Topical Encyclopedia The account of King Asa's prayer before battle is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, illustrating the power of faith and reliance on God in times of military conflict. Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to lead his people back to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is marked by a period of peace and prosperity, attributed to his faithfulness to God.The specific event of Asa's prayer occurs during a confrontation with Zerah the Ethiopian, who invaded Judah with a vast army. This battle is detailed in 2 Chronicles 14:9-15. Asa faced a formidable adversary, as Zerah's forces were described as a "million men and three hundred chariots" (2 Chronicles 14:9). Despite the overwhelming odds, Asa's response was not one of fear or reliance on military might, but rather a profound act of faith. In 2 Chronicles 14:11 , Asa's prayer is recorded: "Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: 'LORD, there is no one besides You to help the mighty and those without strength. Help us, LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.'" This prayer is a powerful declaration of Asa's dependence on God, acknowledging that victory comes not from human strength but from divine intervention. Asa's prayer reflects several key theological themes: 1. Recognition of God's Sovereignty: Asa acknowledges that God alone has the power to save, whether the need is great or small. This recognition of divine sovereignty is central to the biblical understanding of God's relationship with His people. 2. Reliance on Divine Strength: Asa's plea for help underscores the biblical principle that human strength is insufficient without God's aid. This reliance is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the need for faith and trust in God's provision. 3. Invocation of God's Name: By invoking God's name, Asa aligns his cause with God's purposes, seeking not just personal or national victory, but the vindication of God's power and glory. 4. Human Limitation and Divine Power: Asa's prayer contrasts human frailty with divine omnipotence, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. It serves as a reminder that God's power is made perfect in human weakness (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9). The outcome of Asa's prayer and the subsequent battle is a testament to God's faithfulness. The LORD struck down the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, leading to a decisive victory (2 Chronicles 14:12). This victory not only secured Judah's safety but also reinforced the importance of seeking God's guidance and intervention in all aspects of life, including warfare. Asa's prayer before battle remains a powerful example of faith in action, demonstrating the importance of turning to God in times of crisis and trusting in His ability to deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable challenges. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 14:11And 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. Nave's Topical Index Library Asa's Prayer Chronicles National Apostasy Jehoshaphat Faith and Courage. Book 5 Footnotes Washed to Greater Foulness Demonstration vi. --Of Monks. A Discourse The Puritan Conflict. Resources What are the Christian themes in The Last Battle? | GotQuestions.orgIs the war in heaven in Revelation 12 describing Satan's original fall or an end times angelic battle? | GotQuestions.org What are Gog and Magog? | GotQuestions.org Battle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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