Topical Bible: Obedience: Asa

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Asa, the third king of Judah and the son of Abijah, is a notable biblical figure whose reign is marked by a commitment to obedience to God. His account is primarily found in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. Asa's reign, which lasted 41 years, is characterized by religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh in Judah.

Religious Reforms and Obedience to God

Asa's reign began with a strong emphasis on obedience to God and the eradication of idolatry. According to 2 Chronicles 14:2-5 , "Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. He 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." Asa's actions demonstrate his commitment to purifying the religious practices of Judah and aligning them with the covenantal laws given to Israel.

Military Success and Divine Favor

Asa's obedience to God brought divine favor and military success. In 2 Chronicles 14:9-15, Asa faced a formidable threat from Zerah the Cushite, who came against Judah with a vast army. Asa's response was to seek the LORD in prayer, demonstrating his reliance on God rather than military might. He prayed, "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). The LORD answered Asa's prayer, granting Judah a decisive victory and allowing them to plunder the enemy.

Covenant Renewal and National Reform

Asa's obedience extended beyond personal piety to national reform. In 2 Chronicles 15, the prophet Azariah son of Oded encouraged Asa to continue his reforms, 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). In response, Asa led the people in a covenant renewal ceremony, where they swore an oath to seek the LORD with all their heart and soul (2 Chronicles 15:12-15). This national commitment to obedience resulted in peace and prosperity for Judah.

Challenges and Failures

Despite his early successes, Asa's later years were marred by a failure to fully trust in God. In 2 Chronicles 16, Asa faced a threat from Baasha, king of Israel. Instead of seeking the LORD as he had done previously, Asa relied on a political alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram. This decision was rebuked by the prophet Hanani, who reminded Asa of his earlier reliance on God and the resulting victories. Hanani declared, "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; from now on, therefore, you will be at war" (2 Chronicles 16:9).

Asa's disobedience in this instance led to ongoing conflict and a decline in his health. Despite his initial obedience and reforms, Asa's reliance on human alliances rather than divine guidance serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of consistent obedience to God throughout one's life.

Legacy

Asa's legacy is a complex one, marked by both commendable obedience and notable failures. His early reign is celebrated for its religious reforms and commitment to seeking God, while his later years serve as a reminder of the dangers of relying on human wisdom over divine guidance. Asa's life underscores the biblical principle that obedience to God brings blessing and favor, while disobedience leads to conflict and difficulty.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Chronicles 14:2
And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Asa
... Jehu accurately executed Jehovah's fiat, whereas Asa's obedience seemed imperfect;
yet the latter was commended, and the former condemned, because Asa, unlike ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/asa.htm

Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory
... Asa's experience embodies a truth which is substantially fulfilled in nations and
in individuals; for obedience brings rest, often outward tranquillity, always ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture g/asas reformation and consequent peace.htm

The Perfect Heart.
... This passage occurs in the history of Asa, one of the most godly and devoted ... He set
himself to bring back the nation to its allegiance and obedience to God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter viii the perfect heart.htm

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... in this passage is that Jehoshaphat followed in the steps of Asa his father ... by professed
beliefs or by sentiment, but by ordering his life in obedience to God's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

The Kingdom Op Judah.
... No doubt Rehoboam's obedience saved him from sharing the fate of the other kings
whom ... but he died at the end of three years, and was succeeded by his son Asa. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vii the kingdom op.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 ... them, or to feel the strength for them; we must, in the obedience of the ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter xviii entering the covenant .htm

Jehoshaphat
... of Judah." Verses 5, 6. "And the remnant of the Sodomites, which remained in the
days of his father Asa, he took ... In obedience to God's law there is great gain. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

Note F. --Chap. xviii the Whole Heart
... will so cleanse the heart to love Him with a wholehearted love, that obedience is
within ... The words concerning Asa, in 2 Chronicles 15:12, 15, we had as our text ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/note f chap xviii the whole.htm

Of the Power and Authoritie Given to Synods.
... This was a frequent practice in the Old Testament in the time of Asa, 2 Chron ... taught
by a Minister of the Gospel, it bindeth to faith and obedience, not only. ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap vi of the power.htm

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... I wondered if it could be that they could force me to obedience by torture ...
11th."Today we attended meeting held in the house of a Friend, Asa Arnold, living ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm