MPV Commentary

He Overcomes Zerah, and Spoils the Ethiopians.

9. The Ethiopian army that came against Judah was led by Zerah, a powerful leader from Cush. However, it's unlikely that he would have been able to march his troops through Egypt during the reign of Osorkon I, so it's more probable that Zerah was the chief of the Cushites in Arabia, who had settled near Gerar with their flocks and herds.

The size of Zerah's army is estimated at one million men, accompanied by 300 chariots. It's possible that messengers on camels could have summoned this large force quickly, as they would have been able to carry food and water for themselves. As the aggressor, Zerah had time to gather his troops and prepare for battle.

10. King Asa marched out against Zerah with a smaller army and set up camp near Mareshah, one of the fortified towns in Judah (2Ch 11:8). The actual battle took place in a plain called the valley of Zephathah, which is believed to be located near the town of Beit Jibrin.

11-13. Before engaging with the enemy, Asa cried out to the Lord his God for help and victory. Confident that God's power could give him the upper hand, even with a smaller army, Asa marched into battle against the formidable horde of marauders at Judah's southern border. By committing his cause to God, Asa was able to defeat the enemy and claim a rich spoil from their camps, including treasure and livestock.