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This was one of the border fortresses which Jeroboam had built (2 Chronicles 11:8).
The natural capabilities of the place and its situation, so near the southwestern angle of
the country, and almost midway between Hebron and Ashdod, must have marked it as
one of the most important strategical points in the Jewish line of defensive works
against Philistia, or rather, against Egypt.^251 About two miles north of Mareshah a
beautiful valley debauches from between the hills.^252
This is the valley of Zephathah, where the relieving army of Asa, coming from the
northeast, now took up its position. Here a decisive battle took place, which ended in
the complete rout of the Egyptians. It has been well noted,^253 that this is the only
occasion on which the armies of Judah ventured to meet, and with success, either
Egypt or Babylon in the open field (not behind fortifications).
On the only other occasion when a battle in the open was fought (2 Chronicles 25:20-
24), it ended in the signal defeat of Judah. But this is only one of the circumstances
which made the victory of Asa so remarkable. Although the battle-field (a valley) must
have been unfavorable for handling so unwieldy a mass of soldiers and for deploying
their war-chariots, yet the host of Egypt was nearly double that of Asa, and must have
included well-disciplined and long-trained battalions. But, on the other hand, never
before had a battle been fought in the same manner; never had there been more distinct
negation of things seen and affirmation of things unseen - which constitutes the
essence of faith - nor yet more trustful application of it than in Asa's prayer before the
battle, "Is it not with Thee to help between the much (the mighty) relatively to no
strength (in regard to the weak)?^254
Help us, Jehovah our God, for upon Thee do we put our trust; and in Thy name have
we come (do we come) upon this multitude. O Jehovah, Thou art our God (the God of
power, Elohim): let not man retain strength by the side of Thee (have power before
Thee)!" Such an appeal could not be in vain. In the significant language of Holy
Scripture, it was "Jehovah" Who "smote" the Ethiopians, and "Asa and the people that
were with him" only "pursued them."^255 Far away to Gerar, three hours southeast from
the border city, Gaza, continued the chase amidst unnumbered slain, and still the
destroying sword of Jehovah was before His host (2 Chronicles 14:13), and His fear
fell upon all the cities round about. To wrest the hostile cities of the Philistines and to
carry away much spoil was only one sequence.
Henceforth Egypt ceased to be a source of terror or of danger, and full 330 years
passed before its army was again arrayed against Judah.^256 The occasion was too
favorable not to have been improved.
Asa had entered on a course of right-doing, and the LORD, upon Whom he and his
people had called, had proved a faithful and prayer-hearing God. If the religious
(^)