2 Chronicles 14:8

Translation
King James Version
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.
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KJV (with Strong's)
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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
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.
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Berean Standard Bible
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.
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American Standard Version
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.
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World English Bible Messianic
Asa had an army that bore bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred eighty thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And Asa had an armie of Iudah that bare shieldes and speares, three hundreth thousande, and of Beniamin that bare shieldes and drewe bowes, two hundreth and foure score thousande: all these were valiant men.
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Young's Literal Translation
And there is to Asa a force bearing target and spear, out of Judah three hundred thousand, and out of Benjamin, bearing shield and treading bow, two hundred and eighty thousand: all these are mighty of valour.
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See also
2 Chronicles 13:32 Chronicles 25:52 Chronicles 17:142 Chronicles 17:192 Chronicles 11:1
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In the KJVVerse 11,484 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Second Chronicles 14:8 presents a vivid snapshot of King Asa's formidable military strength, detailing the impressive numbers and specialized armaments of his army drawn from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. This verse underscores the kingdom's preparedness and stability during a period of peace and divine blessing, illustrating the tangible results of Asa's early faithfulness and the Lord's favor upon his reign, setting the stage for future challenges and demonstrating the importance of wise stewardship even in times of rest.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within the early narrative of King Asa's reign, immediately following a significant period of religious reform and subsequent divine blessing. The preceding verses, particularly 2 Chronicles 14:2-5, meticulously describe Asa's zealous efforts to eradicate idolatry, foreign altars, and high places from Judah, commanding the people to earnestly seek the Lord God. This spiritual purification directly precedes the declaration of peace and prosperity in 2 Chronicles 14:6-7. Verse 8, therefore, serves as a concrete manifestation of this divinely granted "rest" (שָׁקַט, shaqat), demonstrating that peace was not merely an absence of conflict but a period of flourishing that enabled national strengthening and development, including the crucial aspect of military readiness. It effectively sets the stage for the impending conflict with Zerah the Ethiopian in 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, where this very army, empowered by Asa's fervent prayer, would be put to the ultimate test.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: King Asa reigned over the Southern Kingdom of Judah during the tumultuous period of the divided monarchy (c. 913-873 BC), an era frequently characterized by political instability and spiritual compromise among the kings of both Judah and Israel. His reign notably followed that of his father Abijah, who had engaged in a significant conflict with Jeroboam I of Israel. Asa's initial actions, as detailed in 2 Chronicles 14:2-5, represented a profound departure from the widespread idolatrous practices that had plagued both kingdoms. In the ancient Near East, the possession of a large, well-equipped, and disciplined army was a paramount indicator of a kingdom's strength, stability, and sovereignty. Such a force served as both a formidable deterrent to potential aggressors and a powerful symbol of national prosperity and divine favor. The capacity to field an army of this magnitude required substantial economic resources, efficient administration, and a degree of internal peace, all suggesting a period of effective governance under Asa. The specific mention of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin accurately reflects the demographic and military composition of the southern kingdom after the division of Israel.
  • Key Themes: The primary themes intricately woven throughout 2 Chronicles 14 and particularly illuminated by verse 8 include Divine Blessing and Rest: The unprecedented peace and prosperity that facilitated such a massive military buildup are explicitly attributed to God's favor, granted because Asa and the people "sought the Lord" (2 Chronicles 14:7). This vividly illustrates the Deuteronomistic principle that covenant obedience to God leads directly to blessing, security, and flourishing. Another significant theme is Responsible Leadership and Preparedness: Asa's actions demonstrate that divine blessing does not negate human responsibility or prudent foresight. Even in times of peace, a wise ruler prepares for potential challenges, diligently stewarding the resources and opportunities God provides. This military strength, while undoubtedly a result of God's blessing, also stands as a testament to Asa's astute and proactive governance. Finally, the verse powerfully underscores National Strength and Unity: The combined forces of Judah and Benjamin, explicitly described as "mighty men of valour," symbolize the consolidated strength and unified purpose of the southern kingdom under a righteous king, ready to defend the covenant community and its divinely granted peace.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Targets (Hebrew, tsinnâh', H6793): This Hebrew term (H6793) refers to a large shield, often rectangular or oblong, designed to cover the entire body of a soldier. It was typically used by heavy infantry, providing substantial protection against arrows, spears, and other projectiles. Its presence in the Judahite contingent indicates a well-equipped, defensive force, capable of forming a strong, impenetrable shield wall, emphasizing their role as a steadfast line of defense.
  • Shields (Hebrew, mâgên', H4043): In contrast to the tsinnâh, the mâgên (H4043) was a smaller, lighter, and often rounder shield. It offered less comprehensive protection but allowed for significantly greater mobility and agility. This type of shield was commonly used by archers or skirmishers who needed to move quickly while still possessing a degree of personal defense. Its mention in the Benjaminite contingent highlights a diversified military strategy, complementing the heavier infantry of Judah.
  • Mighty men (Hebrew, gibbôwr', H1368): This term (H1368), often translated as "mighty man" or "warrior," signifies not merely physical strength but also courage, skill, and effectiveness in battle. It implies seasoned warriors, individuals of proven bravery, competence, and leadership potential. The use of this descriptor elevates the army's portrayal beyond mere numbers, emphasizing the intrinsic quality, fighting spirit, and valor of Asa's soldiers, indicating a force composed of truly capable individuals.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And Asa had an army [of men] that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand;": This initial clause introduces King Asa's formidable military force, specifically detailing the contribution from the tribe of Judah. These soldiers are characterized as heavy infantry, equipped with large, body-covering shields (tsinnâh) and spears. The precise number "three hundred thousand" (300,000) signifies an extraordinarily substantial contingent, indicating a massive mobilization capacity and a kingdom that was both well-resourced and capable of fielding a significant standing army, reflecting the prosperity of the era.
  • "and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand:": This part of the verse meticulously details the military contribution from the tribe of Benjamin. These soldiers are described as bearing smaller, more mobile shields (mâgên) and bows, indicating they were likely archers or light infantry, providing ranged support and skirmishing capabilities. The number "two hundred and fourscore thousand" (280,000) further emphasizes the sheer vastness of Asa's combined forces. The distinct equipment for each tribe highlights a sophisticated and diversified military strategy, with different units providing specialized capabilities and complementing each other on the battlefield.
  • "all these [were] mighty men of valour.": This concluding phrase serves as an overarching commendation and qualitative assessment for the entire army, encompassing both the Judahite and Benjaminite contingents. It transcends the mere enumeration of numbers and equipment, asserting the high quality, inherent courage, and proven effectiveness of these soldiers. It suggests that this was not merely a large conscripted force, but an army composed of skilled, brave, and experienced warriors, a powerful testament to the kingdom's strength and the Lord's abundant blessing upon Asa's reign.

