The fifteenth year of Asa's reign marks a significant period in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, characterized by religious reform and a covenant renewal with the LORD. Asa, the third king of Judah, is noted for his commitment to the worship of Yahweh and his efforts to rid the land of idolatry. This year is particularly highlighted in the biblical narrative for its spiritual revival and the strengthening of Judah's relationship with God.

Religious Reforms and Covenant Renewal

In the fifteenth year of Asa's reign, a pivotal event occurs as recorded in 2 Chronicles 15. The prophet Azariah, son of Oded, comes to Asa with a message from the LORD, encouraging him to remain strong and not lose heart, for his work will be rewarded. Inspired by this prophetic word, Asa takes bold steps to lead the nation in a renewed commitment to God.

The king removes the detestable idols from the land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. He repairs the altar of the LORD that stood before the portico of the LORD's temple. Asa's reforms are not merely superficial; they reflect a deep desire to return to the covenantal faithfulness that God required of His people.

The Great Assembly at Jerusalem

In response to Asa's call, a great assembly gathers in Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of his reign. The people of Judah, along with many from the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them, come together to seek the LORD. They offer sacrifices to the LORD from the plunder they had brought back, totaling seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.

The assembly enters into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. The seriousness of this covenant is underscored by the stipulation that anyone who would not seek the LORD would be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman. The people take an oath to the LORD with loud acclamation, shouting, and the sounding of trumpets and horns.

Divine Approval and Peace

The LORD is pleased with the people's wholehearted devotion, and He grants them peace on every side. The narrative emphasizes that Asa's heart was fully committed to the LORD all his life. This period of peace and divine favor is seen as a direct result of the nation's return to God and their rejection of idolatry.

Asa's Personal Commitment

Asa's personal commitment to the LORD is further demonstrated by his actions against his own family. He deposes his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a repulsive Asherah pole. Asa cuts down the pole, crushes it, and burns it in the Kidron Valley, showing no tolerance for idolatry even within his own household.

Scriptural Reference

The account of the fifteenth year of Asa's reign is primarily found in 2 Chronicles 15. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear and faithful rendering of this passage, capturing the essence of Asa's reforms and the covenant renewal:

"Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. And all who would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman. They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns. And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart. They sought Him earnestly, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side." (2 Chronicles 15:12-15)

The fifteenth year of Asa's reign stands as a testament to the power of sincere repentance and the blessings that follow when a nation turns back to God with wholehearted devotion.