Topical Bible: God in Prospering Asa

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Asa, the third king of Judah and the son of Abijah, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of divine favor and prosperity. His reign, which lasted 41 years, is chronicled in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. Asa's account is a testament to the blessings that accompany faithfulness to God, as well as the consequences of turning away from Him.

Asa's Early Reforms and Divine Favor

Asa began his reign with a commitment to religious reform and a return to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. He removed foreign altars and high places, shattered sacred pillars, and cut down Asherah poles, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 14:3. Asa commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments (2 Chronicles 14:4). His actions were in alignment with the covenantal expectations set forth in the Mosaic Law, which emphasized exclusive worship of Yahweh.

The Berean Standard Bible highlights God's response to Asa's faithfulness: "The LORD gave him rest on every side" (2 Chronicles 14:6). This period of peace allowed Asa to fortify the cities of Judah, build up the army, and strengthen the nation's defenses. The divine favor Asa experienced is a reflection of the biblical principle that obedience to God brings peace and prosperity.

Victory Over the Cushites

One of the most notable demonstrations of God's favor during Asa's reign was the victory over the Cushite army. Zerah the Cushite marched out against Judah with a vast army, but Asa relied on the LORD for deliverance. In his prayer, Asa declared, "LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let a mere mortal prevail against You" (2 Chronicles 14:11).

God answered Asa's prayer, and the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, leading to a great victory (2 Chronicles 14:12-13). This event underscores the biblical theme that God is a refuge and strength for those who trust in Him, regardless of the odds they face.

The Covenant Renewal

Following the victory, Asa continued to lead Judah in spiritual renewal. In 2 Chronicles 15, the prophet Azariah son of Oded encouraged Asa, reminding him that "The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you" (2 Chronicles 15:2). Motivated by this message, Asa gathered the people of Judah and Benjamin, along with those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them, to renew their covenant with the LORD.

The people entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul (2 Chronicles 15:12). This covenant renewal was marked by sacrifices and a public oath, demonstrating the nation's collective commitment to God. The LORD responded by granting them peace and prosperity, further illustrating the blessings of covenant faithfulness.

Asa's Later Years and Reliance on Human Alliances

Despite his earlier faithfulness, Asa's later years were marked by a reliance on human alliances rather than divine guidance. When faced with the threat of Baasha, king of Israel, Asa sought help from Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, instead of relying on the LORD (2 Chronicles 16:1-3). This decision was rebuked by the prophet Hanani, who reminded Asa of God's past deliverance and criticized his lack of trust: "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" (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Asa's reliance on human alliances led to conflict and unrest, contrasting sharply with the peace and prosperity he experienced when he trusted in God. His later years serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forsaking divine reliance for human solutions.

Conclusion

Asa's reign is a powerful narrative of the blessings that come from faithfulness to God and the perils of turning away. His account is a reminder of the biblical truth that God prospers those who seek Him with a whole heart, while those who rely on their own strength may find themselves facing unnecessary struggles.

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2 Chronicles 14:6,7
And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the LORD had given him rest.
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