2 Chroniques - Caput 14

2 Chroniques 14.1 fecit autem Asa quod bonum et placitum erat in conspectu Dei sui et subvertit altaria peregrini cultus et excelsa 2 Chroniques 14.2 et confregit statuas lucosque succidit 2 Chroniques 14.3 ac praecepit Iudae ut quaereret Dominum Deum patrum suorum et faceret legem et universa mandata 2 Chroniques 14.4 et abstulit e cunctis urbibus Iuda aras et fana et regnavit in pace 2 Chroniques 14.5 aedificavit quoque urbes munitas in Iuda quia quietus erat et nulla temporibus eius bella surrexerant pacem Domino largiente 2 Chroniques 14.6 dixit autem Iudae aedificemus civitates istas et vallemus muris et roboremus turribus et portis et seris donec a bellis quieta sunt omnia eo quod quaesierimus Dominum Deum patrum nostrorum et dederit nobis pacem per gyrum aedificaverunt igitur et nullum in extruendo inpedimentum fuit 2 Chroniques 14.7 habuit autem Asa in exercitu suo portantium scuta et hastas de Iuda trecenta milia de Beniamin vero scutariorum et sagittariorum ducenta octoginta milia omnes isti viri fortissimi 2 Chroniques 14.8 egressus est autem contra eos Zara Aethiops cum exercitu decies centena milia et curribus trecentis et venit usque Maresa 2 Chroniques 14.9 porro Asa perrexit obviam et instruxit aciem ad bellum in valle Sephata quae est iuxta Maresa 2 Chroniques 14.10 et invocavit Dominum Deum et ait Domine non est apud te ulla distantia utrum in paucis auxilieris an in pluribus adiuva nos Domine Deus noster in te enim et in tuo nomine habentes fiduciam venimus contra hanc multitudinem Domine Deus noster tu es non praevaleat contra te homo 2 Chroniques 14.11 exterruit itaque Dominus Aethiopas coram Asa et Iuda fugeruntque Aethiopes 2 Chroniques 14.12 et persecutus est eos Asa et populus qui cum eo erat usque Gerar et ruerunt Aethiopes usque ad internicionem quia Domino caedente contriti sunt et exercitu illius proeliante tulerunt ergo spolia multa 2 Chroniques 14.13 et percusserunt omnes civitates per circuitum Gerare grandis quippe cunctos terror invaserat et diripuerunt urbes et multam praedam asportaverunt 2 Chroniques 14.14 ded et caulas ovium destruentes tulerunt pecorum infinitam multitudinem et camelorum reversique sunt in Jerusalem

2 Chroniques : Caput 14

Reflections on the Reign of Asa in 2 Chronicles 14 Chapter 14 of the book of 2 Chronicles marks the beginning of the reign of Asa, a pious king who successfully reformed his kingdom. This inspiring text reveals Asa's efforts to purify the cult, strengthen Judah's defenses, and his unwavering trust in God in the face of the Ethiopian invasion. The central themes of this chapter include the pursuit of spiritual purity, wise preparation, and dependence on God in times of danger.

Uplifting Themes and Bible Passages

Let's reflect together on five Bible passages that illustrate the uplifting themes of this foundational chapter.

Psalm 20:7

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." This psalm resonates deeply with Asa's attitude, as shown in 2 Chronicles 14:11, where he places his trust in God in the face of a numerically superior army.

Deuteronomy 7:5

"Do this to them: demolish their altars, break in pieces their sacred pillars, cut down their sacred poles, and burn their idols." This command from Deuteronomy is carried out by Asa in 2 Chronicles 14:3-5, where he works to eliminate idolatrous altars and sacred pillars, thus purifying worship in Judah.

1 Samuel 17:45

"But David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.'" David's trust in God in the face of Goliath is echoed in Asa's faith when he confronts the Ethiopian army, as recounted in the events of 2 Chronicles 14.

Proverbs 21:31

"The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the Lord gives victory." This proverb summarizes the key lesson we learn from Asa's victory over the Ethiopians in 2 Chronicles 14, reminding us that true victory comes from God, not from military force alone.

Isaiah 31:1

"Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the strength of their horsemen, but they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek help from the Lord!" This verse highlights the contrast between the search for human help and Asa's faith in turning to the Lord in 2 Chronicles 14.

Meditating on these passages, we are invited to strengthen our faith and dependence on God, just as Asa did, by seeking to purify our own worship and trusting in divine power in times of trial.