Resurrection Life of Jesus Church

KING ASA
Even though his father did not walk with the Lord and his mother was deeply involved in pagan worship, Asa had a special relationship with the Lord and it is highly likely some of his tutors taught from the five books of Moses. 1 Kings 15:9-11

CLEANING HOUSE
It is obvious that Asa was aware of the words God spoke to Moses regarding homosexuality. Leviticus 18:22; 20:13

His first act was to cleanse the kingdom of Judah of all sodomites. The text states that he took away these men and women from the land, and this can mean they were either executed or exiled to another country. 1 Kings 15:12

It was a bold step taking away his mother’s title as queen and destroying her private place of worship, cutting down the idol, and burning it. 1 Kings 15:13; 2 Chronicles 15:16

Asa ordered a total cleansing of idolatry. As a result of this purification, there was no war for 10 years. 2 Chronicles 14:1-5

Judah still controlled a portion of northern Israel which had been taken by his father.  2 Chronicles 13:19

Asa was a good king in that he destroyed the idolatry in the territory taken by his father, but he let the high places remain. 2 Chronicles 15:17

FORTIFYING THE NATION
Asa decided that since the nation was at peace, it would be a good time to fortify the cities in Judah with walls. 2 Chronicles 14:7

He built up an army of 300,000 men from the tribe of Judah and 280,000 men from the tribe of Benjamin. verse 8

WAR WITH ETHIOPIA
The king of Ethiopia decided to attack Judah with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots.¹ They came to the city of Mareshah where Asa had lined up his army to defend Judah. verses 9-10

CRYING OUT TO GOD
Asa knew that his soldiers could not defeat such a large army and he cried out to the Lord for help. verse 11

God responded to the desperate prayer and gave Judah a great victory. verse 12

Asa and his army pursued the Ethiopians and took a number of cities in the Negev desert. They returned with much spoil. verses 13-15

THEN CAME THE SON OF THE PROPHET
The Godhead sent Azariah the son of Oded with a message for Asa. The Lord would be with Judah and its king if they continued to serve the Lord. 2 Chronicles 15:1-7

Asa responded positively to the message and a second cleaning of the nation took place. verse 8

News traveled north that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had returned to Jerusalem and a lot of people from the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon came to Jerusalem to worship the real God. verses 9-15

A 35 year period of peace came to Judah. verses 18-19

KING BAASHA OF ISRAEL IS UNHAPPY
It did not set well with King Baasha of Israel that three northern tribes had abandoned the golden calves and worshiped at the temple in Jerusalem. He reasoned that it would be the end of his kingdom if more northern tribes gravitated toward Jerusalem.  2 Chronicles 16:1

For some reason Asa’s faith in God evaporated and he aligned himself with Syria.  verses 2-3

King Benhadad was more than happy to take silver and gold from Asa and make a treaty with Judah. Once his forces were organized, he attacked the northern kingdom and took land from Israel. verse 4

Baasha was building a fortification at Rama to control access to Jerusalem. He stopped the work and turned north toward the Syrian army. verse 5

When Asa found out that Baasha had retreated to Israel, he sent soldiers to Rama to remove the timber and the stones and bring them south. The building materials were used to construct the cities of Geba and Mizpeh in Judah. verse 6

THE GODHEAD BECAME FURIOUS
The Godhead sent Hannai to condemn Asa’s actions. verses 7-9

Asa did not appreciate the tongue lashing from the prophet. He could have repented and asked God to forgive him for having making an alliance with the Syrians, but he decided to take out his anger on Hannai and imprison him.

Instead of being led by the Holy Spirit, he was now led by evil spirits, and lashed out at all people who agreed with Hanani. verse 10

The Godhead dislikes rebellion and ordered an angel to strike Asa with a foot disease. The king was totally blinded by the evil spirits, and instead of getting down on his hands and knees to repent, he sought physicians that could treat his illness.

Having both feet severely affected to the point that he could not walk, Asa hardened his heart. After two years of grace, the Godhead ended his life. verses 11-13

Asa built a great mausoleum that would hold his body when he died. He was given a state funeral and no expense was spared. His body and diseased feet were inside the mausoleum, but where did his soul end up? verse 14

SUMMARY
There is little information in the Bible about Asa’s marital situation. We don’t know if he was like the preceding kings, but we do know that he had a son, Jehoshaphat, who became the next king.

We don’t know if Asa turned to idol worship during the last two years of his life.

The Bible records his lack of faith in turning to the Syrians for help instead of God.
Asa was struck with a foot disease when he became angry with God and the prophet Hannai. He refused to repent and tried to find a remedy with doctors.

Did Asa end up in hell or paradise? It depends entirely upon the spiritual decision he made in his life. Did he put his faith in the future Messiah for salvation or did he trust in his good works? The Bible doesn’t say. We will find out at the Great White Throne Judgment.

What’s the takeaway from this message? If someone points out your sinful mistake, don’t get angry with the messenger. Accept the responsibility and repent. Don’t be like Asa and shift the blame.

1. According to Flavius Josephus, the army consisted of 900,000 foot soldiers and 100,000 horsemen. 2 Chronicles 16:8 confirms there were horsemen.