They destroyed Gerar’s surrounding cities because God fought for them, demonstrating that faith in the Almighty brings deliverance and abundant provision—even in the face of daunting opposition.
As King Asa of Judah pursued the fleeing Ethiopian army, Scripture recounts, “they destroyed all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of the LORD had fallen on them; and they despoiled all the cities, for there was much plunder in them” (2 Chronicles 14:14). This follows Asa’s faithful prayer asking God for deliverance when facing an enemy much larger than his own forces. Because of God’s intervention on behalf of His covenant people, Judah’s army not only overcame their adversaries but also benefited from substantial resources left in the defeated cities. Their victory showcased God’s protective power when His people trust in Him wholeheartedly, an ongoing principle seen throughout the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 28:7).
In the verse, the location of Gerar takes center stage—“they destroyed all the cities around Gerar.” Gerar was an important royal city in the southwestern area of the land of Canaan, potentially identified with the mound of Tell Haror or Tell Abu Hureirah. According to historical references, it lay about fifteen miles northwest of Beer-sheba, along key trade routes in the region. Often well-watered and suitable for pasturing flocks, Gerar appears at multiple places in Scripture, such as during the time of Abraham, reflecting its enduring significance (Genesis 20:1). By destroying the cities around Gerar, Asa and his army effectively stifled any remaining threat the defeated Ethiopians might have posed and ensured Judah seized the spoils God provided.
The statement “for the dread of the LORD had fallen on them” highlights the reverential awe and fear that crippled enemy nations when God fought alongside His people (2 Chronicles 14:14). This dread reveals that God’s presence alone can render formidable armies powerless. Asa’s dependence on God stands in striking contrast to leaders who sought alliances through pagan practices. He recognized that the true King of Judah was the LORD, and that trust in Him yielded both material blessing and protection.
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2 Chronicles 14:14 meaning
As King Asa of Judah pursued the fleeing Ethiopian army, Scripture recounts, “they destroyed all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of the LORD had fallen on them; and they despoiled all the cities, for there was much plunder in them” (2 Chronicles 14:14). This follows Asa’s faithful prayer asking God for deliverance when facing an enemy much larger than his own forces. Because of God’s intervention on behalf of His covenant people, Judah’s army not only overcame their adversaries but also benefited from substantial resources left in the defeated cities. Their victory showcased God’s protective power when His people trust in Him wholeheartedly, an ongoing principle seen throughout the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 28:7).
In the verse, the location of Gerar takes center stage—“they destroyed all the cities around Gerar.” Gerar was an important royal city in the southwestern area of the land of Canaan, potentially identified with the mound of Tell Haror or Tell Abu Hureirah. According to historical references, it lay about fifteen miles northwest of Beer-sheba, along key trade routes in the region. Often well-watered and suitable for pasturing flocks, Gerar appears at multiple places in Scripture, such as during the time of Abraham, reflecting its enduring significance (Genesis 20:1). By destroying the cities around Gerar, Asa and his army effectively stifled any remaining threat the defeated Ethiopians might have posed and ensured Judah seized the spoils God provided.
The statement “for the dread of the LORD had fallen on them” highlights the reverential awe and fear that crippled enemy nations when God fought alongside His people (2 Chronicles 14:14). This dread reveals that God’s presence alone can render formidable armies powerless. Asa’s dependence on God stands in striking contrast to leaders who sought alliances through pagan practices. He recognized that the true King of Judah was the LORD, and that trust in Him yielded both material blessing and protection.