2 Chronicles 14:14
New International Version
They destroyed all the villages around Gerar, for the terror of the LORD had fallen on them. They looted all these villages, since there was much plunder there.

New Living Translation
While they were at Gerar, they attacked all the towns in that area, and terror from the LORD came upon the people there. As a result, a vast amount of plunder was taken from these towns, too.

English Standard Version
And they attacked all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the LORD was upon them. They plundered all the cities, for there was much plunder in them.

Berean Standard Bible
and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there.

King James Bible
And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.

New King James Version
Then they defeated all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the LORD came upon them; and they plundered all the cities, for there was exceedingly much spoil in them.

New American Standard Bible
They destroyed all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of the LORD had fallen on them; and they pillaged all the cities, for there was much plunder in them.

NASB 1995
They destroyed all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of the LORD had fallen on them; and they despoiled all the cities, for there was much plunder in them.

NASB 1977
And they destroyed all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of the LORD had fallen on them; and they despoiled all the cities, for there was much plunder in them.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they struck down all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of Yahweh had fallen on them; and they plundered all the cities, for there was much plunder in them.

Amplified Bible
They attacked and destroyed all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of the LORD had fallen on them. They plundered all the cities, for there was a large amount of spoil in them.

Christian Standard Bible
Then they attacked all the cities around Gerar because the terror of the LORD was on them. They also plundered all the cities, since there was a great deal of plunder in them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then they attacked all the cities around Gerar because the terror of the LORD was on them. They also plundered all the cities, since there was a great deal of plunder in them.

American Standard Version
And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of Jehovah came upon them: and they despoiled all the cities; for there was much spoil in them.

Contemporary English Version
The people who lived in the villages around Gerar learned what had happened and were afraid of the LORD. So Judah's army easily defeated them and carried off everything of value that they wanted from these towns.

English Revised Version
And they smote all the cities round shout Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was much spoil in them:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
It attacked all the cities around Gerar because the cities were afraid of the LORD. The army looted all the cities because there were many things to take.

Good News Translation
Then they were able to destroy the cities in the area around Gerar, because the people there were terrified of the LORD. The army plundered all those cities and captured large amounts of loot.

International Standard Version
They attacked all the cities that surrounded Gerar, because fear of the LORD had overwhelmed them. The Israelis spoiled all the cities, because there was a lot to plunder in them.

Majority Standard Bible
and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there.

NET Bible
They defeated all the cities surrounding Gerar, for the LORD caused them to panic. The men of Judah looted all the cities, for they contained a huge amount of goods.

New Heart English Bible
They struck all the cities around Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came on them: and they plundered all the cities; for there was a great amount of plunder in them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And they smote all the cities about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came upon them: and they plundered all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.

World English Bible
They struck all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of Yahweh came on them. They plundered all the cities, for there was much plunder in them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and strike all the cities around Gerar, for a fear of YHWH has been on them, and they spoil all the cities, for abundant spoil has been in them;

Young's Literal Translation
and smite all the cities round about Gerar, for a fear of Jehovah hath been upon them, and they spoil all the cities, for abundant spoil hath been in them;

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will strike all the cities round about the lodging-place; for the fear of Jehovah was upon them: and they will plunder all the cities; for much plunder was in them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they took all the cities round about Gerara: for a great fear was come upon all men: and they pillaged the cities, and carried off much booty.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they struck all the cities surrounding Gerar. For indeed, a great fear had overwhelmed everyone. And they despoiled the cities, and they carried away much plunder.

New American Bible
Then the Judahites conquered all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the LORD was upon them; they plundered all the cities, for there was much plunder in them.

New Revised Standard Version
They defeated all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the LORD was on them. They plundered all the cities; for there was much plunder in them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they smote all the cities round about Gedar, for the fear of the LORD came upon them; and they plundered all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they attacked all the cities with the sword that were around Gadar because the awe of LORD JEHOVAH was upon them, and they plundered all the cities, because much spoil was in them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for a terror from the LORD came upon them; and they spoiled all the cities; for there was much spoil in them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they destroyed their towns roundabout Gedor; for a terror of the Lord was upon them: and they spoiled all their cities, for they had much spoil.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Asa Reigns in Judah
13Then Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. The Cushites fell and could not recover, for they were crushed before the LORD and His army. So the people of Judah carried off a great amount of plunder 14and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there. 15They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen and carried off many sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem.…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 15:6
Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God afflicted them with all kinds of adversity.

2 Chronicles 17:10
And the dread of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat.

2 Chronicles 20:29
And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.

1 Samuel 14:15
Then panic struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked, and panic spread from God.

2 Kings 19:7
Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’”

Isaiah 37:7
Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’”

Exodus 23:27
I will send My terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn and run.

Deuteronomy 2:25
This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon all the nations under heaven. They will hear the reports of you and tremble in anguish because of you.”

Joshua 2:9
and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you.

Joshua 5:1
Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites.

Judges 7:21
Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran.

1 Samuel 7:10
As the Philistines drew near to fight against Israel, Samuel was offering up the burnt offering. But that day the LORD thundered loudly against the Philistines and threw them into such confusion that they fled before Israel.

1 Samuel 14:20
Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor.

2 Kings 7:6-7
For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives.

Psalm 48:4-6
For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together. / They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror. / Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.


Treasury of Scripture

And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of the LORD came on them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.

the fear

2 Chronicles 17:10
And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

2 Chronicles 20:29
And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the LORD fought against the enemies of Israel.

Genesis 35:5
And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

exceeding

2 Chronicles 20:25
And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.

Judges 14:19
And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house.

2 Kings 7:7,8
Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life…

Jump to Previous
Cities Despoiled Destroyed Dread Exceeding Fallen Fear Gerar Goods Overcame Plunder Plundered Round Smote Spoil Spoiled Stores Struck Terror Towns Wealth
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Cities Despoiled Destroyed Dread Exceeding Fallen Fear Gerar Goods Overcame Plunder Plundered Round Smote Spoil Spoiled Stores Struck Terror Towns Wealth
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














and attacked all the cities around Gerar
This phrase refers to the military campaign led by King Asa of Judah after his victory over the Cushites. Gerar was a Philistine city located in the Negev region, southwest of Judah. Historically, Gerar was a significant city during the time of the patriarchs, as seen in Genesis 20 and 26, where Abraham and Isaac had interactions with the Philistine king Abimelech. The attack on the cities around Gerar signifies a strategic move to secure Judah's borders and eliminate potential threats. This action reflects the common practice of ancient Near Eastern kings to expand their influence and secure their territories after a military victory.

because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them
The "terror of the LORD" indicates a divine intervention that instilled fear in the hearts of the inhabitants of the surrounding cities. This concept is seen throughout the Old Testament, where God causes fear to fall upon Israel's enemies, leading to their defeat (e.g., Exodus 23:27, Joshua 2:9). It underscores the belief that God actively participates in the affairs of His people, granting them victory over their adversaries. This divine terror serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled through His chosen leaders.

They plundered all the cities
Plundering was a common practice in ancient warfare, where the victors would seize goods, livestock, and other valuables from the defeated. This act not only enriched the victors but also served as a means of weakening the enemy. In the context of Asa's campaign, the plundering of the cities around Gerar would have provided Judah with resources and wealth, strengthening the kingdom economically and militarily. This action also reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to bless and protect His people when they are obedient to His commands.

since there was much plunder there
The abundance of plunder indicates the prosperity of the cities around Gerar before their defeat. This detail highlights the extent of the victory achieved by Asa and his forces. The wealth acquired from these cities would have been significant, contributing to the prosperity and stability of Judah during Asa's reign. This phrase also serves as a testament to God's provision for His people, rewarding their faithfulness and reliance on Him for victory.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Asa
The King of Judah who led the nation in a period of religious reform and military success. His reliance on God brought peace and victory.

2. Gerar
A city in the region of the Philistines, which was attacked by Asa's forces. It represents the enemies of Judah during Asa's reign.

3. The Fear of the LORD
A divine influence that caused terror among the enemies of Judah, leading to their defeat and the subsequent plundering by Asa's forces.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, led by King Asa during this time. Judah experienced a period of peace and prosperity under Asa's leadership.

5. The Plunder
The wealth and goods taken from the cities around Gerar, symbolizing God's provision and blessing upon Judah for their faithfulness.
Teaching Points
The Power of Divine Fear
The fear of the LORD can be a powerful force that protects and delivers His people from their enemies. It is not merely an emotion but a divine influence that can change circumstances.

Faithfulness Leads to Victory
Asa's reliance on God and his commitment to religious reform brought about military success. Our faithfulness to God can lead to victories in our own lives.

God's Provision in Times of Need
The plundering of the cities around Gerar demonstrates God's provision for His people. Trusting in God can lead to unexpected blessings and resources.

The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
Asa's leadership was crucial in guiding Judah back to faithfulness. Spiritual leaders today have a significant role in directing others towards God.(14) And they smote all the cities round about Gerar.--Philistine cities hostile to Judah. Perhaps they had helped Zerah.

For the fear of the Lord came upon them.--Or, A divine panic had fallen upon them (1Samuel 11:7; 2Chronicles 17:10; comp. also 1Samuel 4:7-8).

Spoil.--Plunder, booty. Heb. bizzah, a late word, occurring Ezekiel 29:19. The word in the last verse was sh?l?l, a classical expression.

Verse 14. - The fear of the Lord came upon them; i.e. on the cities round about Gerar. This and the following verse illustrate in particular the very graphic character which attaches to the entire stretch of the description of the scene, introduced so suddenly in ver. 9 and closing with ver. 15. Much spoil. The Hebrew word here used for "spoil" (בִּזָּה) is found only in Chronicles, Ezra, Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel, and once in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 29:19).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
and attacked
וַיַּכּ֗וּ (way·yak·kū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5221: To strike

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the cities
הֶֽעָרִים֙ (he·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

around
סְבִיב֣וֹת (sə·ḇî·ḇō·wṯ)
Adverb
Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around

Gerar,
גְּרָ֔ר (gə·rār)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1642: Gerar -- a place South of Gaza

because
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the terror
פַֽחַד־ (p̄a·ḥaḏ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6343: A, alarm

of the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

had fallen
הָיָ֥ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

upon them.
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם (‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

They plundered
וַיָּבֹ֙זּוּ֙ (way·yā·ḇōz·zū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 962: To spoil, plunder

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the cities,
הֶ֣עָרִ֔ים (he·‘ā·rîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

since
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

there was
הָיְתָ֥ה (hā·yə·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

much
רַבָּ֖ה (rab·bāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

plunder
בִזָּ֥ה (ḇiz·zāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 961: Spoil, booty

there.
בָהֶֽם׃ (ḇā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 14:14 They struck all the cities around Gerar (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 14:13
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