2 Chronicles 14:8
2 Chronicles 14:8 in Multiple Translations
Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow. All these were mighty men of valor.
And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.
And Asa had an army that bare bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.
And Asa had an army of three hundred thousand men of Judah armed with body-covers and spears, and two hundred and eighty thousand of Benjamin armed with body-covers and bows; all these were men of war.
Asa had an army made up of three hundred thousand men from Judah who carried large shields and spears, and two hundred eighty thousand men from Benjamin who carried regular shields and bows. All of them were brave warriors.
And Asa had an armie of Iudah that bare shieldes and speares, three hundreth thousande, and of Beniamin that bare shieldes and drewe bowes, two hundreth and foure score thousande: all these were valiant men.
And there is to Asa a force bearing target and spear, out of Judah three hundred thousand, and out of Benjamin, bearing shield and treading bow, two hundred and eighty thousand: all these [are] mighty of valour.
Asa had an army of three hundred thousand out of Judah who bore bucklers and spears, and two hundred eighty thousand out of Benjamin who bore shields and drew bows. All these were mighty men of valor.
And Asa had an army of men that bore targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred and eighty thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.
And Asa had in his army of men that bore shields and spears of Juda three hundred thousand, and of Benjamin that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred and eighty thousand, all these were most valiant men.
Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah. They all carried large shields and spears. He also had 280,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin in his army. They carried smaller shields, and bows and arrows. They were all brave soldiers.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Chronicles 14:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Chronicles 14:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֵּצֵ֨א
אֲלֵי/הֶ֜ם
זֶ֣רַח
הַ/כּוּשִׁ֗י
בְּ/חַ֨יִל֙
אֶ֣לֶף
אֲלָפִ֔ים
וּ/מַרְכָּב֖וֹת
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
מֵא֑וֹת
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
עַד
מָרֵשָֽׁה
וַ/יֵּצֵ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֲלֵי/הֶ֜ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
זֶ֣רַח
Zerach
H2226
Zerah
N-proper
הַ/כּוּשִׁ֗י
Kûwshîy
H3569
Cushite
Art | Ngmsa
בְּ/חַ֨יִל֙
chayil
H2428
Helech
Prep | N-ms
אֶ֣לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
אֲלָפִ֔ים
ʼeleph
H505
thousand
Adj
וּ/מַרְכָּב֖וֹת
merkâbâh
H4818
chariot
Conj | N-fp
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Adj
מֵא֑וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מָרֵשָֽׁה
Marʼêshâh
H4762
Mareshah
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Chronicles 14:8
וַ/יֵּצֵ֨א
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֜ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
זֶ֣רַח
Zerach
H2226
"Zerah"
N-proper
Zerach was a man in the Bible, mentioned in Genesis and Numbers. He was a son of Simeon and had several brothers. The name Zerach means 'rising' and is also used for other people in the Bible.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Simeon living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.10; son of: Simeon (H8095); brother of: Jemuel (H3223), Jamin (H3226), Ohad (H0161), Jachin (H3199) and Shaul (H7586H); also called Zerah at Num.26.13,20; 2x27.11,13; § Zerah or Zarah = "rising" 1) a son of Reuel and grandson of Esau, one of the dukes of the Edomites 2) twin brother of Pharez, sons of Judah and Tamar; descendants are called Zarhites, Ezrahites, and Izrahites 3) son of Simeon; also called 'Zohar' 4) a Gershonite Levite, son of Iddo of Adaiah 5) the Ethiopian or Cushite, invader of Judah in the reign of Asa who defeated the invaders; probably the same as the Egyptian king Usarken I, second king of the Egyptian 22nd dynasty or perhaps more probably Usarken II, his 2nd successor 6) another Edomite leader; possibly same as 1
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: Zarah, Zerah. See also: Genesis 36:13; Joshua 22:20; Nehemiah 11:24.
הַ/כּוּשִׁ֗י
Kûwshîy
H3569
"Cushite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Cushite is a descendant of Cush, referring to someone from Ethiopia. They are mentioned as a distinct group in the Bible.
