Topical Bible: Perfection: Ascribed to Asa

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Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, is a notable figure in the biblical narrative for his commitment to religious reforms and his dedication to the worship of Yahweh. His reign is marked by a significant emphasis on spiritual renewal and adherence to the commandments of God, which is reflected in the biblical description of his heart as being "perfect" or "fully committed" to the Lord.

The concept of perfection in the biblical context often denotes a sense of completeness or wholehearted devotion rather than flawlessness. In the case of Asa, this is particularly evident in the early years of his reign. According to 1 Kings 15:14 , "The high places were not removed, but Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days." This verse highlights Asa's sincere dedication to God, despite the incomplete removal of high places, which were sites of unauthorized worship.

Asa's commitment to God is further illustrated in 2 Chronicles 14:2-5 , where it is recorded that "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." These actions demonstrate Asa's zeal for purifying the worship practices of Judah and aligning them with the covenantal standards set forth in the Mosaic Law.

The narrative of Asa's reign also includes a significant military victory attributed to his reliance on God. In 2 Chronicles 14:11 , Asa calls upon the Lord during a battle against the Cushites, saying, "LORD, there is no one besides You to help the mighty and those without strength. 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." This prayer reflects Asa's dependence on divine intervention and his recognition of God's sovereignty.

However, Asa's later years reveal a departure from his earlier reliance on God. In 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 , the prophet Hanani rebukes Asa for seeking an alliance with the king of Aram instead of trusting in the Lord. Hanani reminds Asa, "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." This incident underscores the biblical theme that true perfection in God's eyes involves consistent faith and reliance on Him.

Despite this lapse, Asa's overall legacy is one of devotion and reform. His efforts to lead Judah back to the worship of Yahweh and his initial wholeheartedness in seeking God are significant aspects of his reign. Asa's life serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a steadfast heart toward God, even amidst the challenges and temptations of leadership.

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1 Kings 15:14
But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.
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Of the Agreement of the Evangelists Matthew and Luke in the ...
... begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; and Asa begat Josaphat ... severely; for so great justice
is ascribed to this ... the number ten, by which the perfection of blessedness ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon i of the agreement.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Asa, his gout a punishment for sin, [117]132. ... 1017]7; before all, [1018]8; incapable
of suffering, [1019]12; infinite, [1020]17; attributes of, ascribed to the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm