Topical Encyclopedia Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative of revivals. His reign, which lasted 41 years (circa 911–870 BC), is marked by a series of religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Asa's account is primarily recorded in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16.Religious Reforms and Revival Asa's commitment to religious reform is evident from the outset of his reign. He is described as doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done" (1 Kings 15:11). Asa's revival efforts were characterized by the removal of idolatry and the restoration of true worship. He expelled the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his ancestors had made (1 Kings 15:12). Furthermore, Asa deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole, which he cut down and burned in the Kidron Valley (1 Kings 15:13). In 2 Chronicles 14:2-5, Asa's reforms are further detailed. He removed the foreign altars and high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. Asa commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to obey His laws and commands. This revival led to a period of peace and prosperity, as "the land was at peace, and he built fortified cities in Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest" (2 Chronicles 14:6). Military Victories and Divine Assistance Asa's reliance on God is also demonstrated in his military endeavors. When faced with an invasion by Zerah the Cushite, who came with an army of a million men and 300 chariots, Asa cried out to the LORD for help. He prayed, "LORD, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this vast army. LORD, You are our God; do not let mere mortals prevail against You" (2 Chronicles 14:11). The LORD responded to Asa's faith by granting Judah a decisive victory, as the Cushites were crushed before the LORD and His forces (2 Chronicles 14:12-13). Covenant Renewal Following this victory, Asa continued his revival efforts by leading the people in a covenant renewal ceremony. In the fifteenth year of his reign, Asa gathered all Judah and Benjamin, along with those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them, to Jerusalem. They sacrificed to the LORD and entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul (2 Chronicles 15:10-12). This covenant renewal was marked by a collective oath and a commitment to put to death anyone who would not seek the LORD, demonstrating the seriousness of their dedication (2 Chronicles 15:13-15). Challenges and Decline Despite Asa's early successes, his later years were marked by challenges and a decline in his reliance on God. When faced with the threat from Baasha, king of Israel, Asa sought help from Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, rather than relying on the LORD (2 Chronicles 16:1-3). 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, you will be at war" (2 Chronicles 16:9). Asa's response to this rebuke was one of anger, and he imprisoned the prophet. Additionally, in his thirty-ninth year, Asa was afflicted with a severe disease in his feet, yet he did not seek help from the LORD but only from the physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). Legacy Asa's reign is a testament to the power of revival and reform when a leader and his people turn wholeheartedly to God. His early years exemplify the blessings of obedience and reliance on divine assistance, while his later years serve as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from God. Asa's legacy is one of both commendation for his reforms and a reminder of the importance of steadfast faith throughout one's life. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 14:2-5And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 15:1-14 Library The Kingdom of Judah. The Story of God's Mighty Acts From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ... The General Conference of 1828 From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... The General Conference of 1840 Resources What is the Methodist Church, and what do Methodists believe? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Pentecostal Church and what do Pentecostals believe? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jonathan Edwards? | GotQuestions.org Revival: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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