During the reign of King Asa, the kingdom of Judah experienced both spiritual renewal and periods of backsliding. Asa, the third king of Judah, is noted for his initial commitment to the ways of the Lord, as he sought to reform the nation and lead it back to the worship of Yahweh. However, despite his early zeal, the latter part of his reign was marked by a departure from complete reliance on God, illustrating the recurring theme of backsliding among God's people.

Asa's Early Reforms

King Asa began his reign with a strong commitment to purging idolatry from Judah. He removed foreign altars and high places, shattered sacred pillars, and cut down Asherah poles. Asa commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments. His reforms were comprehensive, as he also deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole (2 Chronicles 15:16).

The Berean Standard Bible records Asa's dedication: "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God" (2 Chronicles 14:2). His actions led to a period of peace and prosperity, as the Lord granted him rest on every side (2 Chronicles 14:6).

The Covenant Renewal

In the fifteenth year of Asa's reign, the prophet Azariah, son of Oded, encouraged Asa and the people of Judah to remain faithful to the Lord. In response, Asa led the people in a covenant renewal ceremony, where they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul. The people rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn it wholeheartedly, and the Lord gave them rest on every side (2 Chronicles 15:12-15).

Asa's Backsliding

Despite his early faithfulness, Asa's reliance on God waned in his later years. When faced with the threat of Baasha, king of Israel, Asa sought an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, rather than relying on the Lord. He took silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the Lord and the king's house to secure this alliance (2 Chronicles 16:2-3).

The prophet Hanani rebuked Asa for his lack of trust in God, reminding him of the Lord's past deliverance from the Cushites and Libyans. Hanani declared, "For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on, therefore, you will be at war" (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Asa's Response and Final Years

Instead of repenting, Asa reacted with anger towards Hanani, imprisoning the prophet. His heart hardened, Asa also oppressed some of the people at that time (2 Chronicles 16:10). In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa was afflicted with a severe disease in his feet. Yet, even in his illness, he did not seek the Lord but relied on physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12).

Asa's reign serves as a poignant example of the dangers of backsliding. His initial reforms and dedication to God brought peace and prosperity, but his later reliance on human alliances and refusal to seek the Lord in times of trouble led to conflict and personal suffering. The narrative of Asa's reign underscores the importance of steadfast faith and reliance on God throughout one's life.2 Chronicles 15:1
And the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded:
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Backslider: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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