneh, H168): The phrase combines H168, "a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)," and H4735, "livestock" or "property." 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 and maximizing the spoils.
  • Abundance (Hebrew, rôb, H7230): Meaning "abundance (in any respect)" or "multitude." 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 and demonstrating God's overflowing generosity.

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) 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, demonstrating divine favor and provision.
  • "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, a secure re-establishment of order, and a public display of God's blessing. 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 and convey its theological message. Metonymy is evident in the phrase "tents of cattle," where "tents" stands for the nomadic people themselves and their entire way of life, including their mobile wealth and livelihood. 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 and the overwhelming success. 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 as a testament to His power and goodness.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While believers in the New Covenant 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, despair, or the schemes of the enemy. Just as God provided abundantly for Judah, He promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). The "spoils" we receive are not sheep and camels, but spiritual blessings like peace that surpasses understanding, joy in the Holy Spirit, wisdom for daily living, strength to persevere, and the freedom that comes from overcoming spiritual adversaries through Christ. Our "return to Jerusalem" can be seen as our ongoing 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 and enjoying the full inheritance of His kingdom.

Questions for Reflection

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

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, thereby making them legitimate targets in ancient warfare. 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, as described in 2 Chronicles 14:14-15.

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 in humble dependence (2 Chronicles 14:11), 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, echoing similar themes of divine provision for His people throughout the Old Testament, such as the Israelites receiving spoils from Egypt before the Exodus (Exodus 12:35-36).

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). He "spoiled" the principalities and powers, triumphing over them publicly, disarming them by His victory on the cross. The "abundance" of sheep and camels taken by Judah points to the inexhaustible spiritual riches and inheritance that believers receive in Christ—not fading material possessions, but an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). 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, unending joy, and complete freedom from sin and sorrow (Revelation 21:2-4).

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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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