Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: 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 religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, as well as for his reliance on God during times of conflict. Asa's account is primarily found in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16.Background and Reign: Asa was the son of Abijah and the grandson of Rehoboam, making him a direct descendant of King David. He ascended to the throne of Judah in the twentieth year of Jeroboam's reign over Israel. Asa's reign is marked by a commitment to restoring the worship of Yahweh and purging the land of pagan practices. Religious Reforms: Asa is commended for his zealous reforms. He removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. Asa commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments. The Bible records, "Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done" (1 Kings 15:11). Military Conflicts and Reliance on God: Asa's reign was not without conflict. Early in his reign, he faced a significant threat from Zerah the Cushite, who marched against Judah with a vast army. Asa called upon the LORD, saying, "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. O LORD, You are our God; do not let a mere mortal prevail against You" (2 Chronicles 14:11). God granted Asa victory, and the Cushites were defeated. Covenant Renewal: Following his victory, Asa led the people in a covenant renewal ceremony, where they pledged to seek the LORD with all their heart and soul. This covenant was marked by a great sacrifice and a public commitment to follow the LORD, resulting in a period of peace and prosperity for Judah. Later Years and Decline: In the latter part of his reign, Asa's faith wavered. When Baasha, king of Israel, fortified Ramah to blockade Judah, Asa sought help from Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, rather than relying on God. This decision was rebuked by the prophet Hanani, who reminded Asa of his earlier reliance on the LORD. Asa's response was one of anger, and he imprisoned the prophet. The Bible notes that Asa's later years were marked by illness, yet he did not seek the LORD but relied on physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). Death and Legacy: Asa died in the forty-first year of his reign and was buried in the city of David. Despite his shortcomings in his later years, Asa is remembered for his early reforms and his initial reliance on God. His reign set a precedent for future kings of Judah, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to the covenant with God. Significance: Asa's life serves as a reminder of the importance of steadfast faith and reliance on God. His account illustrates the blessings that come from obedience and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance. Asa's reign is a testament to the enduring legacy of Davidic kingship and the ongoing struggle to maintain covenant faithfulness in the face of external and internal challenges. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 14:7Therefore he said to Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the LORD our God, we have sought him, and he has given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered. Nave's Topical Index Library The Search that Always Finds Resources What is an attractional church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be missional? Should Christians be missional? | GotQuestions.org Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.org Seeker: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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