The phrase "Reign of Thirty-One Years" is notably associated with the reign of King Asa of Judah, as recorded in the Old Testament. Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, is recognized for his long and impactful reign, which lasted for thirty-one years. His reign is detailed in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where his efforts to reform the religious practices of Judah and his reliance on God are highlighted.

King Asa of Judah

Asa was the son of Abijah and the grandson of Rehoboam, the first king of Judah after the division of the united monarchy. Asa's reign is marked by a commitment to religious reform and a return to the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. The biblical account in 1 Kings 15:10 states, "And he reigned in Jerusalem forty-one years. His grandmother’s name was Maacah daughter of Abishalom." However, the focus on thirty-one years is significant in the context of his religious reforms and military endeavors.

Religious Reforms

Asa is credited with significant religious reforms aimed at purifying the worship practices in Judah. 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 were a direct response to the idolatry that had crept into Judah under previous reigns, and his reforms were intended to restore the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Military Achievements

Asa's reign was also marked by military successes, which were attributed to his faithfulness to God. In 2 Chronicles 14:9-12 , 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, praying, "LORD, there is no one besides You to help the mighty and those without strength. Help us, LORD our God, for we depend on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal hinder You." The LORD granted Asa victory, demonstrating the power of reliance on divine intervention.

Challenges and Later Years

Despite his early successes, Asa's later years were marked by challenges. In 2 Chronicles 16, Asa's reliance shifted from God to human alliances, as he sought help from the king of Aram against Baasha, king of Israel. This decision was rebuked by the prophet Hanani, who reminded Asa of his earlier reliance on God. Asa's response was one of anger, leading to the imprisonment of the prophet and a period of oppression in Judah.

Asa's reign concluded with a period of illness, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 16:12 : "In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe. Yet even in his illness he did not seek the LORD, but only the physicians." This account serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining faith and reliance on God throughout one's life.

Legacy

King Asa's reign of thirty-one years is remembered for its initial dedication to religious reform and reliance on God, setting a standard for future kings of Judah. His account is a testament to the blessings of faithfulness and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance. Asa's reign is a significant period in the history of Judah, illustrating the complexities of leadership and the enduring need for spiritual integrity.