What does 2 Chronicles 14:14 teach about the consequences of opposing God's people?

Setting the Scene

• King Asa of Judah had just called on the LORD in faith (2 Chronicles 14:11).

• God answered with decisive victory over the vast Cushite army (vv. 12-13).

• Verse 14 records what happened next.

2 Chronicles 14:14

“They struck down all the cities around Gerar, for the dread of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there.”

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What the Verse Shows about Opposing God’s People

• Supernatural Fear – “the dread of the LORD had fallen upon them.”

– God Himself terrifies those who resist His covenant people (Exodus 15:14-16; Joshua 2:9-11).

• Complete Defeat – “They struck down all the cities.”

– Opposition collapses, not merely retreats (Psalm 106:10-11).

• Loss of Possessions – “They plundered… there was much plunder.”

– Resources shift to God’s side (Proverbs 13:22b; Isaiah 60:5).

• Wide-Ranging Impact – “all the cities around Gerar.”

– Resistance in the entire region is neutralized, underscoring that defying God’s people has far-reaching consequences (Deuteronomy 28:7).

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Timeless Principles

1. God personally defends those who trust Him (Genesis 12:3; Zechariah 2:8).

2. The magnitude of the opposition does not limit God’s ability to act (2 Chronicles 14:11).

3. Resistance to God’s purposes invites both fear and loss (Acts 5:39).

4. Obedient faith on the part of God’s people releases divine intervention (2 Chronicles 15:2).

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Encouragement for Believers

• Stand firm—God still protects His own.

• Pray boldly—Asa’s prayer preceded the victory.

• Expect God to vindicate—He sees every act against His people (Psalm 105:13-15).

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Caution for Opponents

• Hostility toward God’s people ultimately becomes hostility toward God Himself (1 Samuel 8:7).

• The outcome is certain loss and dread unless repentance occurs (Isaiah 54:17).

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Supporting Passages to Explore

• Exodus 14:25 – God throws the Egyptian army into confusion.

• Psalm 2:1-5 – Nations that rage against the LORD face His wrath.

• Acts 9:4 – Jesus equates persecuting believers with persecuting Himself.