2 Chronicles 14:8
And Asa had an army [of men] that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these [were] mighty men of valour.
And Asa {H609} had an army {H2428} of men that bare {H5375} targets {H6793} and spears {H7420}, out of Judah {H3063} three {H7969} hundred {H3967} thousand {H505}; and out of Benjamin {H1144}, that bare {H5375} shields {H4043} and drew {H1869} bows {H7198}, two hundred {H3967} and fourscore {H8084} thousand {H505}: all these were mighty men {H1368} of valour {H2428}.
Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Y'hudah, equipped with shields and spears, and another 280,000 from Binyamin, with shields and bows; all were brave, strong men.
Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow. All these were mighty men of valor.
And Asa had an army that bare bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.
Cross-References
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2 Chronicles 13:3
And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, [even] four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, [being] mighty men of valour. -
2 Chronicles 25:5
Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of [their] fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice [men, able] to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield. -
2 Chronicles 17:14
And these [are] the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand. -
2 Chronicles 17:19
These waited on the king, beside [those] whom the king put in the fenced cities throughout all Judah. -
2 Chronicles 11:1
ยถ And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen [men], which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.
Commentary
Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:8
This verse provides a concise but powerful description of King Asa's military might during the early years of his reign. It details the formidable army he commanded, drawn from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, highlighting both their numbers and their equipment.
Historical and Cultural Context
King Asa came to the throne of Judah after his father Abijah. Unlike some of his predecessors, Asa initiated significant religious reforms, cleansing the land of idolatry and commanding the people to seek the Lord God of their fathers. This period of obedience brought a season of peace and prosperity to the kingdom. This verse describes the military readiness and strength built during this peaceful era, a direct result of God's blessing on Asa's faithful leadership. The large army was not merely for defense but also a testament to the stability and resources available to the kingdom under divine favor. Indeed, the preceding verses mention that God had given them rest on every side because they sought Him.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The term "targets" (Hebrew: ืฆึดื ึผึธื, tsinnah) refers to large, often rectangular shields that covered much of the body, typically used by heavy infantry. "Spears" (Hebrew: ืจึนืึทื, romach) were long thrusting weapons. In contrast, "shields" (Hebrew: ืึธืึตื, magen) were smaller, rounder, and lighter, suitable for more mobile troops like archers who "drew bows" (Hebrew: ืงึถืฉืึถืช, qeshet). The phrase "mighty men of valour" (Hebrew: ืึผึดืึผืึนืจึตื ืึทืึดื, gibborรช chayil) is a common biblical idiom denoting highly capable, strong, and courageous warriors, often implying a heroic quality.
Practical Application
This verse reminds us that while God provides peace and blessing, human diligence and preparation are also important. Asa's military strength was not a sign of a lack of faith, but rather a responsible stewardship of the resources and peace God had given him. It highlights the balance between divine provision and human responsibility. In our lives, this can translate to being prepared and diligent in our callings, even as we trust God for our ultimate security and provision. When a great challenge did arise, Asa did not rely solely on this impressive army but called upon the Lord for help, demonstrating where his true trust lay.
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