Topical Bible: Idolatry: Zeal Against: Asa

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Topical Encyclopedia

Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, is noted for his fervent zeal against idolatry, as recorded in the biblical narrative. His reign, which lasted 41 years, is marked by significant religious reforms aimed at purging the land of idolatrous practices and restoring the worship of Yahweh.

Biblical Account

The account of Asa's zeal against idolatry is primarily found in 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. Asa's commitment to eradicating idolatry is evident from the outset of his reign. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear depiction of his actions:

1 Kings 15:11-13 states, "And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done. He banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. He also deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole. Asa cut down the pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley."

Religious Reforms

Asa's reforms were comprehensive and demonstrated his dedication to the covenantal faith of Israel. He took decisive action against the prevalent idolatrous practices, which included the worship of foreign deities and the presence of cultic objects. His removal of the male shrine prostitutes and the destruction of idols were significant steps in purifying the religious life of Judah.

Moreover, Asa's removal of his grandmother Maacah from her influential position underscores his unwavering commitment to the worship of Yahweh. Maacah's creation of an Asherah pole, a symbol associated with Canaanite fertility worship, was intolerable to Asa, who sought to align Judah's religious practices with the commandments of God.

Covenantal Renewal

Asa's zeal extended beyond the mere removal of idolatrous elements; he also sought to renew the covenantal relationship between God and His people. 2 Chronicles 15:8-15 describes a covenant renewal ceremony initiated by Asa, where the people of Judah entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. This covenant renewal was accompanied by sacrifices and a public oath, emphasizing the communal commitment to forsake idolatry and serve Yahweh alone.

Divine Approval and Challenges

Asa's efforts were met with divine approval, as indicated by the peace and prosperity that characterized much of his reign. 2 Chronicles 14:6-7 notes that the land was at peace, and Asa was able to build fortified cities, for "the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest."

However, Asa's reign was not without challenges. In his later years, he faced military threats and internal issues, which tested his reliance on God. Despite these challenges, Asa's early zeal against idolatry set a precedent for future kings and underscored the importance of exclusive devotion to Yahweh.

Legacy

Asa's legacy as a king zealous against idolatry is significant in the biblical narrative. His actions served as a model for subsequent reforms by later kings, such as Hezekiah and Josiah, who also sought to rid Judah of idolatrous practices. Asa's reign is a testament to the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the rejection of idolatry in maintaining the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 15:12
And he took away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Asa
... there is a sad dearth of such reforming zeal in the ... was a potent influence on the
side of idolatry. ... were abolished, were plotting and scheming against the king ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/asa.htm

Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory
... The two preceding reigns had favoured idolatry, but the young ... out still more clearly
Asa's reforming zeal; for it ... us that he had to fight against the influence ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture g/asas reformation and consequent peace.htm

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.'"2 ... by side with the removal
of idolatry, this king ... Levites, or 'laymen,' because of their zeal in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... The, proneness of the Jews to idolatry, the likelihood ... Jude, as also against the
Assumption of Moses, on ... coupled with an energetic and fanatical zeal for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... Zeal is as odious to him as uncleanness ... Elijah, and denounce all the curses of God
against men's sins ... x) Covetousness is the root of idolatry: Covetousness which ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... the people of Israel, who fell into idolatry by offering ... And when conscience writes
bitter things against him, and ... to the diffusion of a love and zeal for Him ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... a stumblingblock to heathens, [588]61; taught by the zeal of heathens ... Clamor, Paul
against, [625]92. ... in Judas and others, [672]243; the worst idolatry, [673]ib ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

The Puritan Conflict.
... His chief zeal was directed to the establishment ... the defense of constitutional liberty
against royal absolutism. ... only deposing his mother for idolatry, and not ...
/.../ 92 the puritan conflict.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and the repeated changes of dynasty in Israel"Asa and Baasha ... Tyre: Ithobaal I.---
The prophets, their struggle against Phonician idolatry, the story ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

A Discourse
... all debauchery, inhumanity, profaneness, superstition, and idolatry,' will be ... 'Asa
had' at one time 'an army of men ... Their face is made strong against the face ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm