Topical Bible: Afflictions and Adversities: Asa

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Topical Encyclopedia

Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, is a significant biblical figure whose reign is marked by both religious reforms and personal adversities. His account is primarily found in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. Asa's life and reign provide a profound example of how a leader can experience both divine favor and personal challenges.

Religious Reforms and Early Success

Asa ascended to the throne of Judah following the reign of his father, Abijah. He is noted for his commitment to the worship of Yahweh and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. Asa's reforms included the removal of pagan altars and high places, the destruction of sacred pillars, and the cutting down of Asherah poles. He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments (2 Chronicles 14:4).

The Berean Standard Bible records Asa's early success as a result of his faithfulness: "The LORD gave him rest on every side" (2 Chronicles 14:6). This period of peace allowed Asa to fortify cities and build up the nation's defenses, preparing Judah for future challenges.

Military Challenges and Divine Deliverance

Asa's reign was not without military challenges. The most notable was the invasion by Zerah the Cushite, who came against Judah with a vast army. In response, Asa called upon the LORD, demonstrating his reliance on divine intervention: "LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude" (2 Chronicles 14:11). The LORD answered Asa's prayer, granting Judah a decisive victory and allowing them to plunder the enemy.

Later Years and Personal Adversities

Despite his early faithfulness, Asa's later years were marked by a departure from his reliance on God. When faced with the threat of Baasha, king of Israel, Asa sought an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, rather than seeking the LORD's guidance. This decision was rebuked by the prophet Hanani, who reminded Asa of God's past deliverance and criticized his reliance on human alliances (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

Asa's response to this rebuke was one of anger and oppression, as he imprisoned the prophet and oppressed some of the people (2 Chronicles 16:10). This period of Asa's reign illustrates the spiritual decline that can occur when leaders rely on their own understanding rather than seeking divine wisdom.

In his final years, Asa suffered from a severe foot disease. Yet, even in his illness, he did not seek the LORD but turned to physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). This detail underscores a significant shift in Asa's spiritual life, highlighting the consequences of turning away from God.

Legacy and Lessons

Asa's reign is a complex narrative of faithfulness, divine blessing, and personal failure. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of consistent reliance on God, especially for those in positions of leadership. Asa's initial reforms and reliance on God brought peace and prosperity to Judah, while his later reliance on human alliances and neglect of divine guidance led to personal and national adversity.

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2 Chronicles 16:12
And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his disease he sought not to the LORD, but to the physicians.
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