2 Chronicles 14:8
New International Version
Asa had an army of three hundred thousand men from Judah, equipped with large shields and with spears, and two hundred and eighty thousand from Benjamin, armed with small shields and with bows. All these were brave fighting men.

New Living Translation
King Asa had an army of 300,000 warriors from the tribe of Judah, armed with large shields and spears. He also had an army of 280,000 warriors from the tribe of Benjamin, armed with small shields and bows. Both armies were composed of well-trained fighting men.

English Standard Version
And Asa had an army of 300,000 from Judah, armed with large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin that carried shields and drew bows. All these were mighty men of valor.

Berean Standard Bible
Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow. All these were mighty men of valor.

King James Bible
And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
Now Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah, carrying large shields and spears, and 280,000 from Benjamin, carrying shields and wielding bows; all of them were valiant warriors.

NASB 1995
Now Asa had an army of 300,000 from Judah, bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 from Benjamin, bearing shields and wielding bows; all of them were valiant warriors.

NASB 1977
Now Asa had an army of 300,000 from Judah, bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 from Benjamin, bearing shields and wielding bows; all of them were valiant warriors.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now Asa had a military force of 300,000 from Judah, bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 from Benjamin, bearing shields and wielding bows; all of them were mighty men of valor.

Amplified Bible
Now Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah, who carried large shields and spears, and 280,000 from Benjamin, who carried shields and drew bows, all courageous men.

Christian Standard Bible
Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and two hundred eighty thousand from Benjamin bearing regular shields and drawing the bow. All these were valiant warriors.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Asa had an army of 300,000 from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 from Benjamin bearing regular shields and drawing the bow. All these were brave warriors.

American Standard Version
And Asa had an army that bare bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.

Contemporary English Version
Asa had a large army of brave soldiers: 300,000 of them were from the tribe of Judah and were armed with shields and spears; 280,000 were from Benjamin and were armed with shields and bows.

English Revised Version
And Asa had an army that bare bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: an these were mighty men of valour.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Asa had an army of 300,000 Judeans who were armed with large shields and spears and 280,000 Benjaminites who were armed with small shields and bows. All of these men were good fighting men.

Good News Translation
King Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah, armed with shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin, armed with shields and bows. All of them were brave, well-trained men.

International Standard Version
Asa kept a standing army of 300,000 soldiers from Judah equipped with large shields and spears, as well as 280,000 soldiers from Benjamin, also bearing shields and wielding bows. All of them were valiant soldiers.

Majority Standard Bible
Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow. All these were mighty men of valor.

NET Bible
Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah, equipped with large shields and spears. He also had 280,000 men from Benjamin who carried small shields and were adept archers; they were all skilled warriors.

New Heart English Bible
Asa had an army that bore bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred eighty thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Asa had an army of men that bore targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred and eighty thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.

World English Bible
Asa had an army of three hundred thousand out of Judah who bore bucklers and spears, and two hundred eighty thousand out of Benjamin who bore shields and drew bows. All these were mighty men of valor.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Asa has a force of three hundred thousand from Judah carrying buckler and spear, and two hundred and eighty thousand from Benjamin carrying shield and treading bow; all these [are] mighty men of valor.

Young's Literal Translation
And there is to Asa a force bearing target and spear, out of Judah three hundred thousand, and out of Benjamin, bearing shield and treading bow, two hundred and eighty thousand: all these are mighty of valour.

Smith's Literal Translation
And there will be to Asa an army lifting up the shield and spear, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and from Benjamin lifting up the shield and bending the bow, two hundred and eighty thousand: all these strong of power.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Asa had in his army of men that bore shields and spears of Juda three hundred thousand, and of Benjamin that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred and eighty thousand, all these were most valiant men.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now Asa had in his army three hundred thousand men of Judah, carrying shields and spears, and truly, of Benjamin, two hundred eighty thousand men with shields and bows. All of these were very valiant men.

New American Bible
Asa had an army of three hundred thousand shield- and lance-bearers from Judah, and from Benjamin two hundred and eighty thousand who carried bucklers and were archers, all of them valiant warriors.

New Revised Standard Version
Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah, armed with large shields and spears, and two hundred eighty thousand troops from Benjamin who carried shields and drew bows; all these were mighty warriors.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Asa had an army of mighty men of valour that bore swords and spears out of the tribe of Judah, three hundred thousand, and out of Benjamin, that bore breastplate and drew bows, two hundred and eighty thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Asa had mighty men of the army, the bearers of swords and spears from the house of Yehuda, three hundred thousand, and of those of the house Benjamin wearing breastplates and drawing a bow, two hundred and eighty thousand, all these mighty men of power.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Asa had an army that bore bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand; all these were mighty men of valour.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Asa had a force of armed men bearing shields and spears in the land of Juda, even three hundred thousand, and in the land of Benjamin two hundred and eighty thousand targeteers and archers: all these were mighty warriors.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Asa Reigns in Judah
7So he said to the people of Judah, “Let us build these cities and surround them with walls and towers, with doors and bars. The land is still ours because we have sought the LORD our God. We have sought Him and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered. 8Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears, and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow. All these were mighty men of valor. 9Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah.…

Cross References
1 Kings 15:14-15
The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days. / And he brought into the house of the LORD the silver and gold and the articles that he and his father had dedicated.

2 Chronicles 13:3
Abijah went into battle with an army of 400,000 chosen men, while Jeroboam drew up in formation against him with 800,000 chosen and mighty men of valor.

2 Chronicles 16:8
Were not the Cushites and Libyans a vast army with many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand.

2 Chronicles 17:14-18
These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; / next to him, Jehohanan the commander, and with him 280,000; / and next to him, Amasiah son of Zichri, the volunteer for the LORD, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor. ...

2 Chronicles 11:1
When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized the house of Judah and Benjamin—180,000 chosen warriors—to fight against Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam.

2 Chronicles 25:5-6
Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he numbered those twenty years of age or older throughout Judah and Benjamin and found 300,000 chosen men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield. / He also hired 100,000 mighty men of valor from Israel for a hundred talents of silver.

2 Chronicles 26:11-13
Uzziah had an army ready for battle that went out to war by assigned divisions, as recorded by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer under the direction of Hananiah, one of the royal officers. / The total number of family leaders of the mighty men of valor was 2,600. / Under their authority was an army of 307,500 trained for war, a powerful force to support the king against his enemies.

1 Samuel 8:11-12
He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.

1 Samuel 13:2
He chose for himself three thousand men of Israel: Two thousand were with Saul at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. And the rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own home.

1 Samuel 14:52
And the war with the Philistines was fierce for all the days of Saul. So whenever he noticed any strong or brave man, Saul would enlist him.

2 Samuel 24:9
And Joab reported to the king the total number of the troops. In Israel there were 800,000 men of valor who drew the sword, and in Judah there were 500,000.

1 Kings 10:26
Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem.

1 Kings 12:21
And when Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized the whole house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin—180,000 chosen warriors—to fight against the house of Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam son of Solomon.

1 Chronicles 21:5
And Joab reported to David the total number of the troops. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah.

1 Chronicles 27:1
This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division:


Treasury of Scripture

And Asa had an army of men that bore targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valor.

out of Judah

2 Chronicles 11:1
And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he gathered of the house of Judah and Benjamin an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.

2 Chronicles 13:3
And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valour.

2 Chronicles 17:14-19
And these are the numbers of them according to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, the captains of thousands; Adnah the chief, and with him mighty men of valour three hundred thousand…

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Army Asa Bare Bearing Benjamin Bore Bows Bucklers Drew Eighty Fourscore Hundred Judah Large Mighty Shields Spears Targets Thousand Three Valiant Valor Valour Warriors Wielding
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Army Asa Bare Bearing Benjamin Bore Bows Bucklers Drew Eighty Fourscore Hundred Judah Large Mighty Shields Spears Targets Thousand Three Valiant Valor Valour Warriors Wielding
2 Chronicles 14
1. Asa following, destroys idolatry
6. having peace, he strengthens his kingdom with forts and armies
9. Calling of God, he overthrows Zerah, and spoils the Ethiopians














Asa had an army of 300,000 men from Judah bearing large shields and spears
Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, reigned during a time of relative peace and prosperity. The mention of 300,000 men from Judah indicates a significant military force, reflecting the kingdom's strength and stability under Asa's leadership. Large shields and spears were typical armaments for heavy infantry, suggesting that Judah's forces were well-equipped for defensive and offensive operations. This military readiness underscores Asa's commitment to protecting his kingdom and upholding the covenant with God, as seen in his religious reforms (2 Chronicles 14:2-5). The large shields, likely made of wood and covered with leather, provided substantial protection in battle, while spears were effective for both throwing and thrusting.

and 280,000 men from Benjamin bearing small shields and drawing the bow
The tribe of Benjamin, known for its skilled warriors (Judges 20:16), contributed 280,000 men to Asa's army. The use of small shields and bows indicates a focus on mobility and ranged combat. Small shields, possibly made of metal or reinforced leather, allowed for greater maneuverability, while the bow was a crucial weapon for long-range attacks. This combination of forces from Judah and Benjamin highlights the unity and cooperation between the tribes, essential for the kingdom's defense. The Benjaminites' expertise with the bow is reminiscent of other biblical figures, such as Jonathan, Saul's son, who was also a skilled archer (1 Samuel 20:20).

