9th Century BC
The Kingdom of Judah was in a period of relative peace and religious reform under King Asa, who sought to return the people to the worship of Yahweh.
Judah was a small kingdom in the southern part of the divided monarchy of Israel, often threatened by surrounding nations such as Egypt and the Cushites.
The events occur in the Kingdom of Judah, with specific mention of the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah, a location in the lowlands of Judah.
The chapter highlights the importance of religious fidelity to Yahweh, as Asa removed foreign altars and high places, breaking away from syncretistic practices that had crept into Judahite worship.
Asa
King of Judah who initiated religious reforms and led the nation in a successful defense against the Cushite invasion.
Zerah the Cushite