Literary Devices

The verse effectively employs Merism by specifically listing the contributions of Judah and Benjamin. As these two tribes constituted the entirety of the southern kingdom, mentioning both implicitly refers to the full military might of Judah under Asa, encompassing the whole. The detailed enumeration of specific numbers and types of equipment serves as Descriptive Language, painting a vivid and precise picture of the army's formidable nature and its strategic diversity. The recurring phrase "mighty men of valour" functions as an Epithet, a descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned, thereby emphasizing the inherent quality, prowess, and courage of the soldiers. While the exceptionally large numbers might suggest Hyperbole to some interpreters, it is more likely intended as an Emphasis on the extraordinary scale of God's blessing and the resulting strength of Asa's kingdom, particularly when viewed through the Chronicler's theological lens which consistently highlights divine favor through prosperity and military success.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This detailed description of Asa's army is far more than a mere military report; it functions as a profound theological statement. The Chronicler consistently links national prosperity and military strength directly to the king's faithfulness and the people's obedience to God. The massive, well-equipped army is presented as a tangible manifestation of the "rest" and blessing God granted Asa because he "sought the Lord" (2 Chronicles 14:7). This highlights a crucial biblical principle: while God sovereignly provides peace and security, human diligence, responsible stewardship, and proactive preparation are also expected. Asa's preparation was not a sign of a lack of faith, but rather a wise utilization of the resources and opportunities afforded by divine favor. It underscores the essential balance between trusting God for ultimate victory and preparing wisely for potential challenges, recognizing that true and ultimate security ultimately rests in the Lord, not solely in military might or human strength.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

The account of Asa's powerful army, raised during a time of peace and divine blessing, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. It challenges us to thoughtfully consider how we steward the seasons of peace, prosperity, and spiritual "rest" that God graciously grants us. Just as Asa wisely used his period of calm to build strength and prepare for future eventualities, we are called to cultivate spiritual disciplines, deepen our knowledge of God's Word, and strengthen our faith communities during times of tranquility. This kind of preparation is not a sign of fear or a lack of trust in God, but rather a responsible, proactive, and faithful response to His grace and provision. It reminds us that while our ultimate security and victory come solely from the Lord, we are also called to be diligent, disciplined, and prepared for the spiritual battles and life challenges that inevitably arise. Our "mighty men and women of valour" today are those who are strong in faith, courageous in witness, and equipped with the full armor of God, ready to stand firm and advance His kingdom when adversity inevitably arises.