All these were mighty men of valor
The phrase "mighty men of valor" emphasizes the courage and skill of Asa's soldiers. This term is often used in the Old Testament to describe warriors of exceptional bravery and strength, such as David's mighty men (2 Samuel 23:8-39). These men were not only physically capable but also demonstrated loyalty and dedication to their leader and cause. Their valor reflects the spiritual and moral fortitude encouraged by Asa's reforms, as he sought to lead his people in faithfulness to God. The presence of such warriors in Asa's army would have been a source of confidence and security for the kingdom, reinforcing the idea that divine favor and military might were intertwined in the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Asa
The third king of the Kingdom of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. Asa's reign is marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and a period of peace and prosperity.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It was the primary setting for Asa's reign and reforms.

3. Benjamin
One of the tribes of Israel, allied with Judah. The tribe of Benjamin provided a significant portion of Asa's military force.

4. Mighty Men of Valor
A term used to describe the brave and skilled warriors in Asa's army. This phrase emphasizes their strength and readiness for battle.

5. Large Shields and Spears / Small Shields and Bows
The specific armaments of Asa's army, indicating a well-equipped and strategically diverse military force.
Teaching Points
Faith and Preparation
Asa's army was well-prepared and equipped, reflecting the importance of being ready for spiritual battles in our own lives. Preparation involves both physical readiness and spiritual discipline.

Trust in God Over Military Might
While Asa had a formidable army, his true strength lay in his reliance on God. This teaches us to prioritize our faith in God over worldly resources or strategies.

Unity and Cooperation
The combined forces of Judah and Benjamin illustrate the power of unity and cooperation among God's people. In our communities, working together can lead to greater strength and effectiveness.

Spiritual Valor
The "mighty men of valor" serve as a metaphor for spiritual courage and integrity. We are called to be valiant in our faith, standing firm in the face of challenges.

Leadership and Influence
Asa's leadership had a profound impact on his kingdom. As leaders in our own spheres, we should strive to influence others positively and lead by example in faithfulness and righteousness.(8) Targets and spears.--Shield (or buckler) and lance. The large shield is meant (see 2Chronicles 9:15). The same phrase is used to describe the warriors of Judah. (1Chronicles 12:24.)

That bare shields--i.e., the short or round shield (2Chronicles 9:16).

Drew bows.--(1Chronicles 8:40; 1Chronicles 12:2.) The Judaeans were the hoplites, or heavy-armed; the Benjaminites the light-armed, or peltasts, as a Greek writer would have said. . . .

Verse 8. - The "ten years' quiet" (ver. 1) begins to see its end. Targets (2 Chronicles 9:15); spears (2 Chronicles 11:12); for both, see 1 Chronicles 12:24. Out of Benjamin... shields and... bows. The minuter coincidences of the history are very observable and very interesting; for see 1 Chronicles 8:40; 1 Chronicles 12:2; and much earlier, Genesis 49:27; Judges 20:16, 17.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Asa
לְאָסָ֗א (lə·’ā·sā)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 609: Asa -- perhaps 'healer', an Israelite name

had
וַיְהִ֣י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

an army
חַיִל֮ (ḥa·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

of 300,000 men
שְׁלֹ֣שׁ (šə·lōš)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

from Judah
מִֽיהוּדָה֙ (mî·hū·ḏāh)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

bearing
נֹשֵׂ֣א (nō·śê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

large shields
צִנָּ֣ה (ṣin·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6793: A hook, a, shield, cold

and spears,
וָרֹמַח֒ (wā·rō·maḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7420: A lance, the iron point

and 280,000 men
מָאתַ֥יִם (mā·ṯa·yim)
Number - fd
Strong's 3967: A hundred

from Benjamin
וּמִבִּנְיָמִ֗ן (ū·mib·bin·yā·min)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites

bearing
נֹשְׂאֵ֤י (nō·śə·’ê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

small shields
מָגֵן֙ (mā·ḡên)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 4043: A shield, a protector, the scaly hide of the crocodile

and drawing
וְדֹ֣רְכֵי (wə·ḏō·rə·ḵê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1869: To tread, to walk, to string a, bow

the bow.
קֶ֔שֶׁת (qe·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7198: A bow, for, shooting, the iris

All
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

these [were]
אֵ֖לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

mighty warriors.
גִּבּ֥וֹרֵי (gib·bō·w·rê)
Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 14:8 Asa had an army that bore bucklers (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
2 Chronicles 14:7
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