Definition: Someone from Cush Group of kush (כּוּשׁ "Cush" H3568A) § Cushi or Ethiopian, of Cush "their blackness" one of the descendants of Cush the grandson of Noah through Ham and a member of that nation or people (TWOT) Ethiopian
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Cushi, Cushite, Ethiopian(-s). See also: 2 Samuel 18:21; 2 Chronicles 16:8; Jeremiah 13:23.
בְּ/חַ֨יִל֙
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
Prep | N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
אֶ֣לֶף
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
אֲלָפִ֔ים
ʼeleph
H505
"thousand"
Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.
וּ/מַרְכָּב֖וֹת
merkâbâh
H4818
"chariot"
Conj | N-fp
This word is also used for a chariot, a vehicle used for transportation or warfare in ancient times. It is similar to H4817 and appears in stories about the prophet Ezekiel's visions, like in Ezekiel 1:15. The word is usually translated as 'chariot' in English Bibles.
Definition: chariot
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: chariot. See also H1024 (בֵּית הַמַּרְכָּבוֹת). See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 28:18; Isaiah 2:7.
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
מֵא֑וֹת
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
וַ/יָּבֹ֖א
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מָרֵשָֽׁה
Marʼêshâh
H4762
"Mareshah"
N-proper
Mareshah was a city in the lowlands of Judah and also the name of a man from the tribe of Judah, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 4:21.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.4.21; son of: Laadah (H3935) § Mareshah = "crest of a hill" one of the cities in the lowlands of Judah
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Mareshah. See also: Joshua 15:44; 2 Chronicles 14:8; Micah 1:15.
Study Notes — 2 Chronicles 14:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Chronicles 14:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 14:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 14:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:8
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 14:8
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 14:8
- Sermons on 2 Chronicles 14:8
Context — Asa Reigns in Judah
6Because the land was at peace, Asa built fortified cities in Judah. In those days no one made war with him, because the LORD had given him rest.
7So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered.
8Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow. All these were mighty men of valor.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 13:3 | Abijah went into battle with an army of 400,000 chosen men, while Jeroboam drew up in formation against him with 800,000 chosen and mighty men of valor. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 17:14–19 | These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; next to him, Jehohanan the commander, and with him 280,000; and next to him, Amasiah son of Zichri, the volunteer for the LORD, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor. From Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, and with him 200,000 armed with bows and shields; and next to him, Jehozabad, and with him 180,000 armed for battle. These were the men who served the king, besides those he stationed in the fortified cities throughout Judah. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 11:1 | When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized the house of Judah and Benjamin—180,000 chosen warriors—to fight against Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 25:5 | Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he numbered those twenty years of age or older throughout Judah and Benjamin and found 300,000 chosen men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield. |
2 Chronicles 14:8 Summary
In 2 Chronicles 14:8, we see that Asa, the king of Judah, has a powerful army with men from Judah and Benjamin who are brave and strong. The men from Judah carry large shields and spears, while the men from Benjamin are skilled archers. This shows that God is blessing and providing for Asa and his people, just like He promises to do for those who trust in Him (Psalm 37:3-4). As we read this verse, we can remember that our strength and protection come from God, and we can trust in His power and provision in our own lives, just as Asa did (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the large shields and spears carried by the men from Judah in 2 Chronicles 14:8?
The large shields and spears carried by the men from Judah signify their role as frontline warriors, providing protection and defense for the rest of the army, much like the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:16-17.
How did the men from Benjamin contribute to the army in 2 Chronicles 14:8?
The men from Benjamin contributed to the army by bearing small shields and drawing the bow, providing agility and ranged firepower, complementing the frontline warriors from Judah, as seen in the description of the Benjamites as skilled archers in 1 Chronicles 8:40.
What does it mean that all these men were 'mighty men of valor' in 2 Chronicles 14:8?
The term 'mighty men of valor' refers to the men's strength, courage, and bravery in battle, highlighting their trust in God and their commitment to fighting for their nation, as seen in the example of David's mighty men in 1 Chronicles 11:10-47.
