Topical Bible: Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Asa

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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 restore the worship of Yahweh in Judah, as recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

Religious Reforms and Faithfulness

Asa is commended in the Scriptures for his commitment to the Lord and his efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. 1 Kings 15:11-12 states, "And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, as his father David had done. He banished the male shrine prostitutes from the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made." Asa's reforms included the removal of pagan altars and high places, the destruction of sacred stones, and the cutting down of Asherah poles. He also deposed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole (1 Kings 15:13).

Asa's dedication to God is further highlighted in 2 Chronicles 14:4 , where it is recorded that he "commanded Judah to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment." His reign is marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh and a rejection of foreign gods, which brought peace and prosperity to the land.

Military Challenges and Reliance on God

During Asa's reign, Judah faced military threats, most notably from Zerah the Cushite, who marched against Judah with a vast army. Asa's response to this threat is a testament to his faith in God. In 2 Chronicles 14:11 , Asa cried out to the LORD, saying, "LORD, there is no one besides You to help the mighty and those without strength. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God; do not let a mere mortal prevail against You." The Lord answered Asa's prayer, and Judah achieved a significant victory over the Cushites.

However, later in his reign, Asa's reliance on God wavered. When faced with the threat from Baasha, king of Israel, Asa sought an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, instead of relying on the Lord. This decision was rebuked by the prophet Hanani, who reminded Asa of his earlier faithfulness and God's deliverance (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

Later Years and Legacy

Asa's later years were marked by illness and a hardened heart. He suffered from a severe foot disease, yet he did not seek the Lord's help but relied solely on physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). Despite this, Asa is remembered as a king who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord for most of his reign. His efforts to purify the worship in Judah and his initial reliance on God set a standard for future kings.

Asa's reign is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of relying on human strength over divine assistance. His life serves as both an example of devotion and a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from God.

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2 Chronicles 14:1
So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.
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2 Chronicles 15:1
And the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded:
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