Questions for Reflection

  • How do I steward periods of peace and stability in my life to grow stronger spiritually, emotionally, and practically?
  • In what areas of my life might I be neglecting "preparation" while perhaps presumptuously relying solely on "divine intervention," and how can I find a healthy, biblical balance?
  • What does it mean for me, personally, to be a "mighty man/woman of valour" in my spiritual walk, family life, and daily responsibilities?

FAQ

Are the large numbers of soldiers mentioned in 2 Chronicles 14:8 to be taken literally?

Answer: The numbers presented in biblical texts, particularly in the books of Chronicles, have long been a subject of scholarly debate and interpretation. Some scholars interpret these figures as literal counts, reflecting the immense population and mobilization capacity of ancient Israel and Judah, especially during periods of divine blessing and national flourishing. Others suggest they might represent rounded figures, military divisions, or even symbolic numbers intended to emphasize the vastness and strength of the force. However, regardless of the precise literal count, the Chronicler's clear intent is to convey a genuinely large, formidable, and impressive military force. The theological point remains paramount: Asa's army was exceptionally large and strong, serving as a direct testament to God's favor and Asa's effective and righteous rule, as highlighted in 2 Chronicles 14:7.

How does Asa's military strength relate to his faith in God? Was it a sign of trust in his army rather than God?

Answer: Asa's military strength was not a sign of a lack of faith in God, but rather a tangible and divinely granted outcome of God's blessing on his faithful leadership. The text explicitly states that God gave them "rest on every side" because they "sought the Lord" (2 Chronicles 14:7). This period of peace and prosperity allowed Asa to prudently build up his kingdom's defenses. Critically, when a massive enemy army later attacked, Asa did not rely solely on his impressive military force. Instead, he fervently called upon the Lord for help, declaring, "Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude" (2 Chronicles 14:11). This profound prayer demonstrates unequivocally that his ultimate trust lay in God alone, and his military preparedness was an act of responsible stewardship of the peace and resources God had provided. It beautifully illustrates the biblical balance between divine provision and human responsibility.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Asa's earthly army represented a physical manifestation of divine blessing and earthly security for the kingdom of Judah, the ultimate and most profound fulfillment of peace, victory, and true rest is found exclusively in Jesus Christ. Asa's "rest on every side" foreshadows the deep spiritual rest and profound peace that Christ offers to all who believe, a peace that transcends earthly circumstances, anxieties, and even the most formidable external threats (John 14:27). Unlike Asa's army, which was comprised of "mighty men of valour" equipped with physical weapons for carnal warfare, Christ's kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), and His decisive victory is achieved not through human military might but through spiritual power and His sacrificial work on the cross. He is the true King who conquers sin, death, and the devil, disarming the spiritual forces of evil through His triumphant crucifixion and resurrection (Colossians 2:15). Believers, as members of His spiritual army, are called to be "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might," equipped not with targets and spears, but with the "whole armor of God" to stand firm against spiritual adversaries and advance His gospel (Ephesians 6:10-17). Ultimately, the security and prosperity that Asa experienced for a season point to the eternal and unshakable kingdom established by Christ, where true peace reigns, ultimate victory over all enemies is assured, and salvation is found through the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

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Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14 verses 1–8

Here is, I. Asa's general character (Ch2 14:2): He did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God. 1. He aimed at pleasing God, studied to approve himself to him. Happy are those that walk by this rule, to do that which is right, not in their own eyes, or in the eye of the world, but in the eyes of God. 2. He saw God's eye always upon him, and that helped much to keep him to what was good and right. 3. God graciously accepted him in what he did, and approved his conduct as good and right.

