Asa, the third king of Judah, is noted for his initial faithfulness to God and his religious reforms. However, his reaction to a prophetic rebuke marks a significant turning point in his reign. This event is recorded in 2 Chronicles 16, where Asa's response to the prophet Hanani's admonition reveals a shift in his reliance on God.

Background

Asa began his reign with a strong commitment to the Lord, removing idols and commanding Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to obey His laws and commandments (2 Chronicles 14:2-4). His early years were marked by peace and prosperity, attributed to his faithfulness. Asa's reliance on God was evident when he faced the Cushite invasion; he cried out to the Lord, and God granted him victory (2 Chronicles 14:11-12).

The Rebuke

In the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign, Baasha, king of Israel, fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Asa's territory. Instead of seeking the Lord's guidance, Asa formed an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, by sending him silver and gold from the treasuries of the Lord's temple and the royal palace (2 Chronicles 16:2-3). This political maneuver succeeded in breaking Baasha's blockade, but it demonstrated Asa's reliance on human alliances rather than divine intervention.

The prophet Hanani confronted Asa with a rebuke from the Lord: "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). Hanani reminded Asa of the Lord's past deliverance from the Cushites and Libyans, emphasizing that 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" (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Asa's Reaction

Asa's reaction to Hanani's rebuke was one of anger and defiance. Instead of repenting and seeking the Lord's forgiveness, Asa imprisoned the prophet. Furthermore, Asa began to oppress some of the people at the same time (2 Chronicles 16:10). This response marked a departure from his earlier humility and reliance on God, showcasing a hardened heart and a refusal to accept correction.

Later Years

Asa's later years were marred by further reliance on human means rather than divine help. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a severe disease in his feet. Yet, even in his illness, he did not seek the Lord but turned to physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). Asa's failure to seek God in his time of need underscores the spiritual decline that began with his reaction to Hanani's rebuke.

Significance

Asa's reaction to the prophetic rebuke serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and self-reliance. His initial faithfulness and subsequent failure highlight the importance of continual dependence on God and the willingness to accept divine correction. Asa's account reminds believers of the need for humility and the perils of turning away from God's guidance.