◄ 1 Kings 15:11 ►
And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done.
Study Bible
And Asa
The name "Asa" in Hebrew means "physician" or "healer." Asa was the third king of the Kingdom of Judah and reigned for 41 years. His reign is noted for religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. Asa's leadership is significant in the biblical narrative as it marks a return to the worship of Yahweh after the idolatrous practices of his predecessors.

did what was right
This phrase indicates moral and spiritual alignment with God's commandments. In the Hebrew context, "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) implies uprightness and integrity. Asa's actions are measured against the divine standard, suggesting that his reign was characterized by obedience and faithfulness to God's laws, which is a recurring theme in the Deuteronomistic history.

in the eyes of the LORD
The phrase "in the eyes of the LORD" emphasizes divine perspective and approval. It suggests that Asa's actions were not only externally righteous but also aligned with God's will and purpose. This divine approval is crucial in the biblical narrative, as it underscores the importance of seeking God's favor and guidance in leadership and personal conduct.

as his father David had done
Although Asa was not a direct son of David, the term "father" is used here to denote a forefather or ancestor. David is often used as the benchmark for righteous kingship in the Bible. By comparing Asa to David, the text highlights Asa's commitment to restoring the worship of Yahweh and following the covenantal path established by David. This comparison serves to legitimize Asa's reforms and align his reign with the ideal of a godly king.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Asa
Asa was the third king of the Kingdom of Judah and reigned for 41 years. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry.

2. David
King David, the second king of Israel, is often used as a benchmark for righteousness in the eyes of the LORD. Asa is compared to David, highlighting his commitment to following God's ways.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of the divided Israelite monarchy, where Asa reigned. Judah often had kings who were compared to David in terms of their faithfulness to God.

4. Idolatry
A significant issue during Asa's reign, as he worked to remove idols and restore the worship of Yahweh in Judah.

5. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the central figure in the account, evaluating the actions of the kings of Israel and Judah.
Teaching Points
Righteous Leadership
Asa's reign exemplifies the importance of leading with integrity and faithfulness to God's commands. Leaders today can learn from Asa's example by prioritizing righteousness over popular opinion.

The Legacy of Faith
Asa is compared to David, showing the impact of a godly legacy. Our actions can influence future generations, encouraging them to follow God wholeheartedly.

The Battle Against Idolatry
Asa's removal of idols is a reminder of the constant battle against idolatry in our lives. We must actively identify and remove anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God.

Dependence on God
Asa's reliance on God during times of trouble teaches us the importance of seeking divine guidance and strength in our challenges.

Consistency in Faith
Asa's long reign demonstrates the value of consistent faithfulness. Our spiritual journey requires ongoing commitment and perseverance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Asa's commitment to doing what was right in the eyes of the LORD challenge your own approach to leadership and decision-making?

2. In what ways can you identify and remove "idols" in your life that may be hindering your relationship with God?

3. How does the comparison between Asa and David inspire you to leave a legacy of faith for future generations?

4. Reflect on a time when you relied on God during a difficult situation. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

5. Considering Asa's long reign, what steps can you take to ensure consistency and perseverance in your spiritual walk?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Chronicles 14-16
These chapters provide a more detailed account of Asa's reign, including his reforms and reliance on God during battles.

1 Kings 11:4
This verse contrasts Solomon's later years with Asa's reign, showing the importance of a heart fully devoted to God.

Deuteronomy 12:2-4
These verses command the Israelites to destroy places of idol worship, which Asa actively pursued during his reign.

Psalm 78:72
This verse highlights David's shepherd-like leadership, which Asa emulated in his commitment to God.
Sermons
ReformationJ.A. Macdonald 1 Kings 15:9-15
Zeal Without TrustJ. Urquhart 1 Kings 15:9-24
The Character of AsaJ. B. Litler, M. A.1 Kings 15:11-15
People
Abel, Abijah, Abijam, Abishalom, Ahijah, Aram, Asa, Baasha, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Benjamin, Dan, David, Hadad, Hezion, Issachar, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Maacah, Maachah, Nadab, Naphtali, Nebat, Rehoboam, Rezon, Sodomites, Tabrimon, Tirzah, Uriah, Urijah
Places
Abel-beth-maacah, Chinneroth, Damascus, Dan, Geba, Gibbethon, Ijon, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mizpah, Ramah, Syria, Tirzah
Topics
Asa, David, Sight
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 15:11

