14:3 For he took away the altars of the strange [gods], and the
high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the
a groves:
(a) Which were planted contrary to the Law, (De 16:21).
14:5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high
places and the images: and the kingdom was b quiet before
him.
(b) He shows that the rest and quietness of kingdoms stands
in abolishing idolatry and advancing true religion.
14:7 Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities,
and make about [them] walls, and towers, gates, and bars,
[while] the land [is] yet c before us; because we have
sought the LORD our God, we have sought [him], and he hath
given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.
(c) While we have the full government of it.
14:9 And there came out against them Zerah the d Ethiopian
with an host of a million, and three hundred
chariots; and came unto e Mareshah.
(d) The king of Ethiopia, or Egypt.
(e) Which was a city in Judah, (Jos 15:44) where
Michaiah the prophet was born.
14:11 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, [it
is] nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with
them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we
rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this
multitude. O LORD, thou [art] our God; f let not man
prevail against thee.
(f) Thus the children of God neither trust in their own
power or policy, nor fear the strength and subtilty of
their enemies, but consider the cause and see whether
their enterprises tend to God's glory, and thereupon
assure themselves of the victory by him, who alone is
Almighty and can turn all flesh into dust with the
breath of his mouth.
14:14 And they smote all the cities round about Gerar; for the
g fear of the LORD came upon them: and they spoiled all
the cities; for there was exceeding much spoil in them.
