Resting And Relying

Tune: Finlandia

('We rest on thee, our shield and our defender')

2 Chronicles 14 v.9-15

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In King Asa of Judah's day came Zerah

The Ethiopian, to strike terror

Into the people, his host a million {1}

And three hundred chariots, not less one

Then Asa and his people to battle

Against him went, forward, they did not stall

They gathered there in Zephathahs' valley {2}

At Mareshah, and Asa there made plea {3}

To the Lord his God, saying, Lord, it be

Nothing with you to help, if with many

Or with them that have no power, so be

Help us, O Lord our God, our troubles see

For we rest on you, and in your name we go

Against this multitude, it be great foe

O Lord, you are our God, let not man prevail

Against you, but act, we your mercies tell

So the Lord the Ethiopians smote

They defeated by Asa, so 'tis wrote

They fled before him, and people pursued

Them to Gerar, they destroyed, not renewed {4}

The Lord gave victory, very much spoil

The people gathered, and did o'ercome all

Took the tents, cattle, camels, sheep many

Returned to Jerusalem, liberty {5}

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{1} It says 'a thousand thousand. This may be a million, or a 'thousand tribes or clans',

as thousand can also mean 'tribe or clan' Either way, a huge number.

{2} A valley near Mareshah.

{3} Mareshah - 25 miles SW of Jerusalem.

{4} Gerar - 26 miles SW of Mareshah.

{5} Gerar to Jerusalem - 52 miles travelling NE.