     8158   righteousness, of believers

1 Kings 15:1-31

     5366   king

1 Kings 15:11-12

     6239   prostitution
     8315   orthodoxy, in OT

1 Kings 15:11-13

     4290   valleys
     4906   abolition

1 Kings 15:11-14

     5345   influence

Library
David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
"And David said unto Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord.' And Nathan said unto David, 'The lord also hath put away thy sin; then shalt not die.'" The sin here referred to is that of David in the matter of Uriah. A strange and sad event--taken in all its circumstances and connections, it is without a parallel. But the circumstance most to be lamented, is that mentioned by the prophet, in the close of his message--"By this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme." …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Asa
BY REV. ALFRED ROWLAND, D.D., LL.B. 1 KINGS xv. 8-24; 2 CHRON. xiv-xvi. Asa was the third king who reigned over the separated kingdoms of Judah. His father was Ahijah, of whom it is sternly said, "He walked in all the sins of his father, Rehoboam, which he had done before him." A worse bringing-up than Asa's could scarcely be imagined. As a child, and as a lad, he was grievously tempted by his father's example, and by the influence of an idolatrous court, which was crowded by flatterers and …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether Christ is the Head of the Church?
Objection 1: It would seem that it does not belong to Christ as man to be Head of the Church. For the head imparts sense and motion to the members. Now spiritual sense and motion which are by grace, are not imparted to us by the Man Christ, because, as Augustine says (De Trin. i, 12; xv, 24), "not even Christ, as man, but only as God, bestows the Holy Ghost." Therefore it does not belong to Him as man to be Head of the Church. Objection 2: Further, it is not fitting for the head to have a head. But …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Proper to Christ to be Head of the Church?
Objection 1: It seems that it is not proper to Christ to be Head of the Church. For it is written (1 Kings 15:17): "When thou wast a little one in thy own eyes, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel?" Now there is but one Church in the New and the Old Testament. Therefore it seems that with equal reason any other man than Christ might be head of the Church. Objection 2: Further, Christ is called Head of the Church from His bestowing grace on the Church's members. But it belongs to others …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Obedience is the Greatest of the virtues?
Objection 1: It seems that obedience is the greatest of the virtues. For it is written (1 Kings 15:22): "Obedience is better than sacrifices." Now the offering of sacrifices belongs to religion, which is the greatest of all moral virtues, as shown above ([3173]Q[81], A[6]). Therefore obedience is the greatest of all virtues. Objection 2: Further, Gregory says (Moral. xxxv) that "obedience is the only virtue that ingrafts virtues in the soul and protects them when ingrafted." Now the cause is greater …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Christ Died Out of Obedience?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ did not die out of obedience. For obedience is referred to a command. But we do not read that Christ was commanded to suffer. Therefore He did not suffer out of obedience. Objection 2: Further, a man is said to do from obedience what he does from necessity of precept. But Christ did not suffer necessarily, but voluntarily. Therefore He did not suffer out of obedience. Objection 3: Further, charity is a more excellent virtue than obedience. But we read that Christ …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Disobedience is the Most Grievous of Sins?
Objection 1: It seems that disobedience is the most grievous of sins. For it is written (1 Kings 15:23): "It is like the sin of witchcraft to rebel, and like the crime of idolatry to refuse to obey." But idolatry is the most grievous of sins, as stated above ([3182]Q[94], A[3]). Therefore disobedience is the most grievous of sins. Objection 2: Further, the sin against the Holy Ghost is one that removes the obstacles of sin, as stated above ([3183]Q[14], A[2]). Now disobedience makes a man contemn …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Predestination Can be Furthered by the Prayers of the Saints?
Objection 1: It seems that predestination cannot be furthered by the prayers of the saints. For nothing eternal can be preceded by anything temporal; and in consequence nothing temporal can help towards making something else eternal. But predestination is eternal. Therefore, since the prayers of the saints are temporal, they cannot so help as to cause anyone to become predestined. Predestination therefore is not furthered by the prayers of the saints. Objection 2: Further, as there is no need of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Lawful for Clerics to Kill Evil-Doers?
Objection 1: It would seem lawful for clerics to kill evil-doers. For clerics especially should fulfil the precept of the Apostle (1 Cor. 4:16): "Be ye followers of me as I also am of Christ," whereby we are called upon to imitate God and His saints. Now the very God whom we worship puts evildoers to death, according to Ps. 135:10, "Who smote Egypt with their firstborn." Again Moses made the Levites slay twenty-three thousand men on account of the worship of the calf (Ex. 32), the priest Phinees …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether it is Becoming to Pray?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is unbecoming to pray. Prayer seems to be necessary in order that we may make our needs known to the person to whom we pray. But according to Mat. 6:32, "Your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things." Therefore it is not becoming to pray to God. Objection 2: Further, by prayer we bend the mind of the person to whom we pray, so that he may do what is asked of him. But God's mind is unchangeable and inflexible, according to 1 Kings 15:29, "But the Triumpher …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory
'And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God; 3. For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: 4. And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. 5. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. 6. And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned Involuntarily?
Objection 1: It seems that vengeance should be taken on those who have sinned involuntarily. For the will of one man does not follow from the will of another. Yet one man is punished for another, according to Ex. 20:5, "I am . . . God . . . jealous, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation." Thus for the sin of Cham, his son Chanaan was curse (Gn. 9:25) and for the sin of Giezi, his descendants were struck with leprosy (4 Kings 5). Again the blood …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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