Zephathah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of a significant military encounter during the reign of King Asa of Judah. The Valley of Zephathah is noted in 2 Chronicles 14:10 as the site where King Asa faced the formidable Ethiopian (Cushite) army led by Zerah.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to Zephathah is found in 2 Chronicles 14:10 : "So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah." This passage highlights the strategic importance of the valley as a battleground during Asa's reign.

Historical Context:

The event at Zephathah occurred during a period of relative peace and religious reform in Judah under King Asa. Asa, noted for his faithfulness to the LORD, had undertaken significant religious reforms, removing foreign altars and high places, smashing sacred stones, and cutting down Asherah poles (2 Chronicles 14:3-5). His reliance on God is further emphasized in the narrative of the battle at Zephathah.

The Battle:

The confrontation at Zephathah was a pivotal moment for Asa and the kingdom of Judah. Zerah the Cushite came against Judah with a vast army, described as numbering a million men and 300 chariots (2 Chronicles 14:9). Despite being outnumbered, Asa's response was one of faith and reliance on divine intervention. He prayed to the LORD, saying, "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" (2 Chronicles 14:11).

God answered Asa's prayer, and the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, leading to a decisive victory (2 Chronicles 14:12). The victory at Zephathah was attributed to divine intervention, underscoring the theme of reliance on God for deliverance and success.

Geographical Significance:

The Valley of Zephathah is located near Mareshah, a city in the lowland region of Judah. Mareshah itself was a fortified city, strategically positioned along important trade and military routes. The exact location of the Valley of Zephathah is not definitively known today, but its proximity to Mareshah suggests it was a significant site for military engagements.

Theological Implications:

The account of the battle at Zephathah serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and reliance on God. Asa's prayer and subsequent victory highlight the biblical principle that God is a refuge and strength for those who trust in Him, regardless of the odds they face. This narrative reinforces the theme of divine sovereignty and the belief that God actively intervenes in the affairs of His people to bring about His purposes.

In summary, Zephathah is remembered as the site of a miraculous victory for Judah under King Asa, demonstrating the power of faith and the providence of God in the history of His people.Zephathah

(watch-tower), The valley of, the spot in which Asa joined battle with Zerah the Ethiopian. (2 Chronicles 14:10) only.

Zephathah

A valley near Mareshah, south-west of Jerusalem, where Asa defeated Zerah the Cushite, 2 Chronicles 14:10.

A valley in the west of Judah, near Mareshah; the scene of Asa's conflict with Zerah the Ethiopian (2 Chronicles 14:9-13). Identified with the Wady Safieh. ZEPHATHAH, VALLEY OF

zef'-a-tha (ge'tsephathah; Septuagint kata borran, reading tsephoah, instead of tsephathah): This is the place where Asa met and defeated the Ethiopians under Zerah (2 Chronicles 14:10). It is said to be at Mareshah. No name resembling this has been recovered there. Possibly, therefore, the Septuagint rendering is right, "in the ravine to the North of Mareshah." In that case the battle may have been fought in Wady el-`Afranj.

6859. Tsephathah -- a valley in Judah
... 6858, 6859. Tsephathah. 6860 . a valley in Judah. Transliteration: Tsephathah
Phonetic Spelling: (tsef-aw'-thaw) Short Definition: Zephathah. ... Zephathah. ...
/hebrew/6859.htm - 6k

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... Now when Zerah had passed so far with his own army, Asa met him, and put his army
in array over against him, in a valley called Zephathah, not far from the city ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

Zephathah (1 Occurrence)
... Identified with the Wady Safieh. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZEPHATHAH,
VALLEY OF. ... Multi-Version Concordance Zephathah (1 Occurrence). ...
/z/zephathah.htm - 7k

Zephath (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 14:10 Then Asa went out to meet him, and they set the battle
in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. (Root ...
/z/zephath.htm - 7k

Mareshah (8 Occurrences)
... It occupied such a position that Rehoboam thought well to fortify it for the protection
of Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 11:8). In the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah ...
/m/mareshah.htm - 11k

Zerah (22 Occurrences)
... days of Asa (2 Chronicles 14:9-15). He reached Zephathah, and there encountered
the army of Asa. This is the only instance "in all ...
/z/zerah.htm - 19k

Zeph'athah (1 Occurrence)
Zeph'athah. Zephathah, Zeph'athah. Zephathath . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Zephathah, Zeph'athah. Zephathath . Reference Bible.
/z/zeph'athah.htm - 6k

Untoward (1 Occurrence)
... (ge' chizzayon): A symbolic name generally understood to signify Jerusalem as being
the home of prophetic vision (Isaiah 22:1, 5). ZEPHATHAH, VALLEY OF. ...
/u/untoward.htm - 9k

Formation (11 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). 2 Chronicles 14:10 and Asa goeth out before him, and they set battle
in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. (See NAS). ...
/f/formation.htm - 10k

Lines (42 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Chronicles 14:10 Then Asa went out to meet him, and they set the battle
in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. (See RSV). ...
/l/lines.htm - 19k

Vale (20 Occurrences)
... valley of the son of Hinnom" (Joshua 15:8); "valley of Slaughter" (Jeremiah 7:32);
"valley of Zeboim" (1 Samuel 13:18); "valley of Zephathah" (2 Chronicles 14 ...
/v/vale.htm - 29k

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