2 Chronicles 15:19

And there was no war until the thirty-fifth year of Asa's reign.

Study Bible

And there was no war
This phrase signifies a period of peace and stability. In the Hebrew context, "no war" (לֹא מִלְחָמָה) suggests a divine blessing, as peace was often seen as a sign of God's favor. Historically, the absence of war allowed for economic growth, religious reforms, and societal stability. This peace can be seen as a direct result of Asa's earlier reforms and his commitment to seeking the Lord, as detailed in the preceding chapters.

until the thirty-fifth year
The specific mention of the "thirty-fifth year" (שָׁנָה שְׁלֹשִׁים וְחָמֵשׁ) of Asa's reign provides a chronological anchor in the narrative. This period of peace lasted for a significant time, indicating a sustained period of divine favor. In the context of the ancient Near East, such a long duration without conflict was unusual and noteworthy, emphasizing the effectiveness of Asa's leadership and the blessings of adhering to God's commandments.

of Asa’s reign
Asa, the king of Judah, is a central figure in this narrative. His reign is characterized by religious reforms and a return to the worship of Yahweh. The Hebrew name Asa (אָסָא) means "physician" or "healer," which is fitting given his role in healing the spiritual state of Judah. Asa's reign is marked by his efforts to rid the land of idolatry and to restore the covenant relationship with God, as seen in earlier chapters. His leadership brought about a period of peace and prosperity, underscoring the biblical principle that obedience to God leads to blessings.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asa
Asa was the king of Judah who reigned for 41 years. He is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, seeking to restore the worship of Yahweh.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. During Asa's reign, Judah experienced a period of peace and religious reform.

3. Peace during Asa's Reign
The verse highlights a period of peace in Judah, lasting until the thirty-fifth year of Asa's reign, which was a result of Asa's faithfulness and reforms.

Teaching Points

The Blessing of Obedience
Asa's reign demonstrates that obedience to God and commitment to His commandments can lead to peace and stability. Believers are encouraged to seek God's will and follow His ways to experience His blessings.

The Importance of Spiritual Reforms
Asa's removal of idols and dedication to restoring true worship highlights the need for spiritual renewal in our lives. Christians are called to examine their hearts and remove anything that hinders their relationship with God.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Health
Asa's leadership was crucial in guiding Judah back to God. This underscores the importance of godly leadership in families, churches, and communities to foster spiritual growth and peace.

The Temporary Nature of Earthly Peace
While Asa experienced a long period of peace, it was not permanent. This reminds believers that true and lasting peace is found only in Christ, and earthly peace is temporary.

Bible Study Questions

1. How did Asa's commitment to God contribute to the peace experienced during his reign, and what can we learn from this about the relationship between faithfulness and peace in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we apply Asa's example of removing idols to our modern context, and what "idols" might we need to address in our personal lives?

3. How does Asa's leadership reflect the importance of godly influence in our communities, and what steps can we take to be leaders who promote spiritual health?

4. Considering the temporary nature of the peace during Asa's reign, how can we focus on cultivating a lasting peace that comes from our relationship with Christ?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced peace as a result of obedience to God. How can this experience encourage you to continue seeking God's will in challenging times?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 15:11-14
This passage provides additional context on Asa's reforms and his commitment to removing idolatry from Judah, which contributed to the peace mentioned in 2 Chronicles 15:19.

2 Chronicles 14:2-6
These verses describe Asa's early reign and his efforts to fortify cities and build up the defenses of Judah, which laid the groundwork for the peace experienced during his reign.

2 Chronicles 16:1-9
This passage details the events following the period of peace, including Asa's reliance on human alliances rather than God, which eventually led to conflict.