The death of Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Asa reigned for 41 years, and his leadership is noted for religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. His death marks the end of an era characterized by a return to the worship of Yahweh and a relative period of peace and prosperity for Judah.

Biblical Account

The account of Asa's death is primarily found in 1 Kings 15:23-24 and 2 Chronicles 16:11-14. According to 1 Kings 15:23-24 , "Now the rest of the acts of Asa, along with all his might, everything he did, and the cities he built, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? Yet in his old age he was diseased in his feet. And Asa rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the city of his father David, and his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place."

2 Chronicles 16:11-14 provides additional details: "Now the rest of the acts of Asa, from beginning to end, are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa became diseased in his feet, and his malady was severe. Yet even in his illness he did not seek the LORD, but only the physicians. So in the forty-first year of his reign, Asa died and rested with his fathers. He was buried in the tomb he had cut out for himself in the City of David. They laid him on a bier covered with spices and various blended perfumes, and they made a great fire in his honor."

Historical and Theological Context

Asa's reign is marked by his commitment to religious reform and his efforts to lead Judah back to the worship of Yahweh. He is credited with removing idols, expelling male shrine prostitutes, and even deposing his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother due to her idolatrous practices (1 Kings 15:12-13). Asa's reliance on God is evident in his early reign, particularly during his victory over the Cushite army, where he called upon the LORD for help (2 Chronicles 14:11).

However, Asa's later years show a shift in his reliance on God. The chronicler notes that Asa sought help from the king of Aram rather than trusting in the LORD during his conflict with Baasha, king of Israel (2 Chronicles 16:1-9). This decision is met with rebuke from the prophet Hanani, who reminds Asa of God's past deliverance and criticizes his lack of faith.

Asa's illness and subsequent death further illustrate this shift. Despite his severe disease, Asa did not seek the LORD's help but relied solely on physicians. This detail is often interpreted as a spiritual decline, highlighting the importance of seeking God in all circumstances.

Legacy

Asa's death and burial in the City of David signify the end of a reign that, despite its shortcomings, is largely viewed positively in the biblical narrative. His efforts to restore true worship and his initial reliance on God set a standard for future kings of Judah. Asa's life serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of turning away from divine reliance. His son, Jehoshaphat, succeeded him, continuing some of his father's reforms and furthering the spiritual and political stability of Judah.