Topical Bible: Anger: Asa, Because the Prophet Rebuked Him

◄ Anger: Asa, Because the Prophet Rebuked Him ►

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Background:
King Asa of Judah, the third king of the southern kingdom, is noted for his initial faithfulness to God and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. His reign is detailed in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. Asa's early years were marked by religious reforms and military victories attributed to his reliance on the Lord. However, his later years reveal a shift in his reliance, leading to a significant incident of anger when confronted by a prophet of God.

The Incident:
The specific event of Asa's anger is recorded in 2 Chronicles 16:7-10. After a period of peace, Asa faced a threat from Baasha, king of Israel. Instead of seeking the Lord's guidance, Asa formed an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, by sending him treasures from the temple and his own palace. This political maneuver initially seemed successful, as it caused Baasha to withdraw. However, it was not pleasing to God.

The Rebuke:
The prophet Hanani was sent by God to confront Asa regarding his lack of faith. Hanani's message is 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, and from now on, you will be at war.'"

Asa's Reaction:
Instead of repenting or seeking God's forgiveness, Asa reacted with anger. 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 anger led him to imprison the prophet, demonstrating a hardened heart and a departure from his earlier devotion to God.

Analysis:
Asa's anger at the prophet's rebuke highlights a critical moment of spiritual decline. His reaction can be seen as a result of pride and a refusal to acknowledge his wrongdoing. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on human wisdom and alliances rather than trusting in God's provision and guidance. Asa's anger not only led to unjust actions against Hanani but also resulted in further oppression of his people, indicating a broader impact of his spiritual failure.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, Asa's account underscores the importance of humility and repentance when confronted with sin. It illustrates the principle that God desires a heart fully devoted to Him, as expressed in 2 Chronicles 16:9. Asa's failure to heed the prophet's rebuke serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of maintaining faithfulness throughout one's life.

Legacy:
Despite his earlier achievements, Asa's later years were marred by his anger and lack of faith. His account is a sobering reminder of the need for continual reliance on God and the dangers of allowing pride and anger to lead one astray. Asa's life encourages believers to remain vigilant in their faith and responsive to God's correction.

Nave's Topical Index

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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Library

National Apostasy
... house; for he was in a rage with him because of this ... Two years before the death of
Asa, Ahab began to rule ... to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 8 national apostasy.htm

Book ii.
... man worketh not the righteousness of God." But anger is constantly ... Asa, though a
good man, was faulty ... the words "because I have been silent," but "because I was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the repeated changes of dynasty in Israel"Asa and Baasha ... light "as with a garment."
When His anger was aroused ... judge: for it repented the Lord because of their ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

A Discourse
... See how the prophet words it"'Many nations are gathered ... him pushes this woman into
the dirt; but because her faith ... 'Asa had' at one time 'an army of men that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... pleasure of his Father in his merits.-Satan rebuked for finding ... And let no man object,
because this text is in ... as if it were not spoken by the prophet of Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm