2 Chronicles 14:2

And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God.

Study Bible

And Asa
The name "Asa" in Hebrew means "physician" or "healer." Asa was the third king of the Kingdom of Judah and the son of Abijah. His reign is noted for religious reforms and efforts to return Judah to the worship of Yahweh. Historically, Asa's reign is placed around 911-870 BC. Asa's leadership is significant as it marks a period of relative peace and prosperity, attributed to his faithfulness to God.

did what was good and right
The phrase "did what was good and right" indicates a moral and spiritual alignment with God's standards. In Hebrew, "good" (טוֹב, tov) often refers to what is beneficial, pleasing, or morally excellent, while "right" (יָשָׁר, yashar) implies straightness or uprightness. Asa's actions were not just politically or socially beneficial but were aligned with divine principles. This phrase sets a standard for leadership that prioritizes God's commandments and moral integrity.

in the eyes of the LORD
The "eyes of the LORD" is a metaphorical expression indicating God's omniscience and His ability to see and judge human actions. In the Hebrew context, it emphasizes that God's perspective is the ultimate measure of righteousness. Asa's deeds were not just for public approval but were genuinely aimed at pleasing God, who sees beyond outward appearances to the heart's intentions.

his God
The phrase "his God" personalizes Asa's relationship with the LORD, indicating a covenantal bond. This personal possessive pronoun underscores the intimate and exclusive relationship between Asa and Yahweh, the God of Israel. It reflects the biblical theme of a personal relationship with God, where faithfulness and obedience are central to one's identity and purpose. Asa's reforms and actions were driven by this personal commitment to God, setting an example for the nation of Judah.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asa
Asa was the third king of the Kingdom of Judah and the son of Abijah. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Asa reigned.

3. The LORD
Refers to Yahweh, the God of Israel, who is the central figure in the religious reforms Asa undertakes.

4. Religious Reforms
Asa's actions to remove idolatry and restore the worship of Yahweh in Judah, which are seen as "good and right" in the eyes of the LORD.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God’s Commands
Asa's actions highlight the importance of aligning our lives with God's commands. His reforms were not just about removing idols but about restoring true worship.

The Impact of Leadership
Asa's leadership had a profound impact on Judah. This teaches us that godly leadership can lead a community or nation back to righteousness.

The Importance of Personal Conviction
Asa's commitment to doing what was right in God's eyes, despite the prevailing culture, underscores the importance of personal conviction in our faith journey.

God’s Approval Matters Most
Asa's actions were deemed "good and right" in the eyes of the LORD, reminding us that seeking God's approval should be our primary concern.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific actions did Asa take to do what was "good and right" in the eyes of the LORD, and how can we apply similar actions in our lives today?

2. How does Asa's leadership in Judah compare to other kings in the Bible, and what can we learn from his example about the influence of godly leadership?

3. In what ways can we identify and remove "idols" in our own lives to ensure our worship is directed solely to God?

4. How does Asa's account encourage us to stand firm in our convictions, even when it goes against cultural norms or pressures?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's approval over human approval. What was the outcome, and how did it strengthen your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 15:11-14
This passage parallels Asa's reign and reforms, providing additional context to his actions and their impact on Judah.

Deuteronomy 12:2-4
These verses outline God's command to destroy places of idol worship, which Asa fulfills, demonstrating his obedience to God's law.

Psalm 1:1-3
This psalm describes the blessedness of those who walk in righteousness, akin to Asa's actions in doing what was "good and right."