Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. Now there was warThe phrase "Now there was war" indicates a state of ongoing conflict. In the Hebrew text, the word for "war" is "מִלְחָמָה" (milchamah), which conveys not just physical battles but also a state of hostility and enmity. This reflects the broader theme of division and strife that plagued the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Historically, this period was marked by frequent conflicts as the two kingdoms vied for power and territory, illustrating the consequences of a nation divided against itself. between Asa
Asa was the king of Judah, noted for his efforts to reform the religious practices of his kingdom and return to the worship of Yahweh. His name in Hebrew, "אָסָא" (Asa), means "physician" or "healer," which is fitting given his attempts to heal the spiritual state of Judah. Asa's reign is characterized by a commitment to righteousness, as he removed idols and restored the altar of the Lord. His leadership is a reminder of the importance of godly governance and the impact of spiritual leadership on a nation's well-being. and Baasha king of Israel
Baasha, whose name in Hebrew "בַּעְשָׁא" (Baasha) means "bold" or "offensive," was the king of Israel. His reign was marked by aggression and a desire to consolidate power, often at the expense of Judah. Baasha's actions, including his usurpation of the throne and subsequent conflicts with Asa, highlight the destructive nature of ambition unchecked by divine guidance. His life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing power without regard for God's will. throughout their days
The phrase "throughout their days" underscores the persistent nature of the conflict between Asa and Baasha. This ongoing war is emblematic of the broader struggle between the northern and southern kingdoms, a division that began after the reign of Solomon. The Hebrew word "יָמִים" (yamim), meaning "days," suggests not just a temporal duration but also the idea of a lifetime or era. This enduring conflict serves as a reminder of the long-lasting consequences of disobedience to God and the importance of seeking peace and unity under His guidance. Persons / Places / Events 1. AsaAsa was the king of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. He is often remembered for his commitment to God, although his reign was not without conflict. 2. BaashaBaasha was the king of Israel who came to power by overthrowing the previous king, Nadab. His reign was marked by conflict with Judah and a continuation of idolatrous practices. 3. JudahThe southern kingdom of the divided Israelite nation, ruled by Asa during this period. Judah was often in conflict with the northern kingdom, Israel. 4. IsraelThe northern kingdom of the divided Israelite nation, ruled by Baasha. The kingdom was characterized by political instability and idolatry during this time. 5. WarThe ongoing conflict between Asa and Baasha, representing the broader struggle between the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. Teaching Points The Consequences of DivisionThe division between Israel and Judah led to ongoing conflict and weakened both kingdoms. Division among God's people can lead to strife and hinder the fulfillment of God's purposes. The Importance of FaithfulnessAsa's initial faithfulness to God brought peace and prosperity to Judah. Our commitment to God should be unwavering, even in times of conflict. The Danger of CompromiseAsa's later reliance on foreign alliances rather than God serves as a warning against compromising our faith for political or personal gain. The Role of LeadershipBoth Asa and Baasha's reigns demonstrate the significant impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual and political health. Godly leadership is crucial for guiding people in righteousness. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the ongoing conflict between Asa and Baasha reflect the spiritual state of Israel and Judah during this period? 2. In what ways can division among believers today lead to similar conflicts and challenges as seen between Asa and Baasha? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced a conflict. How did your faith influence your response, and what can you learn from Asa's example? 4. How can we ensure that our reliance on God remains strong, even when faced with external pressures or temptations to compromise? 5. What qualities should we look for in leaders, both spiritual and political, to ensure they guide us according to God's will? How can we support and pray for our leaders today? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 16This chapter provides a parallel account of Asa's reign, including his conflict with Baasha and his reliance on foreign alliances rather than solely on God. 1 Kings 14:30This verse mentions the ongoing conflict between Rehoboam and Jeroboam, highlighting the persistent strife between the northern and southern kingdoms. Proverbs 3:5-6These verses emphasize the importance of trusting in the Lord rather than relying on one's own understanding, a principle Asa struggled with later in his reign. 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, Baasa, Baasha, Ba'asha, Reigns, Throughout, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 15:16 5607 warfare, examples 1 Kings 15:1-31 5366 king 1 Kings 15:16-19 7245 Judah, kingdom of 1 Kings 15:16-20 7233 Israel, northern kingdom 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 15:16 NIV1 Kings 15:16 NLT1 Kings 15:16 ESV1 Kings 15:16 NASB1 Kings 15:16 KJV
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