Mareshah in the Bible
The Judean city where King Asa defeated a million-man Ethiopian army through prayer.
Mareshah was a fortified city in the Shephelah of Judah. When Zerah the Ethiopian invaded with a million soldiers and 300 chariots, King Asa prayed one of the most desperate and faithful prayers in Scripture — and God gave Judah a complete victory at Mareshah.
Modern Location
Tell Sandahanna, Judean foothills, Israel
Key Biblical Events
- 1Fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:8)
- 2Asa defeats Zerah the Ethiopian (2 Chronicles 14:9–15)
- 3Asa's prayer of dependence (2 Chronicles 14:11)
- 4Eliezer prophesies against Jehoshaphat here (2 Chronicles 20:37)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee."
"So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled."
Spiritual Significance
Mareshah proves that the size of the enemy is irrelevant when God fights for you. Asa's prayer — 'It is nothing with thee to help' — is a model of faith that rests entirely on God's power.
Why Mareshah Matters
Mareshah holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 4 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Asa, Rehoboam linked to its story — Mareshah is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Rooted in the Old Testament narrative, Mareshah is referenced in 2 key scriptures that reveal God's faithfulness across generations. Mareshah proves that the size of the enemy is irrelevant when God fights for you. Asa's prayer — 'It is nothing with thee to help' — is a model of faith that rests entirely on God's power.
For today's believer, studying Mareshah is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Mareshah, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Asa encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Asa defeat a million soldiers?
Through prayer and God's intervention. Asa acknowledged that the battle was beyond human ability and rested entirely on God. The LORD struck the Ethiopian army, and they fled in complete rout.
Explore Related Content
Related Bible Locations
Jerusalem
The holy city — center of worship, prophecy, and salvation history.
Hebron
One of the oldest cities in the world — Abraham's home and David's first capital.
Hebron
City of the patriarchs — where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are buried and David was first crowned king.
Lachish
The second most important city in Judah, besieged by both Assyria and Babylon.
Where to go next
Finished reading about Mareshah? Keep exploring the places and people of Scripture.
- Explore the full Bible locations mapEvery place in Scripture, by region.Continue
- See where this fits on the Bible timelineFrom creation to the early church.Continue
- Meet the people of the BibleProfiles with verses for every major figure.Continue
- Test yourself with a Bible quizFree quizzes — every answer cites a verse.Continue
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Rehoboam in the Bible
The King Who Divided Israel
1 Kings Quiz
A journey through the reign of Solomon and the divided kingdom of Israel.
2 Kings Quiz
A journey through the miracles of Elisha and the history of the divided kingdoms
Which Tribe of Israel Are You?
Free KJV quiz — Judah, Levi, Issachar or Benjamin? Discover which of the twelve
2 Chronicles 7:14 — Meaning & Devotional
Revival
1 John 4:18 Commentary
In-depth study • Love Defeats Fear