Asa was the third king of the Kingdom of Judah and reigned for 41 years, from approximately 911 to 870 BC. He was the son of Abijah and the grandson of Rehoboam, making him a direct descendant of King David. Asa is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, aligning his reign with the worship of Yahweh.

The biblical account of Asa's reign is primarily found in 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. Asa is commended for doing "what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done" (1 Kings 15:11). He removed the male shrine prostitutes from the land and deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made an obscene image for Asherah (1 Kings 15:12-13).

Asa's reign was marked by a period of peace, which he attributed to the nation's faithfulness to God. He fortified cities and built up the military, preparing Judah for potential conflicts. During his reign, Asa faced a significant threat from Zerah the Cushite, who marched against Judah with a vast army. Asa called upon the LORD for help, and God granted him victory (2 Chronicles 14:9-15).

Later in his reign, Asa's reliance on God wavered. When Baasha, king of Israel, fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Judah, Asa sought assistance from Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, rather than relying on the LORD. This decision was rebuked by the prophet Hanani, who reminded Asa of God's past deliverance and criticized his lack of faith (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

Asa's final years were marred by illness, and he suffered from a severe disease in his feet. Despite his earlier faithfulness, he did not seek the LORD's help but relied solely on physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). Asa's reign is a testament to the blessings of faithfulness to God and the consequences of relying on human strength over divine guidance.

Elkanah

Elkanah is a significant figure in the Old Testament, primarily known as the father of the prophet Samuel. He was an Ephraimite from the hill country of Ephraim, and his lineage is detailed in 1 Samuel 1:1. Elkanah was a devout man who regularly went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty at Shiloh, where the tabernacle was located (1 Samuel 1:3).

Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren, which caused her great distress. Despite this, Elkanah showed deep love and compassion for Hannah, giving her a double portion of the sacrificial meat because "he loved her" (1 Samuel 1:5). His support and encouragement were evident when he comforted Hannah, asking, "Am I not better to you than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:8).

Hannah's fervent prayers for a child were eventually answered, and she bore a son, Samuel, whom she dedicated to the LORD as she had vowed. Elkanah supported Hannah's vow and participated in the dedication of Samuel to the service of the LORD at Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:21-28).

Elkanah's role, though not extensively detailed, is crucial in the narrative of Samuel's birth and dedication. His faithfulness in worship and his support of Hannah's spiritual commitments highlight the importance of family devotion and obedience to God's will. Elkanah's account underscores the significance of faith and the impact of godly leadership within the family.