(14) And they smote all the cities round about Gerar.—Philistine cities hostile to Judah. Perhaps they had helped Zerah.

For the fear of the Lord came upon them.—Or, A divine panic had fallen upon them (1Samuel 11:7; 2Chronicles 17:10; comp. also 1Samuel 4:7-8).

Spoil.—Plunder, booty. Heb. bizzah, a late word, occurring Ezekiel 29:19. The word in the last verse was shālāl, a classical expression.

2 Chronicles 14:14-15. They smote all the cities round about Gerar — Partly because they had joined with Zerah in this war, and partly because the Ethiopians had sheltered a great part of the remains of their army in them. For the fear of the Lord came upon them — That is, God struck them with such a fear, that they had no heart to withstand, or even to make any resistance against the conquerors. They smote also the tents of cattle — That is, the dwellers in tents, who were either a part of Zerah’s company, or joined with them, or had come along with them, to furnish that great host with necessary provisions. And carried away sheep and camels — Fetched them away out of the enemy’s country in vast numbers.

14:1-15 Asa's piety, He strengthens his kingdom. - Asa aimed at pleasing God, and studied to approve himself to him. Happy those that walk by this rule, not to do that which is right in their own eyes, or in the eye of the world, but which is so in God's sight. We find by experience that it is good to seek the Lord; it gives us rest; while we pursue the world, we meet with nothing but vexation. Asa consulted with his people how to make a good use of the peace they enjoyed; and concluded with them that they must not be idle, nor secure. A formidable army of Ethiopians invaded Asa's kingdom. This evil came upon them, that their faith in God might be tried. Asa's prayer is short, but it is the real language of faith and expectation from God. When we go forth in God's name, we cannot but prosper, and all things work together for the good of those whom he favours.They smote all the cities round about Gerar - The Philistines of these parts had, it is probable, accompanied Zerah in his expedition. 11-13. Asa cried unto the Lord his God—Strong in the confidence that the power of God was able to give the victory equally with few as with many, the pious king marched with a comparatively small force to encounter the formidable host of marauders at his southern frontier. Committing his cause to God, he engaged in the conflict—completely routed the enemy, and succeeded in obtaining, as the reward of his victory, a rich booty in treasure and cattle from the tents of this pastoral horde. They smote all the cities round about Gerar; partly because they had joined with Zerah in this war, and partly because the Ethiopians had sheltered a great part of the remains of the army in them.

And they smote all the cities round about Gerar,.... The cities of the Philistines, who were auxiliaries and confederates with these Ethiopians, and colonies from them, according to Theodoret, and who says, about Eleutheropolis was a place, called, in his time, Geraron Saton:

for the fear of the Lord came upon them; so that they had no power to defend themselves, and oppose the men of Judah:

and they spoiled all the cities; of the goods and substance that were in them:

for there was exceeding much spoil in them; great wealth and riches of one kind or another.

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.

(g) The Lord had stricken them with fear.