And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee.

2 CHRONICLES 14:11KJV
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What does 2 Chronicles 14:11 mean?

2 Chronicles 14:11 shows King Asa praying to the LORD for help in battle, declaring that God can save whether the army is large or small. Asa puts his trust in God alone, asking that human strength not win against God’s power.

King Asa is speaking directly to the LORD (the God of Israel) as his army faces a much larger enemy force. Asa’s prayer recognizes God’s ability to help regardless of numbers or strength, and he openly admits his dependence on God. This verse highlights Asa’s humility and faith, as he appeals to God’s name and reputation in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 14:11

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, used repeatedly in Asa’s prayer to show a close, covenant relationship.
  • help (עָזַר, ‘azar): This word means to assist or support, emphasizing that Asa is not asking for a little boost, but for God’s active intervention.
  • rest (שָׁעַן, sha‘an): This word carries the sense of leaning on or relying upon, showing Asa’s total dependence on God rather than his own resources.
  • prevail (עָצַר, ‘atsar): Here, it means to overcome or defeat; Asa is asking that no human effort succeed against God.

Why 2 Chronicles 14:11 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that victory depends on human strength or numbers; Asa’s prayer focuses entirely on God’s ability to save.
  • The emphasis on God’s name and reputation shows that Asa is concerned not just for his own safety, but for how God is seen by others.
  • In the wider passage, Asa’s prayer stands out as a model of humble faith in a moment of crisis, setting the tone for how Israel’s kings should rely on God.