Were not the Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host, with very many chariots and horsemen? yet, because thou didst rely on the LORD, he delivered them into thine hand.

2 CHRONICLES 16:8KJV
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2 Chronicles 16:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 16:8 mean?

2 Chronicles 16:8 recalls a past event when a large army of Ethiopians and Lubims, with many chariots and horsemen, was defeated because the people relied on the LORD. The verse points out that trusting in God, rather than military strength, led to victory.

In this verse, a prophet is speaking to King Asa of Judah, reminding him of how God delivered a powerful enemy into his hands in the past. The prophet uses this memory to challenge Asa’s recent lack of trust in God. The verse highlights the contrast between relying on human help and relying on God’s power.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 16:8

  • "rely" (שָׁעַן, sha'an): This word means to lean on or depend upon. The verse emphasizes that victory came not from Asa’s own strength, but because he leaned on the LORD.
  • "delivered" (נָתַן, natan): This word means to give or hand over. The verse stresses that it was God who handed the enemy over to Asa, not Asa’s own ability.
  • "host" (חַיִל, chayil): This word can mean army, strength, or wealth. Here, it underlines the impressive size and power of the enemy force that was defeated.

Why 2 Chronicles 16:8 matters

  • The verse clarifies that past victories were not due to military might but to dependence on God, correcting the idea that numbers or equipment guarantee success.
  • It connects directly to the surrounding story, where Asa is criticized for turning to human alliances instead of trusting God as he once did.
  • The verse highlights a recurring biblical theme: remembering God’s faithfulness in the past is meant to encourage trust in the present.

Where else these words appear

“Lubims” Hebrew H3864 · used in 4 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.
  • Daniel 11:43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.
  • Nahum 3:9 Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite; Put and Lubim were thy helpers.

“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.

“rely” Hebrew H8172 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 18:4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
  • 2 Kings 7:17 And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spake when the king came down to him.
  • Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

“horsemen” Hebrew H6571 · used in 54 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 9:22 But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bondmen: but they were men of war, and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen.
  • Isaiah 22:6 And Elam bare the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield.