898 b.c.

At some point during Asa’s long and prosperous reign over Judah, Zerah the Ethiopian led a vast army from the south to attack Judah at a valley near Mareshah. Asa’s army routed Zerah’s forces and pursued them to Gerar until none of them remained. Perhaps as punishment for Philistia allowing Zerah’s army to pass through their nation, Asa’s men then plundered many towns in the region around Gerar before returning to Jerusalem.