Topical Bible: Reproof: Despised by Asa

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Reproof, a critical aspect of biblical teaching, is often met with resistance, as exemplified in the life of King Asa of Judah. Asa, initially a king who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, eventually fell into the trap of despising reproof, which led to significant consequences for his reign and personal life.

Background of King Asa

Asa was the third king of the Kingdom of Judah and reigned for 41 years, from approximately 911 to 870 BC. He is noted for his early reforms and dedication to the worship of Yahweh, as recorded in 1 Kings 15:11, "Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done." Asa removed idols and commanded Judah to seek the Lord, demonstrating a commitment to spiritual renewal.

The Incident with Hanani the Seer

The turning point in Asa's attitude towards reproof is vividly illustrated in 2 Chronicles 16. In his 36th year of reign, Asa faced a threat from Baasha, king of Israel. Instead of relying on the Lord, Asa sought an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, by sending him treasures from the temple and his palace. This act of reliance on human alliances rather than divine intervention drew the attention of Hanani the seer.

Hanani confronted Asa with a message from God, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 : "At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him: 'Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet when you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. 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, you will be at war.'"

Asa's Reaction to Reproof

Instead of heeding the reproof and repenting, Asa reacted with anger and defiance. 2 Chronicles 16:10 states, "Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison because of his rage over this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time." Asa's response to reproof was not one of humility or repentance but rather of hostility and oppression, indicating a hardened heart.

Consequences of Despising Reproof

Asa's refusal to accept reproof had dire consequences. His reliance on human alliances led to ongoing conflict, as prophesied by Hanani. Furthermore, in the 39th year of his reign, Asa was afflicted with a severe disease in his feet. Even in his illness, Asa did not seek the Lord but relied solely on physicians, as noted in 2 Chronicles 16:12 : "In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe. Yet even in his illness he did not seek the LORD, but only the physicians."

Lessons from Asa's Life

The account of Asa serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of despising reproof. The Bible consistently teaches the value of accepting correction and the folly of rejecting it. Proverbs 12:1 states, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." Asa's life illustrates the spiritual decline that can occur when one turns away from divine correction and relies on human wisdom instead.

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2 Chronicles 16:10
Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time.
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That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... Such was Asa's covenant, such was Ahaz his confederacy ... of an invasive war, and no
reproof recorded, that ... Belial would not come, seeing they despised Saul's mean ...
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Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Asa, his gout a punishment for sin, [117]132. ... Burial, the, so ordered as to give
testimony to the Resurrection, [183]319, [184]320; a reproof to costly funerals ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm