Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Asa's father Abijah had died, and they buried him in the city of David. Asa, his son, took over as king and led Judah during a decade-long period of peace.

Asa made sure to do what was good and right in God's sight by removing foreign altars, high places, and sacred objects that didn't belong in their worship. He broke down the pillars and cut down Asherah poles, encouraging the people of Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and obey his laws.

Asa's actions were aimed at purifying their faith by eliminating idolatrous influences. He tore down altars dedicated to foreign gods and shattered their images. The sacred groves were also cut down as Asa sought to root out any remaining pagan practices in Judah.

Asa continued to do what was good and right in the eyes of Jehovah his God, commanding the people of Judah to seek the Lord God of their ancestors and follow his laws and commands. He worked tirelessly to remove every remnant of idolatry from the land, instructing Judah to worship only the one true God.

Asa's efforts were successful, and he cleared the kingdom of high places and idols. The people prospered under his leadership as a result of their increased devotion to God. During this time, Asa built fortified cities throughout Judah, which brought stability and security to the region.

The people realized that they had been given a rare opportunity to build and fortify these cities while they still could, for they had sought the Lord their God and he had given them rest on every side. With the land at peace, they set out to construct fortified walls, towers, gates, and bars, all the while trusting in the Lord's provision.

Asa assembled an army of three hundred thousand mighty warriors from Judah who carried shields and spears. From Benjamin, he gathered another two hundred eighty thousand men, each equipped with shields and bows. This formidable force stood ready to defend their kingdom against any threat that might arise.

Meanwhile, a massive army led by Zerah the Ethiopian approached Mareshah, threatening Asa's rule. The force of Ethiopians numbered in the millions, but Asa refused to back down. He trusted in the Lord and marched out to meet his enemies at Mareshah in the valley of Zephathah.

Asa called upon God, praying, "Lord, it doesn't matter whether you help us with a large or small army; help us, O Lord our God, because we rely on you. We're fighting against this multitude in your name, and You are our God—no one can prevail against you."

The Lord answered Asa's prayer by striking down the Ethiopian forces before him and Judah. The enemy fled in disarray.

Asa and his army pursued them into Gerar, where they completely defeated the Ethiopians, leaving none to recover or escape. They were destroyed before the Lord and His mighty army, and the people of Judah took a vast amount of plunder from their enemies' encampments, carrying off sheep and camels in abundance.

They returned to Jerusalem as victors, having struck down the enemy's livestock and claimed their spoils for themselves.