14:1 slept with his ancestors See note on 9:31.

Asa his son became king Asa reigned in the southern kingdom of Judah from about 910–873 bc. His reign spanned the reign of six different northern kings.

the land was at rest Although Asa had peace for 10 years, his reign included conflict at the beginning (vv. 9–15) and end (16:1–6).

14:2 good and right While Asa remains faithful for most of his reign, his reign ends negatively (16:7–12).

14:3 He removed the foreign altars and high places Built during Rehoboam’s reign (see note on 12:1).

Altars in the Old Testament Table

Asherahs Typically refers to sacred poles or trees used to worship the Canaanite goddess Asherah (Deut 16:21), who is associated with sexual fertility and sacred prostitution (2 Kgs 23:7; see note on Exod 34:13). Asherah often is mentioned alongside Baal (Judg 3:7; 1 Kgs 18:19).

14:4 to seek Yahweh The theme of seeking God, present throughout 1–2 Chronicles, is especially prevalent in the account of Asa (see note on 2 Chron 11:16).

14:6 he built fortified cities in Judah Just as Rehoboam did (11:5).

14:7 he has given rest to us on every side The peace enjoyed by Judah during Asa’s reign is a direct result of Judah’s seeking God.

14:9 Zerah the Cushite The identity of Zerah is unknown.

with an army of a thousand thousands Literally “a thousand thousands.” This phrase indicates a large army rather than a specific number.

14:10 Mareshah A fortified city (11:8) south of Jerusalem. The precise location of the Valley of Zephathah is unknown.

14:11 we rely upon you Relying on God—along with seeking God (see note on v. 4)—is a theme in the Chronicler’s portrayal of Asa (14:1–16:14).

14:12 So Yahweh defeated the Cushites See note on 13:15.

14:13 Gerar A town in the Negev, the arid region of southern Judah.

14:15 the tents of the herdsmen Could indicate that Zerah and his army were traveling Bedouins (see note on v. 9).