2 Chronicles 14:10
New International Version
Asa went out to meet him, and they took up battle positions in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.

New Living Translation
so Asa deployed his armies for battle in the valley north of Mareshah.

English Standard Version
And Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up their lines of battle in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

Berean Standard Bible
So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.

King James Bible
Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

New King James Version
So Asa went out against him, and they set the troops in battle array in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

New American Standard Bible
So Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

NASB 1995
So Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up in battle formation in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

NASB 1977
So Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up in battle formation in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Asa went out to meet him, and they arranged themselves for battle in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

Amplified Bible
Then Asa went out against him, and they drew up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

Christian Standard Bible
So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in Zephathah Valley at Mareshah.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

American Standard Version
Then Asa went out to meet him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

Contemporary English Version
Asa met him there, and the two armies prepared for battle in Zephathah Valley.

English Revised Version
Then Asa went out to meet him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Asa went to confront him, and the two armies set up their battle lines in the Zephathah Valley at Mareshah.

Good News Translation
Asa went out to fight him, and both sides took up their positions at Zephathah Valley near Mareshah.

International Standard Version
Asa went out to engage him in battle, and they drew up their battle lines at Mareshah in the Zephathah Valley.

Majority Standard Bible
So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.

NET Bible
and Asa went out to oppose him. They deployed for battle in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.

New Heart English Bible
Then Asa went out to meet him, and they set the battle in array in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathath at Mareshah.

World English Bible
Then Asa went out to meet him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and Asa goes out before him, and they set in array [for] battle in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

Young's Literal Translation
and Asa goeth out before him, and they set battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Asa will come forth before him, and they will arrange the battle in the valley of the watch-tower to Mareshah.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Asa went out to meet him, and set his army in array for battle in the vale of Sephata, which is near Maresa:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Asa traveled to meet him, and he set up a battle line for the war in the Valley of Zephathah, which is near Mareshah.

New American Bible
Asa went out to meet him and they drew up for battle in the valley of Zephathah, near Mareshah.

New Revised Standard Version
Asa went out to meet him, and they drew up their lines of battle in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Asa went out against him, and he fought against him in the valley of Mareshah.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Asa went out against him and made war with him in the valley of Marasha.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Asa went out to meet him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephath at Mareshah.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Asa went out to meet him, and set the battle in array in the valley north of Maresa.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Asa Reigns in Judah
9Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah. 10So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah. 11Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.”…

Cross References
1 Samuel 17:45-47
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and 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. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

2 Chronicles 20:12
Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

Exodus 14:13-14
But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Joshua 10:12-14
On the day that the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” / So the sun stood still and the moon stopped until the nation took vengeance upon its enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? “So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.” / There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD listened to the voice of a man, because the LORD fought for Israel.

Judges 7:15-22
When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Get up, for the LORD has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.” / And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. / “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. ...

1 Kings 8:44-45
When Your people go to war against their enemies, wherever You send them, and when they pray to the LORD in the direction of the city You have chosen and the house I have built for Your Name, / then may You hear from heaven their prayer and their plea, and may You uphold their cause.

Psalm 20:7-9
Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. / They collapse and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. / O LORD, save the king. Answer us on the day we call.

Isaiah 31:1-3
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. / Yet He too is wise and brings disaster; He does not call back His words. He will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. / But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.

2 Kings 19:14-19
So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. / And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD: “O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. / Incline Your ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see. Listen to the words that Sennacherib has sent to defy the living God. ...

Psalm 33:16-22
No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. / Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion ...

Isaiah 37:14-20
So Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers, read it, and went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. / And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD: / “O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. ...

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Psalm 44:4-8
You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. / Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies. / For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. ...

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

Zephathah

Joshua 19:4
And Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,

Judges 1:17
And Judah went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah.

