Zerah the Ethiopian, led an overwhelming military force of a million strong (v9), had arrived at King Asa’s doorstep, spoiling for a fight. Their army size was almost double that of Asa’s army of 580,000 men (v8). All things being equal, the Ethiopians were four times more potent according to military concentration philosophy.
The Israelites had peace for ten years (v1). It was a time spent on building up their defences, walled the cities, built towers, gates and fortified with bars. The enjoyed prosperity (v7). None of these had prepared them to face the massive show of force from the Ethiopians. With ten years of military inactivity, there must be a lot of fear all around in facing their first war in a decade.
King Asa cried out to the Lord. He described his current state as compared to the Ethiopians. ESV describes, “And Asa cried to the Lord his God, “O Lord, there is none like you to help, between the mighty and the weak.” The Message Bible has this to say, “O God, you aren’t impressed by numbers or intimidated by a show of force once you decide to help” (v11).
King Asa threw his nation into the hands of God in his prayer. He rightly estimated his army and presented to God how powerful the enemy was. He put into perspective the predicament of Israel without God’s help. His fears humbled and brought him to God.
How do we turn our fear into an advantage? Do we recognise that fear is a signal for us to seek God?
Let us examine and learn from King Asa prayer in verses 11 and 12.
1) No one could help but God alone.
This is a great declaration of the Almighty God. Only God could make the difference in this fight between the powerful and the weak. A cry from the base of the human heart, knowing that if God did not appear, he would lose the battle.
Are raw and unplug prayers a reflection of a humble and afflicted heart?
2) They were powerless against the Ethiopians.
Humans have to face the cold hard facts. Only then they will go on their knees. With humbling, comes brokenness and God-pleasing prayers.
Why do we have to be helpless before we seek God? Is there a tendency to flex and expend whatever strength and might resident in us before we turn to God?
3) The Ethiopians were a mighty multitude.
Their army size was almost double that of Asa’s army. The battle is unwinnable. Going forward is untenable and may bring disaster. The risks of going into the battle are too high.
Have we ever gone into a situation where it was either all of God or defeat was certain? How do we respond?
4) The cry for help was simple. “Lord, help me.”
They were no levers to pull and excuses to manipulate.
Do we offer prayers or reasons to God? Do we pray for God’s help or teach Him how to help?
5) Asa total reliance on God.
There is something about a person when prostrated before God and resting in Him. A sense of peace and calm envelope those who rely on Him.
Do we flail and strive when under overwhelming pressure or rest in Him?
6) He went in His name to battle the mighty army.
The fight between David against Goliath was a good example. Asa entered into battle in the name of the Lord.
Do we pray and go in the name of the Lord?
7) Let no army prevail against God.
This was a cry for God to defend His name and His people. This is an integral part of prayer relying on the characteristics and traits of God, which upon revelation would not be withdrawn or changed.
When was the last we reminded God of His names and His ability to defend and fulfill them?
2 Chronicles 14:8-12
8 And Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah who carried shields and spears, and from Benjamin two hundred and eighty thousand men who carried shields and drew bows; all these were mighty men of valor.
9 Then Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of a million men and three hundred chariots, and he came to Mareshah. 10 So Asa went out against him, and they set the troops in battle array in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 11 And Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!”
12 So the Lord struck the Ethiopians before Asa and Judah, and the Ethiopians fled.
