2 Chronicles 14:13 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 14:13 mean?

2 Chronicles 14:13 describes how King Asa and his people chased the defeated Ethiopian army all the way to Gerar, completely overcoming them so that the Ethiopians could not recover. The verse emphasizes that this victory was total, with Asa’s forces taking a great amount of plunder after the battle.

The setting is a battle between Asa, king of Judah, and a large Ethiopian army. The verse highlights that the defeat of the Ethiopians happened “before the LORD, and before his host,” showing that the victory is credited to God’s presence and power, not just military strength. The mention of carrying away “very much spoil” points to the completeness of the victory and the blessings that followed for Asa’s people.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 14:13

• “Overthrown” (נָפַל, naphal) means to fall or be struck down. This word shows that the Ethiopian army was not just beaten but brought down in a decisive way.
• “Destroyed” (שָׁבַר, shavar) often means to break or shatter. Here, it stresses that the Ethiopian forces were broken apart and unable to regroup.
• “Before the LORD” (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה, lifnei YHWH) means in the presence of God. This phrase underlines that the victory was seen as happening directly under God’s authority and involvement, not just on a human battlefield.
• “Spoil” (שָׁלָל, shalal) refers to goods taken after a victory. The use of this word shows that the battle had real, tangible rewards for Asa’s people.

Why 2 Chronicles 14:13 matters

• The verse clarifies that Asa’s victory was not due to military tactics alone but was understood as an act of God’s power and favor.
• The mention of “very much spoil” connects to a common theme in the Old Testament, where God’s deliverance often brings physical blessings to His people.
• This verse ties into the wider story of Asa’s reign, showing a period of faithfulness and success when the king and people relied on God.