They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem.
2 CHRONICLES 14:15KJVWhat does 2 Chronicles 14:15 mean?
2 Chronicles 14:15 describes how Asa’s army, after defeating their enemies, raided the tents where livestock were kept, taking large numbers of sheep and camels, and then returned to Jerusalem. The verse shows the extent of their victory and the wealth they gained from this campaign.
This verse is part of the account of King Asa of Judah’s victory over a large Cushite (Ethiopian) army. The narrative explains that after God helped Asa’s forces win the battle, they pursued the fleeing enemy, captured their goods, and brought the spoils back to Jerusalem. The verse highlights both the military success and the material gain that followed.
The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 14:15
- "smote" (נָכָה, nakhah): This word means to strike or attack, often with the sense of defeating or destroying. Here, it emphasizes that Asa’s men not only chased the enemy but also struck at their encampments.
- "tents" (אֹהֶל, ohel): This word refers to temporary dwellings, often used by nomads or for keeping livestock. The verse points out that the army targeted the places where animals were kept, not just the soldiers.
- "cattle" (מִקְנֶה, miqneh): This word means livestock in general, not just cows. It covers all kinds of domesticated animals, which is why the verse goes on to specify sheep and camels.
- "abundance" (רֹב, rov): This word means a great quantity or multitude. The verse stresses that the amount of livestock taken was very large, underlining the scale of the victory.
Why 2 Chronicles 14:15 matters
- The verse clarifies that the victory was not just military but also economic, as Asa’s army gained significant resources by capturing livestock.
- By mentioning sheep and camels specifically, the verse shows the diversity and value of the spoils, since camels were especially prized for transport and trade.
- This detail connects to the wider story by showing how Asa’s reliance on God led to both security and prosperity for Judah, setting the stage for a period of peace in the following verses.