Topical Bible: Seeking God: Asa

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Topical Encyclopedia

Asa, the third king of Judah and the son of Abijah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his commitment to seeking God and reforming the spiritual life of his kingdom. His reign, which lasted 41 years (circa 911–870 BC), is detailed in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. Asa's account serves as a testament to the blessings and challenges of pursuing a life dedicated to God.

Early Reforms and Devotion

Asa ascended to the throne of Judah during a time of spiritual decline and idolatry. His early reign is marked by a fervent commitment to restoring the worship of Yahweh. Asa's reforms included removing foreign altars and high places, smashing sacred stones, and cutting down Asherah poles. He commanded Judah to "seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment" (2 Chronicles 14:4). Asa's actions reflect a deep desire to align his kingdom with God's will, demonstrating his understanding that national prosperity is tied to spiritual fidelity.

Divine Favor and Military Success

Asa's dedication to seeking God brought divine favor and military success. When faced with the formidable Ethiopian army led by Zerah, Asa turned to God in prayer, acknowledging his dependence on divine intervention. He cried out, "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 responded by granting Judah a decisive victory, underscoring the power of seeking God in times of crisis.

Covenant Renewal and National Revival

Following the victory over the Ethiopians, Asa continued his spiritual reforms by leading the nation in a covenant renewal ceremony. He gathered the people of Judah and Benjamin, along with those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled in Judah, to seek the LORD wholeheartedly. The assembly entered into a covenant to seek the LORD "with all their heart and soul" (2 Chronicles 15:12). This national revival was marked by joy and peace, as the LORD granted them rest on every side.

Challenges and Reliance on Human Wisdom

Despite his early successes, Asa's later years reveal the challenges of maintaining a steadfast commitment to seeking God. When faced with the threat of Baasha, king of Israel, Asa relied on a political alliance with Ben-Hadad of Aram rather than seeking divine guidance. This decision, criticized by the prophet Hanani, resulted in a rebuke from God: "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" (2 Chronicles 16:7). Asa's reliance on human wisdom rather than divine counsel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deviating from a life centered on God.

Legacy and Lessons

Asa's reign is a complex narrative of faithfulness and human frailty. His early years exemplify the blessings of seeking God, while his later actions highlight the consequences of relying on human strength. Asa's life encourages believers to pursue a consistent and wholehearted relationship with God, recognizing that true success and peace come from divine guidance and obedience. His account remains a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking God in all aspects of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 14:7
Therefore 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Search that Always Finds
... Asa, encouraged by the prophetic words of this bold speaker ... renewed the covenant
with the Lord God of their ... as they lie, and consider the seeking, the finding ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the search that always finds.htm

Asa
... difficulties and discouragements, if he is earnestly seeking to serve ... If he waits
in prayer on God, as Joseph ... in Egypt, Daniel in Babylon, and Asa in Ahijah's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/asa.htm

Prayer and Fervency
... pledged to give us the desire of our hearts in proportion to the fervency of spirit
we exhibit, when seeking His face in ... God had heard Asa's prayer in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the necessity of prayer/v prayer and fervency.htm

Note F. --Chap. xviii the Whole Heart
... The words concerning Asa, in 2 Chronicles 15:12, 15, we had as our text. ... I cried
with my whole heart." Praise and prayer; seeking God and keeping His precepts ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/note f chap xviii the whole.htm

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... this passage is that Jehoshaphat followed in the steps of Asa his father. ... monarchy,
and walked 'not after the doings of Israel.' His seeking to God was very ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Faith and Courage.
... We are all of us seeking a blessing on our friends ... second book of Chronicles we read
that King Asa had to ... neighbor and speak to him about his soul, God is sure ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iii faith and courage.htm

The Story of God's Mighty Acts
... the myriads of Arabia were scattered by Asa in the ... it out; but when they have been
swearing, seeking to quench the Spirit by their blasphemy, God has at ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the story of gods mighty.htm

The Secret of Effectual Prayer
... Of Judah in the days of Asa it is written, "They ... that we become fully conscious of
what we are seeking. ... in their heart, without bringing them to God in the ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ix the secret of.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... all their soul,"[725] is left the record to his honour,""Asa's heart was ... I declare
things that are right."[741] And the man who, seeking God, shall ascend ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

CHAPTER III.
... idea suggests itself of an allusion to it by Hosea: "Hear ye me, Asa, and all ... The
close connection betwixt the seeking of Jehovah their God and David ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chapter iii.htm