The high places were not removed, but Asa's heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days. NeverthelessThis word serves as a transition, indicating a contrast or exception to what might be expected. In the context of Asa's reign, it suggests that despite his devotion to God, there were still shortcomings in his reforms. The Hebrew word used here is "rak," which often introduces a limitation or exception. This highlights the complexity of Asa's reign, where his personal devotion did not fully translate into national religious reform. the high places
These were sites of worship located on elevated ground, often associated with pagan practices. In ancient Israel, high places were used for both Yahweh worship and idolatry. The Hebrew term "bamah" refers to these locations. Archaeological findings have uncovered such sites, confirming their widespread use. The persistence of high places indicates the challenge of eradicating deeply ingrained cultural and religious practices, even under a godly king. were not taken away
This phrase underscores a significant shortcoming in Asa's otherwise commendable reign. The Hebrew verb "sur" means to remove or turn aside. Despite Asa's personal piety, he did not fully eliminate these centers of idolatry. This reflects the difficulty of achieving complete religious reform and the enduring influence of syncretism in Israelite society. the heart of Asa
In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (Hebrew: "lev") represents the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Asa's heart being "fully devoted" indicates a sincere and comprehensive commitment to God. This phrase emphasizes the importance of internal devotion over external actions, a theme consistent throughout Scripture. was fully devoted
The Hebrew word "shalem" conveys completeness or wholeness. Asa's devotion was not partial or divided; it was entire and sincere. This highlights the biblical ideal of wholehearted commitment to God, as seen in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5), which calls for loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength. to the LORD
The use of "LORD" in all capitals signifies the divine name Yahweh, the covenant name of God revealed to Moses. Asa's devotion was directed towards the God of Israel, affirming his allegiance to the covenant relationship established with his ancestors. This underscores the centrality of Yahweh worship in the identity and faithfulness of Israel's kings. all his days
This phrase indicates the duration of Asa's devotion, suggesting consistency and perseverance throughout his life. The Hebrew "kol" means "all" or "every," emphasizing the completeness of his commitment. Asa's lifelong devotion serves as an inspirational model of faithfulness, reminding believers of the importance of enduring commitment to God amidst life's challenges. Persons / Places / Events 1. AsaAsa was the third king of the Kingdom of Judah and the son of Abijam. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, although he did not remove the high places. 2. High PlacesThese were sites of worship located on elevated ground, often associated with pagan rituals and idolatry. Despite Asa's reforms, these places were not removed during his reign. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Asa ruled over Judah and sought to bring the nation back to the worship of Yahweh. 4. The LORDReferring to Yahweh, the God of Israel, whom Asa served with a devoted heart despite the incomplete reforms. 5. Reforms of AsaAsa's reign was marked by significant religious reforms, including the removal of idols and the renewal of the covenant with God, although it was incomplete due to the persistence of the high places. Teaching Points Devotion Despite ImperfectionAsa's heart was fully devoted to the LORD, demonstrating that God values sincere devotion even when our actions are imperfect. This encourages believers to strive for wholehearted commitment to God. The Danger of Incomplete ObedienceThe failure to remove the high places serves as a warning about the dangers of incomplete obedience. Believers are called to fully align their lives with God's commands. Legacy of FaithAsa's devotion left a legacy that influenced his descendants. Our faithfulness can impact future generations, encouraging them to follow God. The Need for Continual ReformAsa's account reminds us of the need for continual spiritual reform and vigilance against idolatry in our lives. We must regularly examine and remove anything that competes with our devotion to God. Reliance on GodAsa's later reliance on foreign alliances rather than God (as detailed in 2 Chronicles) serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of trusting in God alone for deliverance and guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Asa's example teach us about the importance of having a heart fully devoted to God, even when our actions fall short? 2. How can we identify and remove the "high places" in our own lives that hinder our relationship with God? 3. In what ways can Asa's legacy of faithfulness inspire us to leave a positive spiritual legacy for future generations? 4. How does the account of Asa challenge us to pursue complete obedience to God's commands, and what steps can we take to ensure we are doing so? 5. Reflecting on Asa's reliance on foreign alliances later in his reign, how can we ensure that we are placing our trust in God rather than in worldly solutions? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 14-16These chapters provide a more detailed account of Asa's reign, including his reforms, military victories, and later reliance on foreign alliances rather than God. 1 Kings 22:43This verse speaks of Jehoshaphat, Asa's son, who also did not remove the high places, showing a pattern of incomplete reform in Judah. Deuteronomy 12:2-3These verses command the Israelites to destroy all high places, highlighting the importance of complete obedience to God’s commands. 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, UrijahPlaces Abel-beth-maacah, Chinneroth, Damascus, Dan, Geba, Gibbethon, Ijon, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mizpah, Ramah, Syria, TirzahTopics Asa, Asa's, Aside, Committed, Devoted, Fully, Heart, However, Nevertheless, Perfect, Places, Remove, Removed, WhollyDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 15:14 5015 heart, and Holy Spirit
7374 high places
8208 commitment, to God 1 Kings 15:1-31 5366 king 1 Kings 15:11-14 5345 influence 1 Kings 15:12-14 8466 reformation 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 SubjectsAsa
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 Links 1 Kings 15:14 NIV1 Kings 15:14 NLT1 Kings 15:14 ESV1 Kings 15:14 NASB1 Kings 15:14 KJV
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