Cushite Commander • Divided Kingdom
Zerah the Cushite was a military leader who came against King Asa of Judah with a vast army of Cushites and chariots. Asa met him in battle in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah and cried out to the Lord for help. God defeated Zerah's forces before Asa, and Judah pursued them as far as Gerar. The victory demonstrated Asa’s reliance on God and marked a significant moment of peace and strength early in his reign.
Related: Asa, Kingdom of Judah, Cushites