And Asa and the people that were with him pursued them unto Gerar: and the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before the LORD, and before his host; and they carried away very much spoil.

2 CHRONICLES 14:13KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“recover” Hebrew H4241 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 45:5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.
  • Leviticus 13:24 Or if there be any flesh, in the skin whereof there is a hot burning, and the quick flesh that burneth have a white bright spot, somewhat reddish, or white;
  • Judges 17:10 And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, and be unto me a father and a priest, and I will give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite went in.

“Gerar” Hebrew H1642 · used in 10 verses

  • Genesis 10:19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as thou comest to Gerar, unto Gaza; as thou goest, unto Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha.
  • Genesis 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
  • Genesis 26:20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.

“Ethiopians” Hebrew H3569 · used in 19 verses

  • 2 Samuel 18:21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go tell the king what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself unto Joab, and ran.
  • 2 Chronicles 14:9 And there came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an host of a thousand thousand, and three hundred chariots; and came unto Mareshah.
  • Jeremiah 38:10 Then the king commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty men with thee, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die.

“Asa” Hebrew H609 · used in 52 verses

  • 1 Kings 15:8 And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 16:10 And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead.
  • 2 Chronicles 15:10 So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.