II. A blessed work of reformation which he set on foot immediately upon his accession to the crown. 1. He removed and abolished idolatry. Since Solomon admitted idolatry, in the latter end of his reign, nothing had been done to suppress it, and so, we presume, it had got ground. Strange gods were worshipped and had their altars, images, and groves; and the temple service, though kept up by the priests (Ch2 13:10), was neglected by many of the people. Asa, as soon as he had power in his hands, made it his business to destroy all those idolatrous altars and images (Ch2 14:3, Ch2 14:5), they being a great provocation to a jealous God and a great temptation to a careless unthinking people. He hoped by destroying the idols to reform the idolaters, which he aimed at, rather than to ruin them. 2. He revived and established the pure worship of God; and, since the priests did their part in attending God's altars, he obliged the people to do theirs (Ch2 14:4): He commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and not the gods of the heathen, and to do the law and the commandments, that is, to observe all divine institutions, which many had utterly neglected. In doing this, the land was quiet before him, Ch2 14:5. Though they were much in love with their idols, and very loth to leave them, yet the convictions of their consciences sided with the commands of Asa, and they could not, for shame, refuse to comply with them. Note, Those that have power in their hands, and will use it vigorously for the suppression of profaneness and the reformation of manners, will not meet with so much difficulty and opposition therein as perhaps they feared. Vice is a sneaking thing, and virtue has reason enough on its side to make all iniquity stop her mouth, Psa 107:42.

III. The tranquillity of his kingdom, after constant alarms of war during the last two reigns: In his days the land was quiet ten years ( Ch2 14:1), no war with the kingdom of Israel, who did not recover the blow given them in the last reign for a great while. Abijah's victory, which was owing, under God, to his courage and bravery, laid a foundation for Asa's peace, which was the reward of his piety and reformation. Though Abijah had little religion himself, he was instrumental to prepare the way for one that had much. If Abijah had not done what he did to quiet the land, Asa could not have done what he did to reform it; for inter arma silent leges - amidst the din of arms the voice of law is unheard.

IV. The prudent improvement he made of that tranquillity: The land had rest, for the Lord had given him rest. Note, If God give quietness, who then can make trouble? Job 34:29. Those have rest indeed to whom God gives rest, peace indeed to whom Christ gives peace, not as the world giveth, Joh 14:27. Now, 1. Asa takes notice of the rest they had as the gift of God (He hath given us rest on every side. Note, God must be acknowledged with thankfulness in the rest we are blessed with, of body and mind, family and country), and as the reward of the reformation begun: Because we have sought the Lord our God, he has given us rest. Note, As the frowns and rebukes of Providence should be observed for a check to us in an evil way, so the smiles of Providence should be taken notice of for our encouragement in that which is good. See Hag 2:18, Hag 2:19; Mal 3:10. We find by experience that it is good to seek the Lord; it gives us rest. While we pursue the world we meet with nothing but vexation. 2. He consults with his people, by their representatives, how to make a good use of the present gleams of peace they enjoyed, and concludes with them, (1.) That they must not be idle, but busy. Times of rest from war should be employed in work, for we must always find ourselves something to do. In the years when he had no war he said, "Let us build; still let us be doing." When the churches had rest they were built up, Act 9:31. When the sword is sheathed take up the trowel. (2.) That they must not be secure, but prepare for wars. In times of peace we must be getting ready for trouble, expect it and lay up in store for it. [1.] He fortified his principle cities with walls, towers, gates, and bars, Ch2 14:7. "This let us do," says he, "while the land is yet before us," that is, "while we have opportunity and advantage for it and have nothing to hinder us." He speaks as if he expected that, some way or other, trouble would arise, when it would be too late to fortify, and when they would wish they had done it. So they built and prospered. [2.] He had a good army ready to bring into the field (Ch2 14:8), not a standing army, but the militia or trained-bands of the country. Judah and Benjamin were mustered severally; and Benjamin (which not long ago was called little Benjamin, Psa 68:27) had almost as many soldiers as Judah, came as near as 28 to 30, so strangely had that tribe increased of late. The blessing of God can make a little one to become a thousand. It should seem, these two tribes were differently armed, both offensively and defensively. The men of Judah guarded themselves with targets, the men of Benjamin with shields, the former of which were much larger than the latter, Kg1 10:16, Kg1 10:17. The men of Judah fought with spears when they closed in with the enemy; the men of Benjamin drew bows, to reach the enemy at a distance. Both did good service, and neither could say to the other, I have no need of thee. Different gifts and employments are for the common good.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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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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