Topical Encyclopedia Zerah, identified as the king of Ethiopia, is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of his military campaign against the Kingdom of Judah. His account is primarily found in 2 Chronicles 14, where he is depicted as a formidable adversary to King Asa of Judah.Biblical Account Zerah's encounter with Judah is recorded in 2 Chronicles 14:9-15. The text describes Zerah as leading a massive army against Judah, consisting of "a million men and three hundred chariots" (2 Chronicles 14:9). This formidable force posed a significant threat to the relatively smaller army of Judah. King Asa, recognizing the overwhelming odds, sought divine intervention. He prayed to the LORD, expressing his reliance on God's power rather than human strength: "LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let a mere mortal prevail against You" (2 Chronicles 14:11). In response to Asa's prayer, the LORD granted Judah a miraculous victory. The biblical narrative states that "the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled" (2 Chronicles 14:12). The defeat was so comprehensive that Asa and his forces pursued the fleeing Ethiopians as far as Gerar, inflicting heavy casualties and plundering their cities. Historical and Theological Context Zerah's identity as the "king of Ethiopia" (Cush) has been a subject of scholarly discussion. The term "Cush" in the Bible often refers to regions south of Egypt, which could include parts of modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia. The historical context of Zerah's campaign is not extensively detailed in extrabiblical sources, leaving much of his background and the specifics of his reign open to interpretation. From a theological perspective, the account of Zerah's defeat underscores the biblical theme of divine intervention and the power of faith. Asa's reliance on God, despite the overwhelming military disadvantage, serves as a testament to the belief that God can deliver His people from seemingly insurmountable challenges. This narrative reinforces the idea that faith and dependence on God are central to the life of the believer. Legacy and Significance Zerah's defeat had lasting implications for the Kingdom of Judah. The victory not only secured Asa's reign but also reinforced the spiritual and moral lessons of reliance on God. The plunder taken from the Cushites contributed to Judah's prosperity and stability during Asa's reign, allowing for religious reforms and a period of peace. In the broader biblical narrative, Zerah's account serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring strength of divine providence. His encounter with Asa is a vivid illustration of the biblical principle that "the battle is the LORD's" (1 Samuel 17:47), a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures. 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 Library How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ... The Antiquities of the Jews The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was Tamar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Ethan the Ezrahite in the Psalms? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of a scarlet thread? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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