Topical Bible: False Confidence: Asa, in Relying on Syria Rather than on God

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Background:

Asa, the third king of Judah, reigned from approximately 911 to 870 BC. He is often remembered for his initial faithfulness to God and his religious reforms, which included removing idols and restoring the worship of Yahweh. However, Asa's reign also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing confidence in human alliances rather than in divine providence.

Biblical Account:

The account of Asa's reliance on Syria is found in 2 Chronicles 16:1-10. In the thirty-sixth year of Asa's reign, Baasha, king of Israel, came up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Asa's territory. In response, Asa took silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the king's house and sent them to Ben-Hadad, king of Aram (Syria), who resided in Damascus. Asa sought to form an alliance with Ben-Hadad to break his treaty with Baasha and force the withdrawal of Israelite forces.

Key Verses:

2 Chronicles 16:7-9 records the rebuke from Hanani the seer: "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 because 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.'"

Analysis:

Asa's decision to rely on Syria rather than God marks a significant departure from his earlier reliance on divine intervention. Earlier in his reign, Asa had faced a formidable Ethiopian army and had called upon the LORD for deliverance, resulting in a miraculous victory (2 Chronicles 14:9-12). This earlier episode demonstrated Asa's understanding of God's power and faithfulness.

However, in the face of Baasha's threat, Asa chose a pragmatic approach, seeking security through political and military alliances. This decision reflects a shift in Asa's trust—from divine to human resources. Hanani's rebuke underscores the folly of Asa's actions, highlighting that reliance on God brings true security and victory, while reliance on human strength leads to ongoing conflict and instability.

Theological Implications:

Asa's reliance on Syria serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of false confidence. It illustrates the temptation to trust in worldly means and human alliances rather than in God's sovereignty and provision. The narrative emphasizes that God desires His people to place their full trust in Him, as He is both willing and able to deliver those who are devoted to Him.

The account also serves as a warning against the consequences of forsaking divine reliance. Asa's decision resulted in a missed opportunity to defeat Aram and led to a period of continuous warfare. This outcome highlights the broader biblical principle that turning away from God often leads to turmoil and unrest.

Lessons for Believers:

The account of Asa encourages believers to examine the sources of their confidence and to prioritize reliance on God above all else. It calls for a heart fully devoted to the LORD, trusting in His strength and wisdom rather than in human strategies or alliances. The narrative invites believers to remember past instances of God's faithfulness and to draw upon those experiences as a foundation for present and future trust in Him.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 16:7-9
And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him, Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD your God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of your hand.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... repeated changes of dynasty in Israel"Asa and Baasha ... field, that its presence might
inspire them with confidence. ... the people to put away their false gods, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm