Topical Encyclopedia Asa, the third king of the Kingdom of Judah, is a prominent biblical figure known for his religious zeal and commitment to the worship of Yahweh. His reign, which lasted 41 years (circa 911–870 BC), is detailed in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Asa's account is a testament to the power of religious reform and the importance of faithfulness to God.Early Reforms and Zeal for God Asa's reign is marked by significant religious reforms aimed at purifying the worship practices of Judah. Upon ascending to the throne, Asa took decisive action against idolatry, which had proliferated under the reigns of his predecessors. The Bible records, "Asa did 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 got rid of all the idols his ancestors had made (1 Kings 15:12). One of Asa's most notable acts of religious zeal was his removal of Maacah, his grandmother, from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole. Asa cut down her pole and burned it in the Kidron Valley (1 Kings 15:13). This act demonstrated his unwavering commitment to eradicating idolatry, even when it involved his own family. Covenant Renewal and National Reform Asa's religious zeal extended beyond personal piety to national reform. In the fifteenth year of his reign, Asa gathered the people of Judah and Benjamin, along with those from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them, to renew their covenant with the LORD. They sacrificed 700 oxen and 7,000 sheep from the plunder they had brought back from battle and entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul (2 Chronicles 15:9-12). The people took an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, with shouting and with trumpets and horns. The Bible notes, "All Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn it wholeheartedly. They sought God eagerly, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side" (2 Chronicles 15:15). Asa's leadership and religious zeal brought about a period of peace and prosperity for Judah. Challenges and Later Years Despite his early successes, Asa's later years were marked by challenges that tested his faith and reliance on God. When faced with the threat of Baasha, king of Israel, Asa sought an alliance with 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 reliance on human alliances (2 Chronicles 16:7-9). In his thirty-ninth year, Asa was afflicted with a severe disease in his feet. Yet, even in his illness, he did not seek help from the LORD but only from the physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). This episode highlights a shift in Asa's reliance on God, contrasting with his earlier zeal and dependence on divine intervention. Legacy Asa's reign is remembered for its initial fervor and commitment to religious reform. His actions set a standard for future kings of Judah, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness to God and the rejection of idolatry. Asa's life serves as a reminder of the blessings that come with wholehearted devotion to God, as well as the pitfalls of relying on human strength over divine guidance. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 15:11-15And Asa did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD, as did David his father. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 14:1-5,15 Library Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory Asa First and Second Chronicles. Jehoshaphat's Reform The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 The Knowledge of God From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ... Manner of Covenanting. The General Conference of 1836 From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ... Resources What does the Bible say about being zealous / having zeal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “zeal for your house will consume me” in John 2:17? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian fanaticism? | GotQuestions.org Zeal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: David Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Elijah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Israelites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehoiada Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehu Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Josiah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Moses and Levites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Phinehas Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Samuel Religious Zeal without Knowledge Religious Zeal: Andrew and Philip Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Religious Zeal: Paul and Barnabas Religious Zeal: Peter Rebuking Jesus Religious Zeal: The Healed Deaf-Mute Man Religious Zeal: The Restored Leper Religious Zeal: Two Blind Men Proclaiming the Miracle of Healing Zeal: Provokes Others to do Good Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Glory of God Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Welfare of Saints Zeal: should be Exhibited in Contending for the Faith Zeal: should be Exhibited in Desiring the Salvation of Others Zeal: should be Exhibited in Missionary Labours Zeal: should be Exhibited in Spirit Zeal: should be Exhibited in Well-Doing Zeal: should be Exhibited: Against Idolatry Zeal: Sometimes not According to Knowledge Zeal: Sometimes Wrongly Directed Zeal: Ungodly Men Sometimes Pretend To Related Terms |
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