Asa
Third King of Judah
910-869 BC
Father
Abijah
Spouse
Azubah
Children
Jehoshaphat
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
Removed idols
Defeated million-man army
Paid Ben-Hadad
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.
Strengths & Weaknesses
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.