February 10: 2 Chronicles 14:9-15

Revival Comes as We Learn to Rely on the LORD

A decade of peace was broken when a large army of Ethiopians come against Judah. We are not told what prompted this invasion. We are told that the Ethiopian forces were double the size of Asa’s army. The Chronicler also notes that the Ethiopians had three hundred chariots. This was like have tanks in today’s military weaponry. This was a formidable challenge. Even though Asa has had a decade to build an army and fortify his defenses, this challenge is still overwhelming.

The response of Asa is the response we need:

“Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said, “LORD, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; help us, LORD our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. LORD, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You.”” (2 Chronicles 14:11, NASB)

Asa cried out to the LORD his God: In his prayer Asa correctly understood that God’s power was not enhanced or limited by man’s apparent strength or weakness. He recognized that this battle belonged to the LORD and called upon God to defend His honor (do not let man prevail against You!).

David Guzik

Notice:

• There is no one to help besides You
• Help us, LORD our God
• We trust in You
• It is Your Name that is also at stake
• You are our God
• Do not let man prevail against You

“So the LORD routed the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.” (2 Chronicles 14:12, NASB)

Asa and his army chased the Ethiopians to Gerar, south of Hebron, and won a decisive victory. The spoils of war were very large. God had shown Asa and the people what He can do when His people put their trust in Him.