Topical Bible: Courage: Asa

◄ Courage: Asa ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Asa, the third king of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his courage and commitment to the ways of the Lord. His reign is detailed in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16, where his actions and reforms are highlighted as exemplary of a leader who sought to align his kingdom with God's commandments.

Early Reforms and Religious Zeal

Asa ascended to the throne of Judah following the reign of his father, Abijah. From the outset, Asa demonstrated remarkable courage by initiating significant religious reforms. He removed foreign altars and high places, shattered sacred pillars, and cut down Asherah poles, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 14:3-5. Asa's actions were driven by a desire to purify the worship of Yahweh and eliminate idolatry from the land. His reforms extended to commanding Judah to seek the Lord and observe the law and commandments, reflecting his dedication to restoring true worship.

Military Courage and Dependence on God

Asa's courage was not limited to religious reforms; it was also evident in his military leadership. When faced with the formidable Ethiopian army led by Zerah, Asa demonstrated his reliance on God rather than military might. In 2 Chronicles 14:11, Asa prayed, "LORD, there is no one besides You to help the mighty and those without strength. Help us, LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You." This prayer exemplifies Asa's faith and courage, as he entrusted the battle's outcome to God. The Lord responded by granting Judah a decisive victory, underscoring the power of faith and divine intervention.

Covenant Renewal and National Revival

Following the victory over the Ethiopians, Asa continued to demonstrate courage by leading a national covenant renewal. In 2 Chronicles 15:8-15, Asa gathered the people of Judah and Benjamin, along with those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled in Judah, to renew their commitment to the Lord. The people entered into a covenant to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul, and Asa's leadership was instrumental in this spiritual revival. His courage in upholding the covenant was further evidenced by his removal of Maacah, his grandmother, from her position as queen mother due to her idolatrous practices (2 Chronicles 15:16).

Challenges and Later Years

Despite his earlier successes, Asa's later years were marked by challenges that tested his courage and faith. In 2 Chronicles 16, Asa faced the threat of Baasha, king of Israel, who fortified Ramah to prevent access to Judah. Instead of seeking the Lord's guidance, Asa formed an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, relying on human alliances rather than divine support. This decision was rebuked by the prophet Hanani, who reminded Asa of his earlier reliance on God during the Ethiopian invasion (2 Chronicles 16:7-9). Asa's response to this rebuke was one of anger, leading to the imprisonment of Hanani and oppression of some of the people.

In his final years, Asa suffered from a severe foot disease. Yet, even in his illness, he did not seek the Lord but relied solely on physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). This period of Asa's life serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of consistent faith and reliance on God throughout one's life.

Legacy

Asa's reign is remembered for its initial courage and commitment to God, setting a standard for future kings of Judah. His early reforms and military victories highlight the blessings of faith and obedience, while his later years serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of self-reliance and neglecting divine guidance. Asa's life, as recorded in the Scriptures, offers valuable lessons on the nature of courage, faith, and the enduring need for reliance on God.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 15:1-7
And the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Asa
... The courage of Asa had as its root confidence in God, and this is shown more fully
in the narrative which appears in the Second Book of Chronicles than in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/asa.htm

Asa's Prayer
... It is better when self-distrust and confidence in God lead to courage, and as Asa
goes on, 'Help us, for we rely on Thee, and in Thy name we go against this ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/asas prayer.htm

How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ...
... He was born of Asa's wife Azubah. And all men allowed that he followed the works
of David his forefather, and this both in courage and piety; but we are not ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 how zerah king.htm

Faith and Courage.
... In the second book of Chronicles we read that King Asa had to go right against his
father and mother; it took a good deal of courage to do that. ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iii faith and courage.htm

Concerning the Death of a Son of Jeroboam. How Jeroboam was Beaten ...
... they made a shout, and fell upon their enemies, and God brake the courage and cast ...
daughters; and he had also those children by fourteen wives; and Asa his son ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 concerning the death.htm

Entering the Covenant: with all the Heart
... to perform the words of the Covenant which are written in the book." Of Asa's day,
we ... us, in the faith of that grace, to rise and be of good courage, and with ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xviii entering the covenant .htm

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... be noted in this passage is that Jehoshaphat followed in the steps of Asa his father. ...
in the fall; one when a lowly heart is raised to high courage and devotion ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Jehoshaphat
... out of Judah." Verses 5, 6. "And the remnant of the Sodomites, which remained in
the days of his father Asa, he took ... Jehoshaphat was a man of courage and valor ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

Expositions of Holy Scripture
... ASA'S REFORMATION, AND CONSEQUENT PEACE AND VICTORY. ASA'S PRAYER. THE SEARCH THAT
ALWAYS FINDS. ... DISCOURAGEMENTS AND COURAGE. AN ANCIENT NONCONFORMIST. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/

The Secret of Effectual Prayer
... of our remissness in prayer, to discover its causes, and to give us courage to expect ...
Of Judah in the days of Asa it is written, "They sought Him with their ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ix the secret of.htm