Topical Encyclopedia Ethiopia, in the context of the Old Testament, often refers to the region south of Egypt, known as Cush. This area was inhabited by the descendants of Cush, the son of Ham, as recorded in Genesis 10:6. The biblical narrative frequently mentions Ethiopia in relation to its interactions with Israel and other nations.One significant event involving Ethiopia is its defeat by King Asa of Judah. This event is recorded in 2 Chronicles 14, during the reign of Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah. Asa was noted for his religious reforms and efforts to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The Ethiopian invasion occurred during a time of relative peace and prosperity in Judah. Zerah the Cushite, often identified as an Ethiopian leader, advanced against Judah with a formidable army. The biblical account describes Zerah's forces as consisting of "a million men and three hundred chariots" (2 Chronicles 14:9). This massive army posed a significant threat to the smaller and less equipped forces of Judah. In response to this threat, Asa demonstrated his reliance on God. He led his troops to the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah and called upon the Lord for divine assistance. Asa's prayer is recorded in 2 Chronicles 14:11 : "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 depend on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal hinder You.'" The Lord answered Asa's prayer, granting Judah a miraculous victory over the Ethiopians. The biblical text states that "the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled" (2 Chronicles 14:12). This divine intervention resulted in a decisive defeat for the Ethiopian forces, who were pursued by Asa's army as far as Gerar. The victory was so complete that the Ethiopians were unable to recover, and Judah was able to plunder their cities, gaining much spoil. This event is significant in the biblical narrative as it underscores the theme of divine deliverance and the power of faith in God. Asa's reliance on the Lord, rather than on military might or alliances, serves as a model of faithfulness and trust in God's sovereignty. The defeat of Ethiopia by Asa is a testament to the belief that God actively intervenes in the affairs of nations to protect and preserve His people when they remain faithful to Him. The account of Ethiopia's defeat by Asa is a reminder of the biblical principle that victory comes not by human strength or numbers, but by the power and will of God. This event is a pivotal moment in the history of Judah, illustrating the blessings of obedience and the consequences of divine favor. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 14:9-15And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came to Mareshah. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 16:8 Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Who were the Cushites? | GotQuestions.orgWho was the Ethiopian eunuch? | GotQuestions.org What is the Ethiopian Orthodox Church? | GotQuestions.org Ethiopia: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ethiopia was Called the Land of Cush, Mentioned In Ethiopia: A Eunuch From, Becomes a Disciple Beause of the Preaching of Philip Ethiopia: Bordered Egypt on the South Ethiopia: Moses Marries a Woman of Ethiopia: Prophecies Concerning the Conversion of Ethiopia: The Inhabitants of, Black Ethiopia: Treats Jeremiah Kindly Ethiopia: Within the Babylonian Empire Related Terms |
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