Topical Bible: Prayer: Answered: Asa, for Victory Over Zerah

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Context and Background:
Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, reigned during a period marked by religious reform and military challenges. His reign is chronicled in the Old Testament, primarily in 2 Chronicles 14-16. Asa is noted for his commitment to the worship of Yahweh and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. His reliance on God is exemplified in his response to the threat posed by Zerah the Cushite, who invaded Judah with a formidable army.

The Threat of Zerah:
Zerah the Cushite, identified as an Ethiopian leader, posed a significant threat to Asa's kingdom. According to 2 Chronicles 14:9, Zerah came against Judah with an army of a million men and 300 chariots, advancing as far as Mareshah. This overwhelming force presented a dire situation for Asa and his comparatively smaller army.

Asa's Prayer:
Faced with this daunting challenge, Asa turned to God in prayer, demonstrating his faith and dependence on divine intervention. In 2 Chronicles 14:11 , Asa's prayer is recorded: "Then 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.'"

Asa's prayer is a profound expression of trust in God's power and sovereignty. He acknowledges the might of the enemy but appeals to God's ability to aid the powerless. Asa's reliance on God is evident as he invokes the divine name, emphasizing that the battle is not merely against Judah but against God Himself.

God's Response and Victory:
In response to Asa's earnest prayer, God granted Judah a miraculous victory. 2 Chronicles 14:12 states, "So the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled." The divine intervention was decisive, leading to a rout of Zerah's forces. Asa and his army pursued the Cushites, capturing much spoil and securing peace for Judah.

Significance:
The account of Asa's prayer and the subsequent victory over Zerah underscores several key themes in the biblical narrative. It highlights the power of prayer and the importance of seeking God's help in times of crisis. Asa's example serves as a model of faith and reliance on God, demonstrating that divine assistance can overcome even the most formidable human adversaries.

Furthermore, this event illustrates the covenant relationship between God and His people. Asa's appeal to God and the resulting victory reaffirm the idea that God is actively involved in the affairs of those who trust in Him. The narrative reinforces the belief that God honors the prayers of the faithful and intervenes on their behalf, providing deliverance and victory in accordance with His will.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 14:11-15
And Asa cried to the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with you to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on you, and in your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let no man prevail against you.
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The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Solomon, and the repeated changes of dynasty in Israel"Asa and Baasha ... And he that
brought the tidings answered and said, Israel is ... After the victory at Gilboa ...
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