Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, reigned for 41 years, from approximately 911 to 870 BC. He was the son of Abijah and the grandson of Rehoboam, making him a direct descendant of King David. Asa is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, aligning his reign with the worship of Yahweh. Biblical Account: The primary accounts of Asa's reign are found in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. These passages provide a detailed narrative of his kingship, his religious reforms, military campaigns, and his relationship with God. Religious Reforms: Asa is commended for his commitment to the worship of the Lord. He is described as doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done" (1 Kings 15:11). Asa removed the male shrine prostitutes from the land and got rid of all the idols his ancestors had made. He even deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole (1 Kings 15:12-13). In 2 Chronicles 14:3-5 , it is recorded that Asa removed the foreign altars and high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and chopped down the Asherah poles. He commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments. Military Campaigns: Asa's reign was marked by a significant military victory against the Cushites. Zerah the Cushite marched out against Judah with a vast army, but Asa called upon the LORD for help. The LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, leading to a great victory (2 Chronicles 14:9-12). Later in his reign, Asa faced the threat of Baasha, king of Israel, who fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Judah. Asa responded by forming an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, sending him silver and gold to break his treaty with Baasha. This strategic move forced Baasha to withdraw from Ramah (1 Kings 15:16-22). Prophetic Rebuke and Asa's Response: Despite his earlier faithfulness, Asa's reliance on human alliances rather than divine intervention led to a prophetic rebuke from Hanani the seer. Hanani criticized Asa for relying on the king of Aram instead of the LORD, reminding him of the LORD's past deliverance (2 Chronicles 16:7-9). Asa, however, reacted with anger, imprisoning the seer and oppressing some of the people (2 Chronicles 16:10). Later Years and Death: In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa developed a severe disease in his feet. Even in his illness, he did not seek help from the LORD but only from the physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). Asa died in the forty-first year of his reign and was buried in the city of David. His reign is remembered for its initial zeal for the LORD and the subsequent decline in his reliance on God. Legacy: Asa's reign is often viewed as a period of religious renewal and reform in Judah. His efforts to purify worship and his initial reliance on God set a standard for future kings. However, his later years serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on human strength over divine guidance. Asa's account is a reminder of the importance of steadfast faith and obedience to God throughout one's life. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 15:8-24And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 3:10 2 Chronicles 14:1 2 Chronicles 15:1 2 Chronicles 16:1 Matthew 1:7 Greek 760. Asaph -- Asa, a king of Judah ... Asa, a king of Judah. Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable Transliteration: Asaph Phonetic Spelling: (as-ah') Short Definition: Asa Definition: Asa, son of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/760.htm - 6k Library The Record of Two Kings How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ... Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory The Two Boy Kings. Genealogy of Jesus According to Matthew. The Fall of the House of Ahab National Apostasy Jehoshaphat The Kingdom Op Judah. The Perfect Heart. Resources Why is seeking God important? | GotQuestions.orgWho was King Rehoboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How many prophets are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Asa: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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