Zephath

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Array Asa Battle Drew Forces Formation Lines Mareshah Mare'shah Meet North Position Positions Valley Zephath
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2 Chronicles 14
1. Asa following, destroys idolatry
6. having peace, he strengthens his kingdom with forts and armies
9. Calling of God, he overthrows Zerah, and spoils the Ethiopians














So Asa marched out against him
The phrase begins with "So Asa," referring to King Asa of Judah, a ruler noted for his faithfulness to God and religious reforms. The Hebrew root for "marched out" (יָצָא, yatsa) implies a deliberate and strategic movement, indicating Asa's readiness and determination to confront the threat posed by Zerah the Cushite. This action reflects Asa's reliance on God, as he steps forward in faith to defend his people. Historically, Asa's reign was marked by a commitment to purging idolatry and restoring the worship of Yahweh, which set the spiritual tone for his military endeavors.

and lined up in battle formation
The phrase "lined up in battle formation" suggests a well-organized and disciplined approach to warfare. The Hebrew word for "lined up" (עָרַךְ, arak) conveys the idea of arranging or setting in order, which underscores the importance of preparation and strategy in facing adversaries. Asa's ability to organize his troops reflects his leadership skills and the divine wisdom he sought from God. This preparation is a testament to the biblical principle that faith does not negate the need for practical action and readiness.

in the Valley of Zephathah
The "Valley of Zephathah" is a specific geographical location, which provides a historical context for the battle. The valley's mention indicates a real and tangible setting, grounding the biblical narrative in history. Archaeological studies suggest that such valleys were often chosen for battles due to their strategic advantages, such as visibility and maneuverability. This choice of location demonstrates Asa's tactical acumen and God's providence in guiding His people to victory.

near Mareshah
"Near Mareshah" situates the event in a known region of Judah, further anchoring the account in a historical and geographical reality. Mareshah was a fortified city, significant in the defense of Judah. Its mention highlights the importance of strongholds and the protection they offered against invaders. In a spiritual sense, Mareshah symbolizes the fortification of faith and the need for believers to build their lives on the strong foundation of God's truth. Asa's proximity to Mareshah during the battle serves as a reminder of the security found in God's presence and promises.

(10) Then.--And.

Against him.--Before him (1Chronicles 12:17; 1Chronicles 14:8).

In the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.--This valley is not identified. The LXX. reads: ?? ?? ??????? ???? ?????? ???????, "in the ravine north of Mareshah." This would involve a change of one letter in the present Hebrew. [?aphonah "northward," for ?'phathah.] Syriac and Arabic, "in the wady of Mareshah."

Verse 10. - The valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. "At" some translate "belonging to," some more suitably to the exact connection "near." The Hebrew here for" valley" is גֵיא. It can scarcely designate necessarily a "ravine." It is a valley in the sense of being a low, fiat region, in which springs of water "broke out." From Numbers 21:20, the first occasion of its occurrence, to Zechariah 14:5 it is found fifty-six times, and is always rendered (Authorized Version) "valley;" it is the word used in the celebrated passages, "Though I walk through the valley" etc. (Psalm 23:4); and "Every valley shall be exalted" (Isaiah 40:4). The Septuagint, however, do not render it uniformly; but though they render it generally φάραξ, they also have ναπή κοίλας αὐλών, and in some cases the simple word γῆ, as e.g. ἐν γῇ (γε) Ἑννόμ, (2 Chronicles 28:3; 2 Chronicles 33:6), which, nevertheless, elsewhere they describe as φάραξ Ἑννόμ (Joshua 15:8). The full explanation may probably be that the word is used for the valley that narrowed up to a ravine-like pass, or gorge, or that opened out into one of the wide wadies of the country; but see Stanley's 'Sinai and Palestine,' Appendix, pp. 482, 483, new edit., 1866. It is supposed that Zephathah is not mentioned elsewhere, but see the Zephath of Judges 1:17; and comp. Numbers 21:3: 1 Samuel 30:30, which Keil and Bertheau think conclusively to be not the same.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Asa
אָסָ֖א (’ā·sā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 609: Asa -- perhaps 'healer', an Israelite name

marched out
וַיֵּצֵ֥א (way·yê·ṣê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

against
לְפָנָ֑יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

him and lined up
וַיַּֽעַרְכוּ֙ (way·ya·‘ar·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6186: To set in a, row, arrange, put in order

in battle formation
מִלְחָמָ֔ה (mil·ḥā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4421: A battle, war

in the Valley of Zephathah
בְּגֵ֥יא (bə·ḡê)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1516: A valley

near Mareshah.
לְמָרֵשָֽׁה׃ (lə·mā·rê·šāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4762: Mareshah -- a place in Judah, also two Israelites


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 14:10 Then Asa went out to meet him (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
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