King
Asa
Third King of Judah
910-869 BC
Biography
Asa removed idols, deposed his grandmother Maacah for her Asherah pole, and commanded Judah to seek God. When Ethiopia's million-man army invaded, Asa prayed and God gave victory. For 35 years there was peace. However, when Israel's Baasha threatened, Asa paid Syria rather than trusting God. The prophet Hanani rebuked him and Asa imprisoned him. In his final years, diseased, he sought only doctors, not God.
Key Events
- 1Religious reforms2 Chronicles 14:2-5 →
Removed idols
- 2Victory over Ethiopians2 Chronicles 14:9-15 →
Defeated million-man army
- 3Treaty with Syria2 Chronicles 16:1-6 →
Paid Ben-Hadad
- 4Imprisoned Hanani2 Chronicles 16:7-10 →
Rejected prophetic rebuke
Key Verses
“LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless”
“The eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed”
Spiritual Significance
Asa shows starting well doesn't guarantee finishing well.
Character Profile
- Strengths
- Zeal for reform, prayer warrior, removed idolatry
- Weaknesses
- Later relied on alliances, persecuted prophet
- Lessons
- Past faith doesn't guarantee future trust. Seek God in illness as in crisis.