How does the description of Asa's army in 2 Chronicles 14:8 relate to the overall theme of the chapter?
The description of Asa's army in 2 Chronicles 14:8 highlights God's blessing and provision for Asa and the nation of Judah, as they experience a time of peace and rest, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 14:6-7, and prepares them for the upcoming battle against Zerah the Cushite in 2 Chronicles 14:9-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust in God's strength and provision, like Asa and his army, in my own life?
- How can I, like the men from Judah and Benjamin, use my unique gifts and abilities to contribute to the work of God's kingdom?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to rely on God's power and protection, rather than my own strength and abilities?
- How can I, like Asa, prioritize seeking God and trusting in His rest and provision, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Chronicles 14:8
And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand,.... These were armed with a large sort of shield, to protect them, and with spears, to push at an enemy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Chronicles 14:8
And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:8
Asa had an army; which, as it seems, he had now gathered together upon the information of Zerah’ s design against him.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:8
2 Chronicles 14:8 And Asa had an army [of men] that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these [were] mighty men of valour.Ver. 8. Two hundred and fourscore thousand.] "Little Benjamin" was grown very numerous and potent.
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:8
(8) Targets and spears.—Shield (or buckler) and lance. The large shield is meant (see 2 Chronicles 9:15). The same phrase is used to describe the warriors of Judah. (1 Chronicles 12:24.) That bare shields—i.e., the short or round shield (2 Chronicles 9:16). Drew bows.—(1 Chronicles 8:40; 1 Chronicles 12:2.) The Judæans were the hoplites, or heavy-armed; the Benjaminites the light-armed, or peltasts, as a Greek writer would have said. Three hundred thousand . . . two hundred and fourscore thousand.—A total of 580,000, warriors. (Comp. Abijah’s 400,000, 2 Chronicles 13:3.) The entire male population capable of bearing arms must be included in these high figures. Of course, such a thing as a standing army of this strength is not to be thought of. The proportion of Benjamin relatively to Judah appears much too high.
It must, however, be remembered that Benjamin was always famous as a tribe of warriors. (See Genesis 49:27; 1 Chronicles 7:6-11.) (b) OF THE CUSHITE ZERAH, AND HIS SIGNAL (2 Chronicles 14:9-15)—This Section has no Parallel in Kings.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Chronicles 14:8
Verse 8. Targets and spears] Probably targets with the dagger in the centre, and javelins for distant fight. Bare shields and drew bows] They were not only archers, but had shield and sword for close fight.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Chronicles 14:8
8. that bare targets and spears … that bare shields and drew bows] LXX., δύναμιςὁπλοφόρων (= ὁπλιτῶν) αἰρόντωνθυρεοὺςκαὶδόρατα … πελτασταὶκαὶτοξόται. The Chronicler divides Asa’s army into the heavy-armed men belonging to Judah and the light-armed bowmen belonging to Benjamin. Asa apparently had no chariots, “targets” and “shields” should be transposed as in 2 Chronicles 9:15. of Judah three hundred thousand … of Benjamin … two hundred and fourscore thousand] The total Isaiah 580,000. Under Asa’s successor, Jehoshaphat, the numbers are (2 Chronicles 17:14-18), Judah 780,000, Benjamin 380,000, making a total of 1,160,000, i.e. the double of the total given above. Whether the Chronicler drew these numbers from any ancient document is not known, but his main point seems to be that Judah was strong in the early days of Asa, while Asa shewed faith in God, and that Judah became still stronger under his really religious successor, Jehoshaphat. It is to be noted that it is not said that Asa brought these 580,000 men into the field against the Ethiopians; cp. note on 2 Chronicles 13:3.
Barnes' Notes on 2 Chronicles 14:8
The men of Judah served as heavy-armed troops, while the Benjamites were light-armed. Their numbers accord well with those of 2 Chronicles 13:3.
Sermons on 2 Chronicles 14:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
He Did Not Set His Heart by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, and his reign as king. The sermon emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and th |