Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Asa

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Topical Encyclopedia

Asa, the third king of Judah and the son of Abijah, is a notable biblical figure whose reign is marked by religious reforms and reliance on God, particularly in times of military threat. His account is primarily recorded in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. Asa's reign is characterized by a commitment to the worship of Yahweh and a series of reforms aimed at purging idolatry from the land of Judah.

Religious Reforms and Initial Faithfulness

Asa began his reign with a strong commitment to the Lord, as evidenced by his efforts to remove pagan altars and high places, break down sacred pillars, and cut down Asherah poles. He commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandments (2 Chronicles 14:3-4). Asa's dedication to God brought peace and prosperity to the kingdom, as the land had rest and no war for many years.

The Ethiopian Invasion and Asa's Prayer

One of the most significant instances of answered prayer in Asa's life occurred during the invasion by Zerah the Cushite, who came against Judah with a vast army. Facing an overwhelming force, Asa turned to God in prayer, demonstrating his reliance on divine intervention. In 2 Chronicles 14:11 , Asa cried out to the Lord, 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."

God answered Asa's prayer by striking down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, leading to a decisive victory. This divine intervention not only delivered Judah from a formidable enemy but also reinforced Asa's faith and the nation's commitment to God.

The Later Years and Reliance on Human Alliances

Despite his earlier faithfulness, Asa's later years were marked by a shift in reliance from God to human alliances. When faced with the threat of Baasha, king of Israel, Asa sought help from Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, rather than seeking the Lord's guidance. This decision is recorded in 2 Chronicles 16:2-3 , where Asa took silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the Lord and the king's house to secure an alliance with Ben-Hadad.

The prophet Hanani rebuked Asa for his lack of trust in God, reminding him of the Lord's previous deliverance from the Cushites and Libyans. 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 Illness and Final Years

In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa was afflicted with a severe disease in his feet. Even in his illness, Asa did not seek the Lord but relied on physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). This marked a departure from his earlier dependence on God and serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining faith and reliance on the Lord throughout one's life.

Asa's reign, which lasted forty-one years, is a testament to the power of prayer and the consequences of turning away from reliance on God. His early years exemplify the blessings of faithfulness and divine intervention, while his later years highlight the pitfalls of relying on human strength and wisdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 14:11,12
And Asa cried to the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with you to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on you, and in your name we go against this multitude. O LORD, you are our God; let no man prevail against you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Secret of Effectual Prayer
... Of Judah in the days of Asa it is written, "They sought Him with their ... All the mysteries
and difficulties connected with answers to prayer will, however ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ix the secret of.htm

The Story of God's Mighty Acts
... the myriads of Arabia were scattered by Asa in the ... asked and offered before God,
and the answers came; and ... stood up and testified that the prayer offered last ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the story of gods mighty.htm

Faith and Courage.
... seen men or women disappointed in receiving answers to their ... book of Chronicles we
read that King Asa had to ... I started out and went to the noon prayer-meeting. ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iii faith and courage.htm

John.
... of heaven, none of those telling answers to the ... Take the prayer of thanksgiving and
the touching invitation to ... the Gospel the highest praise asa philosophy of ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 83 john.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Asa, his gout a punishment for sin, [117]132. ... 518]291; power of His Name, [519]292;
answers to the ... manner of His expiring, [521]294; used prayer in temptation ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... of Israel's history in the days of Asa, "In those ... of God should come?" The Lord answers,
"The kingdom ... during those terrible days, as one of waiting and prayer. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... what we learn from himself, communicated in answers to certain ... strict in the religious
duties of prayer in my ... the salvation of the idolaters of Asa, which now ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

The General Conference of 1840
... Genesee Conference: Asa Abel, Jonas Dodge, AN Filmore ... united in devout and fervent
prayer that God ... are in Christian fellowship, virtually answers the essential ...
/.../chapter 15 the general conference.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... Use Fourth.-Improve this doctrine to strengthen grace.1.To strengthen faith.-2.
To encourage to prayer.-3. To keep humble.-4. To encourage to perseverance ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm